The Florida State Seminoles’ tradition is a bit on the darker side, reminiscent of the infamous Stanford “Bearial”, but they decided to kick things up a notch. Florida State is one of the stronger teams in the ACC, guaranteeing that each season is filled with intense rivalries. When the Seminoles have an extraordinary win, typically once or twice a season, they mark the occasion with a very special ritual – a burial at Sod Cemetery.
Whenever the Seminoles defeat one of their biggest rivals while on the road, especially if the odds are stacked against them; when they play the Florida Gators; or when they compete in ACC bowl games or championships – the players dig up some turf from their opponent’s field and bring it home. They then proceed to bury it in a creepily realistic cemetery. Clearly, the ‘Noles want to give their rivals a proper burial, maybe hoping they won’t rise? Read on to discover how the Florida Gators try to intimidate their opponents trying to escape this somber fate.
The University of Miami
Gainesville may have its famous gator chomp, but Miami is the home of the U. The Hurricanes are known as one of the boldest and most outspoken teams in college football, and their signature ‘U’ gesture is the perfect embodiment of that. You’re not a real ‘Canes fan if you don’t know how to throw up a ‘U’. It’s not just a sports tradition, it’s a way of life.
Orange and green gloves take the whole thing to the next level. Fans proudly show off their hands right in the face of opposing fans. Thousands of universities can be found across America, but only Miami can proudly hold the title of “The U.”
The University of Kansas
The Kansas Jayhawks are experts when it comes to inventing and maintaining their college sports traditions. We are already familiar with waving the wheat, now it’s time to get to know the “Rock Chalk” chant. It is simple, catchy and impossible to get out of your head. Simply say “Rock Chalk, Jayhawk, KU” three times.
The popular chant is such an integral part of KU culture that it's not just used in the pregame and postgame song but has actually become a form of greeting. Why say “hello” and “goodbye” when you can say “Rock Chalk” and receive the reply “Jayhawk.” Now that’s what we call school spirit!
Mississippi State University
It drives their opponents crazy, the authorities wanted to get rid of it – the clanging cowbell. Fans actually clanged their bells so much at football games that they were not allowed to use them anymore. Luckily, a cowbell compromise was reached in 2011.
It is practically impossible to stop Bulldog fans from ringing their cowbells. This is considered one of the most annoying college sports traditions, especially by opposing fans. But Mississippi State believes that any good thing can become even better with the addition of a cowbell.
Indiana University
Most fans will agree that the worst thing about sports are TV timeouts. If you are actually at the game, they are even worse. Things grind to a halt and any good momentum that was building up ceases to exist. The Hoosiers take their basketball too seriously to let that happen to them. This lead IU’s band and cheer squad to invent their own version of the Under-8 timeout.
The TV timeout takes place during the first stoppage with under eight minutes to play in the second half. This is the band’s time to shine, they take over the court playing the “William Tell Overture” while the cheerleaders wave flags spelling “INDIANA HOOSIERS.” The band then moves on to the school fight song, with the entire crowd joining in for an “I-U!” scream, just then the horn blows to resume play. This is a master class in perfect timing.