[tacomax]

I was in a bar watching the BoSox game yesterday and there was another TV showing a Memphis/Mississippi game. It was a huge stadium and it was packed out, all watching a bunch of fricking amateur kids play American Football.

What's the fascination with it? Is there nothing better to do on a weekend afternoon in Memphis or Mississippi? OK, some people probably enjoy watching young muscular men wrestling on a sportsfield - and that no doubt explains BGD's interest in the game - but what else am I missing here?

If I wanted to watch some people wresting on a field then they would be female and in bikinis. And the pitch would be muddy.

[pags11]

tacomax,

college football is by far, the most exciting, entertaining and truly passionate sport on the planet...these kids play their asses off every week, and the fans pack the stadiums every single week...I don't know how else to explain it other than to go to a game yourself, especially at a big stadium like Ohio St. or Tennessee...

[JoshW]

Most of these American football players could literally crush a European soccer player. We like athletes doing battle and most of us grew up watching football.

[Willie Bee]

Agree with Pags here. I love baseball, absolutely my favorite sport. Live and breath the stuff.

But a college football game still provides me with the greatest sports atmosphere I can have, bar none. Just something about being on a college campus, tailgating with old chums, ogling the co-eds in their tight sweaters, crisp autumn afternoons (well, they will be in another few weeks).

You can find the same thing at high school football games all over the country, though I can only speak of those experiences here in Texas. A few weeks from now when New Braunfels plays Seguin, there might be 6,000+ packed into a tiny little high school stadium yelling their heads off for the same reason.

[Mudcat]

Given that I would never actually watch a college football game, I can sort of understand the charm. They play at a reasonable level of competence - without all the cynicism and taint of the pros.

[insert taint joke here]

I can understand the popularity of college football over some things in western society. For god sake, Harrison Ford is one of the top box office draws of all time. That, I will never understand.

But I just try to be grateful for ncaa sports. There is profit to be had.

[tacomax]

Most of these American football players could literally crush a European soccer player. We like athletes doing battle and most of us grew up watching football.

And by the same score, I'm sure that most rugby players could crush these little kiddies once they take off all the body armour but that's beside the point.

[tacomax]

ogling the co-eds in their tight sweaters

OK, now we're starting to get to the real reaons.

[Willie Bee]

You knew that money, sex, drugs or alcohol, or all of the above, had to be involved, right?!

[pags11]

cheerleaders are definitely a plus too...

[Mo]

This is an interesting thread.
Americans obsession with foot-ball (sport played with your hands?) has intrigued me for a long time as well. And its funny how some of them actually think its the biggest sport on the "planet". (They usually love that word too)
There are tastes for everything I guess, but to define passion I think you have to go to a soccer game in Argentina, in the UK or in Turkey. Then we can talk.

[Dark Horse]

I grew up with soccer, and had to develop a taste for football. Having experienced both firsthand, after thinking that nothing could top soccer, I have to admit I was wrong, very wrong. Football is undoubtedly the most exciting spectator sport I have had the privilige of coming across. As far as playing, I prefer soccer. Takes so much more skill and coordination. Most Americans would have a hard time appreciating this. No coincidence that Steve Nash considers himself a converted soccer player. Once you have that kind of control, handling a ball is a piece of cake.

As to college football. Most excellent athletes in other countries and sports already play at the pro level at that age.

[custer]

I was in a bar watching the BoSox game yesterday and there was another TV showing a Memphis/Mississippi game. It was a huge stadium and it was packed out, all watching a bunch of fricking amateur kids play American Football.

What's the fascination with it? Is there nothing better to do on a weekend afternoon in Memphis or Mississippi? OK, some people probably enjoy watching young muscular men wrestling on a sportsfield - and that no doubt explains BGD's interest in the game - but what else am I missing here?

If I wanted to watch some people wresting on a field then they would be female and in bikinis. And the pitch would be muddy.

So you have a problem with others going to an exciting energy filled college football stadium INSTEAD of sitting in a bar watching a baseball game?

[tacomax]

So you have a problem with others going to an exciting energy filled college football stadium INSTEAD of sitting in a bar watching a baseball game?

