From time to time the discussion comes up about conference pride and because I am a college football fan I have been thinking about this lately. I think some people are not college football fans, they are Alabama, Ohio State or Oklahoma fans and their team is all they really care about. The Big 12 is "my" other conference. I visit several of their boards because I like to keep up to speed and find out what their mindset is on other issues, like early signing, conference realignment and etc.
With me it comes down to identification. I don't say "they" have won 15 national championships, I say "we" have won 15 national championships because I identify with "my" team. I also don't say "they" have won seven BCS titles in a row, I say "we" have won seven in a row because I identify with "my" conference." There are a couple of teams I "hate" in "my" conference but still it is my conference, much like the family member I wish would skip the next reunion, but they are still my family and I will do my best to threat them like family if they will let me.
I have been thinking about BYU fans. They are all alone on an island and can never say "We" unless BYU does it. Notre Dame has one foot in and one foot out of the ACC, but I'm sure they don't say "we" till Notre Dame has won something. Anyway, I am glad I don't live on an island. I am glad to be in the SEC family for a lot of reasons and now I can say, "We" have own network. I don't want Alabama to become an independent.
Not dissing those who live on an island, just explaining why I identify with "my" college football and "my" SEC. No one can tell you where to live or who to root for. Roll Tide.
With me it comes down to identification. I don't say "they" have won 15 national championships, I say "we" have won 15 national championships because I identify with "my" team. I also don't say "they" have won seven BCS titles in a row, I say "we" have won seven in a row because I identify with "my" conference." There are a couple of teams I "hate" in "my" conference but still it is my conference, much like the family member I wish would skip the next reunion, but they are still my family and I will do my best to threat them like family if they will let me.
I have been thinking about BYU fans. They are all alone on an island and can never say "We" unless BYU does it. Notre Dame has one foot in and one foot out of the ACC, but I'm sure they don't say "we" till Notre Dame has won something. Anyway, I am glad I don't live on an island. I am glad to be in the SEC family for a lot of reasons and now I can say, "We" have own network. I don't want Alabama to become an independent.
Not dissing those who live on an island, just explaining why I identify with "my" college football and "my" SEC. No one can tell you where to live or who to root for. Roll Tide.