This weekend I took a road trip to Colorado's Folsom Field to see my first away Husker football game. I thoroughly enjoyed Boulder's beautiful scenery, watching Ralphie make her run around the field and, of course, seeing the Huskers mark up another win on the schedule.
One of the most impressive parts of the trip was seeing the incredible turnout of Husker fans. While I don't have an official count, my estimate is that somewhere between one-third and one-half of the stadium was decked out in Husker red.
Having so many Husker fans in Boulder made for some interesting people-watching. The fans of the Big Red Nation lay claim to the title of the greatest fans in college football, and while I will defend this title vigorously, there were times during my trip that fans did not exactly live up to the expectations of such a title.
The behavior of the Buffalo fans was not exactly pristine either, but on the whole they were very friendly and respectful. If we want to keep our title, however, there should be no comparison. We can't settle for being pretty good with a few exceptions.
In light of my experiences and in the hope of keeping this title, I have compiled a list of six rules for fans to follow that will make a better experience for everyone.
First, remember other fans are people, too.
Entering the Denver area, we were immediately flipped off by CU fans simply because we were wearing red. We were also screamed and cursed at by multiple individuals who were apparently greatly offended by our mere presence in their state.
I hope this never happens to opposing fans in Nebraska. When fans travel hundreds of miles to see their team play, they ought to be respected for their dedication. The simple fact that they are in the minority does not give you the right to insult and belittle them. Be respectful and welcoming. Besides, the stomping that their team is about to receive on the football field ought to be discouragement enough.
Encourage rivalry, but don't be a jerk.
After arriving in Boulder, my friends and I decided to stop by the CU bookstore and pick up some supplies to make a sign. We spent several minutes at the checkout exchanging friendly banter with the clerk about our respective teams and then everyone walked away smiling.
It is a lot more fun and much more effective to be witty and clever than to be belligerent and insulting. Knowing history and tradition and using it to promote your team over your opponent makes you a good fan. Repeatedly screaming "you suck" and "F-you" just makes you look stupid.
Keep the pre-game under control.
I realize there is an unbreakable relationship between watching football and drinking alcohol. I don't mind people who want to have a few drinks before the game, but keep it under control.
Regardless of team affiliation, nobody likes the guy who shows up hammered to a game, continuously shouts slurred insults, falls all over the people around him and provokes fights. If the game is just an excuse for you to drink, stay home and give your ticket to someone who really cares.
Focus on the game play, not the refs.
Believe it or not, the referee standing on the line of scrimmage or in the backfield probably has a better view of the game and less of a bias than you do standing in the 34th row of South Stadium decked out in your Husker red. Sometimes they get the call wrong or miss blatant penalties, but odds are that they are not actually trying to influence the outcome of the game.
I'm guilty of complaining about the refs, too, but it really doesn't make for a more enjoyable experience. When the refs make a call you don't agree with, suck it up and cheer on your team all the louder.
Other fans came to watch the game, not to look at your stupid sign.
I love clever signs, and I made one myself this week, (see Saturday's Lincoln Journal Star) but that's not why I go to the games. The most disrespectful fan I saw at the Colorado game was actually a Husker fan who showed up in my section in the third quarter with a sign he held up continuously for 15 or 20 minutes. The people (Husker fans included) behind him couldn't see the game and got more and more agitated until a fight nearly broke out. Signs are a great way to show your support for the team, but not at the expense of other people's view.
Finally, support your team and respect your opponent.
If you were at the Oklahoma game, you know that fans can make a difference. While it is certainly acceptable to be critical of the coaches and players, sometimes it goes too far. When the players step out on the field, they are there to give their best, and at very least they deserve our support.
Even if you favor a particular player over the one who is starting, you should still cheer them on. The people around you don't want to hear you whine for 3 1/2 hours about why the other player is so much better. Don't boo the other team, and certainly don't boo your own.
Husker games are a truly unique experience, and a huge part of this is the fans. I want us to continue to be known as the best fans in college football. So let's work together and make sure it happens.
Go Huskers!
Luke Fischer is a senior secondary education Major. Reach him at lukefischer@dailynebraskan.com.
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