It's a free country so people can sit in a bar, watch kids play football or shoot bears for all I care. I was merely trying to ascertain the reason why a stadium would be packed watching a bunch of kids playing football. And not the best two teams in the world at that.

So, have you anything to add to the discussion?

[tacomax]

On topic: After the World Cup, I've decided that although soccer is a great sport that most of the world has in common, the reason it will never get big in the U.S. is due to the amount of faking and posturing.

Someone, I'm sure it was on here, came up with the theory that soccer will never take off in the USA due to the fact that there are few breaks in the game which will allow commercial breaks. When you think about it - and it's pretty sad in reality - that's a very decent argument.

[HAPPY BOY]

agree with hoja i can respect soccer Im sure u have to be in prime shape to be a good player, that said the shin grabbing and wrenching only to get up and continue playing is annoying. Hell I even saw one cat get taken out on a strecher and was later back in the game.

[Hoja Verdes]

Someone, I'm sure it was on here, came up with the theory that soccer will never take off in the USA due to the fact that there are few breaks in the game which will allow commercial breaks. When you think about it - and it's pretty sad in reality - that's a very decent argument.

Surely the US megacorporations could fit in 2 quick commercial spots every time someone faked an injury, right? Let's see...the average soccer game has about 10 faked injuries, so that's 20 commercials per game. That could work here! Just charge more for each one.

None of us watch commercials these days anyway. I've had DVR/Tivo for 4 years now, the only commercials I see are due to laziness.

[MrX]

Hell I even saw one cat get taken out on a strecher and was later back in the game.

If you've only seen that once, you haven't watched much soccer.

[natrass]

I was in a bar watching the BoSox game yesterday and there was another TV showing a Memphis/Mississippi game.

Where the hell was this then taco?

Not "downtown" Northampton thats for sure.

Next you'll be going to the cooler to get a Doctor Pepper.

[tacomax]

Hey, natrass, I'm living the high life these days.

[tacomax]

Oh yeah, $6 for a beer in that bar - and it wasn't even a frickin' pint. And the only titties I saw was on the lard-arse barman. Maybe I should have gone to the Mississippi game after all.

[natrass]

taco, are you in America now?

I thought you lived in Bridlington or somewhere.

Sorry but "$6 for a beer" ... you do realise that you have given no specific info here. Was that for a half, a pint, a bottle, a can ????

If its for a pint then thats UK prices if its for a little bottle then they must be thinking you are a tourist.

[pags11]

there's just nothing like waking up in the morning on Saturday to catch College Game Day as I'm waking up...hop in the shower and then get three TV's going (plus my CPU) watching and following games all into the night (especially if there's a late night Hawaii game)...damn, I love college football...

[tacomax]

taco, are you in America now?

Yes, I thought the country could do with some added intellect. In fact, me coming here has raised the national IQ level a full 2 points.

Sorry but "$6 for a beer" ... you do realise that you have given no specific info here. Was that for a half, a pint, a bottle, a can ????

I don't know what the heck it was - it was a glass, the kind of glass you'd expect to get a order of coke in at a restaurant. And a glass that wasn't even full - probably had little over half a pint in there. I even said to the barman - "So that beer's costing me $6, right?". And he nodded.

[Hoja Verdes]

this sums up the way most of us feel about soccer...

[Willie Bee]

Good lord, a red leather handbag after Labor Day? How gauche!

[Mo]

this sums up the way most of us feel about soccer...

I assume that by most of us you mean most people that dont really understand it?

Anyway, the argument of what sport is "better" soccer or american football is never ending. And its only and argument within the US, outside of your country its been settled a long time ago.

Didnt think that this little thread would result in such ignorant remarks regarding foreigners.
Definitely stupid + outspoken is a bad combination.

[tacomax]

The thread has got little to do with soccer, gripe about it all you want. It was meant to give me the reason why people watch a bunch of amateur kids play a sport. So far, the biggest argument is the plentiful supply of titties.

[Willie Bee]

Us Yanks are an easy lot to figure out, huh Taco

[bigboydan]

lets not forget about all the tailgating before the games. what sucks though is a lot of schools put a banning on kegs of beer allowed in the parking lots

[pags11]

I love it when Lee Corso puts on the mascot head for the team he thinks is gonna win the big game that week!...