Hook-n-Ladder

We can't deny that the 2020 college football season was one for the record books – full of peculiarities, excitement, and controversy that will be remembered for years. The global pandemic introduced unprecedented challenges, yet it also brought forth unique opportunities that may never recur in our lifetime. However, 2020 isn't the sole contender for the title of the oddest college football season. While it would be hard to surpass the peculiarities of that year, numerous seasons in the past have deviated from the expected norm, leaving an indelible mark on the sport, for better or worse. Let's delve into the annals of college football and explore fifteen of the strangest seasons ever. 1. 1918 - Influenza Pandemic and World War I The events of 1918, including the influenza pandemic and World War I, significantly impacted college football. Many games were canceled, and military organizations formed teams with former college players, adding a unique dimension to the

Venturing into the transfer portal in college football is more art than science. While there are analytical approaches to scouting, the process remains a nuanced gamble for schools, especially given the vast pool of thousands of players each cycle. The spotlight often gravitates towards top transfers like Keon Coleman and Sam Hartman, but hidden gems emerge from less glamorous backgrounds. These unsung heroes, players who initially slipped under the radar upon entering the portal, often evolve into impact starters or all-conference-level players at their new homes. The quest for these less-obvious contributors raises questions: How do teams identify players from FCS backgrounds who can thrive in the Big Ten? Can a former star recruit, plagued by injuries, rediscover success at a new destination? To uncover the strategies behind finding these under-the-radar stars, 247Sports spoke with coaches and personnel experts. Notably, the majority of players discussed had transfer ratings belo

College football is known for its incredible athleticism, passionate fan base, and, of course, those bizarre and unforgettable moments that make the sport even more captivating. From wild trick plays to hilarious gaffes, here are 10 weird and wacky stories from the world of college football that you won't soon forget. 1. "The Play" (1982): The Lateral Pass Extravaganza When Stanford took on California, little did they know that a chaotic series of five lateral passes on a kickoff return would lead to one of the most iconic moments in college football history. Cal's last-second touchdown defied all expectations and left fans in disbelief. 2. Boise State's "Statue of Liberty" Play (2007) In a David versus Goliath matchup in the Fiesta Bowl, Boise State executed a gutsy trick play known as the "Statue of Liberty." This deceptive maneuver culminated in a game-winning two-point conversion in overtime and solidified its place in the annals of foo

On May 3, 1890, a group of Ohio State students rose early, boarded their horse-drawn wagons and made the 20-mile trip along the Olentangy River from Columbus to Delaware, the home of Ohio Wesleyan University, to play what that day’s Delaware Gazette described as “the first game of Rugby foot ball.” Ohio State and Ohio Wesleyan now occupy opposite ends of the college football spectrum. The Buckeyes, whose Columbus campus has an enrollment in excess of 52,000, play in a stadium that seats more than 100,000 and field a team of players with N.F.L. aspirations. The Battling Bishops, who draw from a student body of 1,850, play in a stadium less than a tenth the size and offer no football scholarships. But the universities’ football programs began together on that spring morning 118 years ago. The site of that first game was a mystery until last year, when Dick Gordin, a former Ohio Wesleyan athletic director who has studied the history of the university’s sports teams, uncovered a letter w

1. Georgia (2) 2. Ohio State (7) 3. USC (4) 4. Oklahoma (1) 5. Missouri (3) 6. LSU (6) 7. West Virginia (9) 8. Texas (5) 9. Clemson (8) 10. Florida (10) 11. Kansas (17) 12. Illinois (19) 13. Virginia Tech (12) 14. Oregon (18) 15. Wisconsin (14) 16. BYU (16) 17. Arizona State (13) 18. Auburn (15) 19. Michigan State (24) 20. Tennessee (-)21. Texas Tech (23) 22. Pittsburgh (25) 23. Wake Forest (-)24. Penn State (11) 25. Fresno State (20)

Remember when the Michigan Wolverines kicked off their football season last year with a loss to Appalachian State University ? Some people called it the biggest upset in college football history . Well, as Mike Huguenin notes at Rivals.com , it looks like the big-time schools are being a lot more careful this year in picking their supposedly patsy opponents. Appalachian, meanwhile, is hoping to start the ‘08 season even more outrageously than last year: against the defending national champs L.S.U . It should not be forgotten that Appalachian has won the past three national championships at its level.