Five Types Of College Football Fans on Game Day

College football always draws very diverse crowds. Whether you are sitting in the student, alumni, or public sections, you are guaranteed to encounter several different forms of fan expression.

With about two months left until college football kicks off, let's take a look at the five most common types of fans one would encounter at a college football game.

The Savage Fan

The savage fan adds a new meaning to the word extreme. They lose all sense of morals and civility once the opening kick is underway, or sometimes right when they enter the stadium.

Once the game is in play, the savage fan launches into fourth quarter, game-on-the-line mode. They utilize every form of profanity, insult and defamation they know. These choice words are either directed at the opposing fans or team. If their team is not living up to their "high standards of play," do not be surprised to observe them screaming at their own players, coaches, or team as a whole.

Now, the savage fan does have a little help with their game day intensity—a couple of brewskis in the parking lot beforehand will bring out their new found love of the game.

When words don't successfully get the savage's point across, throwing objects is a must. Sometimes alcohol restricts your ability to think of great insults, or maybe you lose your voice—they've got to get their point across somehow.

These types of fans are often better to observe at a distance. Other than getting yelled at, being called every name in the book, getting spit on, or hit with projectiles, these fans can be quite humorous to watch.

The Fair-weather Fan

Everyone knows this type of college football fan. They show up only if the team is winning, or if ESPN states that there will be an intense game.

The fair-weather fan usually has a few "favorite" teams. Whichever school is doing the best is their team. But if the slightest sense of losing comes along, they are a no-show. The school gear gets tucked back in the closet until the next time they show some form of success.

It is often easy to point out the fair-weather fan at a game. Having just raided the stadium team shop for their new favorite team, look for articles of clothing that might possibly still have the tags attached.

Another form of recognition is the fact that if the team is not playing well, they will get up and leave. It doesn't matter what quarter it is, or if they are down by three or 30, if the hype isn't lived up to, they are out.

The Dedicated Fan

For these fans, college football is not merely a sport, but a religion. They bleed (insert school colors here) and nothing gets in between their devotion to the team. The wife's birthday? Anniversary? Work?—forget about it, because it's game time.

One could pick out these fans in an instant. Look for the people with the look of pure dedication in their eyes, one that is unfazed by their surroundings. Unfathomed joy when they win, and uncontrollable sobbing when they lose.

Personal insults do not get to these fans. Call them every name in the book and insult their wives, but when you talk trash about their team, all bets are off. They will defend their team until the end.

The Downer Fan

This type of fan is the enigma of the crowd. They do not show up to cheer, shout, or show any form of emotion. They simply sit in their seats quietly, staying as far as possible from being considered part of the crowd.

The team scores a touchdown, they give a quiet golf clap. The opposing team scores, and they show about the same amount of emotion as when their own school does. Their demeanor often suggests that they are at an opera, not a football game.

If it weren't for what color shirt they are wearing, it would be near impossible to distinguish what team they are rooting for.

Oftentimes, a portion of the downer fans might feel that you, too, should present yourselves in the same manner they are. They might get angry if you are too loud, stand up to cheer, or just show too much emotion for their liking.

It is still a question as to why these types of fans actually show up to the game in the first place.

The Attention Seekers

The attention seekers are the fans who show up with the most ridiculous outfits on. Most people are content wearing a team shirt and some shorts, but not these types of fans.

Wigs, overalls, full-body suits, painted bodies/faces, etc. are all necessities for them. We are not talking about the girls who wear skimpy outfits to the game—which is normal attire for most of them.

The attention seekers are not negative in nature, as they actually bring enthusiasm to the crowd. With their extravagant costumes on, they take on a new identity in which their goal is to pump up the crowd.