Sunday’s question: Which school has the most passionate college football fans?

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Reporters from the Tribune family answer the question of the day, then you get a chance to chime in and tell them why they are wrong.

Chris Dufresne, Los Angeles Times

Nebraska has the smartest football fans. They know down and distance and, in the grander sense, what the score is. I remember being at a game in Lincoln years ago and the scoreboard quiz asking fans to ‘name that formation.’ But the most passionate fans, a euphemism for ‘nuts,’ are in Tuscaloosa and cheer for Alabama. I know this first-hand for having underrated the Crimson Tide all year even though Alabama ended up No.2 in my poll. And for having the audacity to pick Texas to win the BCS title game even though Alabama is 0-7-1 all-time against the Longhorns. I’ve spent 80 billable hours this season answering emails to Alabama. It doesn’t matter to ‘Bama fans. You are with them or against them as evidenced with the case of former coach Dennis Franchione, whose name was virtually purged from Alabama history after he betrayed the school by leaving for Texas A&M. And don’t even get them started about Mike Price. Alabama measures its strength in the number of Winnebegos it can stuff into a parking lot. NCAA probation, historically, has been factored into the budget as the price of competing for national titles. Nick Saban has restored Alabama to its rightful place at the right hand of Bear Bryant and the caravan has its GPS programmed and headed due West toward Pasadena. And now the school has its first Heisman Trophy winner? It’s almost insufferable. For more on Alabama passion, do a Google Search on your home computer and then ‘Scroll Tide.’

Andrea Adelson, Orlando Sentinel

There are passionate fans across this country, from sea to shining sea. But if you want to find the most passionate, you must head to Tuscaloosa, Ala., home to the Alabama Crimson Tide. Why are they the most passionate? For one, cheering for the Tide is a way of life. Football is discussed every single day of the year, from recruiting to coaching to play calling to expectations.
There is a museum across from the athletic complex dedicated to former coach Bear Bryant, plus a street and stadium that also bear his name. After Nick Saban was hired as coach in early 2007, some 92,000 people came to watch the annual spring game. No other school can boast numbers that impressive.
Writing in this space cannot do the fanaticism of Alabama fans justice. You would be well-served to read “Rammer Jammer Yellow Hammer” by Warren St. John for a complete understanding of what makes these fans the most passionate in America.

Dean Jones Jr., Baltimore Sun
Michigan, Ohio State and Penn State routinely fill up their stadiums with over 100,000 fans on game days.
Other colleges, such as Notre Dame, Texas, Oklahoma and Nebraska, boast a venerable history full of success and respect for the game among their followers.
Air Force, Army and Navy deserve to be mentioned because their supporters are often attached to the program through support of the country’s armed forces, whether personally or through family and friends.
Nothing compares to what happens in the Southeastern Conference, however, and one team shines above Alabama, Tennessee and the other programs.
Florida’s recent success puts the school at the top of the list.
The Gator Chomp is one of the most recognizable taunts in college football, and no one wants to play in The Swamp, where the Gators are 113-13 since 1990.
True passion in college football is strongest where Tim Tebow reigns supreme.