30 Reasons for 30 Days: Day 28 - The Birthplace of College Football

From now through September 3rd, I am posting a daily reason why it is great to be a fan of Rutgers football. There are a lot more than thirty, but I picked my thirty reasons, and hope you like them. If not, be sure to let me know.

This is the central theme of Rutgers football, what makes it stand out from other programs. We are THE BIRTHPLACE OF COLLEGE FOOTBALL. We share that everywhere, from the most primary discussions about Rutgers football, to huge banners that run across the stadium. You can find it everywhere:

Of course, not everyone agrees, particularly those from the Orange and Black School down Route 1 about 20 miles:

But who cares what she thinks? We all know the truth. Rutgers IS and always will be The Birthplace of College Football, where on November 6, 1869, teams between Rutgers College and The College of New Jersey (now called Princeton University, not to be confused with The College of New Jersey, which used to be called Trenton State College. Confused? You’re not alone.) played on a field now encompassing The Barn and parking on College Avenue, and Rutgers emerged victorious, 6-4.

Of course, no bands and pomp that day 147 years ago, in fact not even uniforms! But no matter, this is a uniquely Rutgersian claim, and one that every alum proudly proclaims. Unlike the Nitty Kitties from Pennsylvania, who can only proclaim the name of their school in their chant, “We Are...Penn State,” we can proudly proclaim that our school spawned an entire national culture.

After all, think what Autumn in the USA would be today if there were no football? While some may wish it to be so, no one can question our country would have a distinct difference in its cultural existence without this uniquely American sport.

So for Day 28 of our countdown to the season, the reason why it is great to be a Rutgers football fan is that we ARE the Birthplace of College Football!