College Football: The Coolest Spot on Every BCS Top 25 Team's Campus

The BCS rankings are finally here!  This means we can argue and discuss what is really important. 

Who should be No.1?  Who is most overrated?  Who is most underrated?  Who will play for the BCS National Championship?

But, perhaps the greatest question on the mind of all football fans is; "Yeah, but do they have a cool campus?"  Okay, maybe you weren't thinking that question, but it is a question worth asking. 

In fact, let's dive into it a bit deeper.  Since the top 25 of the BCS is composed of so many amazing and incredible schools, with equally amazing and incredible campuses, let's see what each one has to offer.  

What is the coolest spot on every BCS team's campus?  Let's take a look... 

#1 LSU: The Indian Mounds

LSU has so many amazing places on campus.  So where do you start?

Well, the two cannons in front of the Military Science Building, which were used in the Civil War, are pretty cool.  The Enchanted Forest, or as some call it, the "Sunken Garden", is an amazing display of nature's beauty. 

The Memorial Tower, also known as the Campanile, was dedicated in 1926 as a memorial to fallen soldiers of World War I.  This is the most recognizable land mark on campus.  Standing at 175 feet, it is hard to miss.

Other amazing sites on campus include the Greek Amphitheater, Free Speech Alley, all of the live oaks, magnolias and azaleas growing around campus and the Main Quad itself. 

However, if there is one spot that seems to rise above all others, it would probably be "The Indian Mounds". 

The Indian Mounds are estimated at being 5,000 years old, which dates back before the construction of the great pyramids of Egypt.  Careful study of these mounds by the Department of Geography and Anthropology have found they they are part of a system of ancient mound complexes located all throughout the state. 

The Indian Mounds at LSU are now listed in the National Register of Historic Places, and they also made this list as the coolest place on the LSU campus.   

#2 Alabama: Museum of Natural History

The University of Alabama has a list of about thirty locations that could probably be put on this list.  Denny Chimes Tower on the Quad, the Quad itself, Clark Hall, Shelby Hall, and Fraternity Row, just to name a few.  The entire campus is rich with pride and tradition.  

However, the coolest sight on the campus would have to be the Museum of Natural History.  Now, I know what you're thinking.  A Museum?  On this list of coolest places on campus? Well...

This is no ordinary museum.  Located in Smith Hall on the campus of the University of Alabama, this museum has thousands of invaluable displays from every area of scientific research.  Dr. Eugene Allen Smith was the creator of this amazing place.  He was the state of Alabama's geologist starting in 1873. He spent nearly 40 years collecting the original specimens for this museum from all over the state.  It is an amazing place full of science and history. 

Speaking of history, the Crimson Tide have long been a powerhouse in college football, but have you ever wondered how they got that nickname?

The legend goes that early newspaper articles called the Alabama football team the "Crimson and White".  This was simply because those were the school colors.  One reporter nicknamed the team the "Thin Red Line", and that was used until the early part of the 20th century.  In 1907, then sports editor Hugh Roberts called the Alabama football team the "Crimson Tide" when writing about their performance in the Iron Bowl.  The game is said to have been played in sea of red mud against Auburn.  The underdog Alabama football team played Auburn to a gutsy 6-6 tie.  When the article hit, the nickname stuck, and it has been used since that time.

#3 Oklahoma State University: Memorial Gardens

This is an absolutely amazing campus.  It is a university campus that is built on tradition. 

Of course, one of those traditions that OSU is famous for is their homecoming celebration.  This is a time when literally thousands upon thousands of alumni and fans return to Stillwater to be part of one of the biggest homecoming celebrations anywhere.

On the Friday evening of homecoming, there is an event called the "walkaround".  This is a time when all the visitors to campus and walk around looking at the decorated lawns and houses of the fraternity and sorority houses.  It is quite a display of color and creativity. 

The campus itself has so many beautiful areas full of perfectly positioned trees, plants, grass and flowers.  A walk around the campus itself is recommended.   

Which, brings me to the coolest spot on the OSU campus; The Memorial Gardens.  Now, there are indeed several amazing buildings and places on this campus.  But, located right in the middle, near the Student Union, is Memorial Gardens.  It is representative of the care and detail that is taken throughout the entire campus.  

Oklahoma State University can be proud of their tradition, their campus, and their perfectly crafted Memorial Gardens.   

#4 Boise State: Boise River Greenbelt

Boise, Idaho is a vibrant city full of life, fun, and excitement. 

Probably no more of an exciting time can be found in Boise than on the iconic blue turf of Bronco Stadium come game time.  When the Broncos play at home on "The Blue" they are the only show in town.  The turf itself has become probably the most recognizable feature of the Boise State Campus. 

However, one area that you might not know about, unless of course you have been to BSU, is the Boise greenbelt.  Right through the middle of campus runs a beautiful river and pathway.  It is lined with large trees, historic bridges, and post card-like settings. 

The greenbelt itself extends for over 20 miles from a place called Eagle Island State Park, all the way out to the Lucky Peak Reservoir.  It is not uncommon, at the right time of year, to see people fly fishing all along this gorgeous greenbelt.  Six parks are connected by the Boise greenbelt, and every season brings activity and beauty. 

The river itself serves as a winter migration route for the Bald Eagle, and you can spot them perched on various locations all over Boise.  The Peregrine Falcon can also be spotted in the area, and they are known to hunt from atop the BSU Science and Nursing building.

Bridges are all along the greenbelt and one bridge connects the BSU campus with the Great Basin Native Plant Garden. 

Students and professors have been known to go down to the river in between classes just to relax, have lunch, or soak their feet. 

It is a beautiful sight and a hidden treasure that Boise State students, faculty, and the residents of Boise cherish.  Which makes it the coolest place on the BSU Campus. 

#5 Clemson: Carillon Garden

This is another university that could have many areas listed as the coolest spot on campus.  The historic and beautiful Fort Hill, and even the Cooper Library with its reflection pool are both possible candidates. 

Clemson also has a unique area called Fraternity Quad.  There are no Greek houses on campus, only the Fraternity Quad that houses the schools number of fraternities and sororities, but that still isn't the coolest location.

Another very cool area is the outdoor amphitheater.  But, that still isn't the coolest.

The coolest spot on the campus of Clemson would have to be Carillon Garden.  You would need several pictures of the area to do it justice.  It is the perfect spot on campus to get away, meet up with friends, study, or just listen to the carillon coming from high atop Tillman Hall. 

The garden itself is fairly new.  Located between Sikes Hall, the outdoor amphitheater, and Tillman Hall, the garden was a given to the university in 1993 by the class of 1943.  The garden is dedicated as a way to tribute the class of 1943, especially those who lost their lives in World War II. 

A bell that used to hang in Tillman Hall is now displayed at the entrance.  That bell rang out for over 80 years.  This has caused some to call this place "Bell Garden".

Whatever you call it, it is called the coolest place on the campus of Clemson on this list. 

#6 Stanford: Memorial Church

If you have ever been to the campus of Stanford, you know it is absolutely breathtaking.  It covers over 8,000 acres, most of which is covered by grass, shrubs, trees, and water.  The Main Quad is amazing, and Hoover Tower can be seen high above the campus grounds. 

You can spend your time at the Cantor Center for Visual Arts, or simply walk the campus looking at the incredible bronze statues that are positioned all around the scenic grounds.

But, perhaps the coolest place on the Stanford campus is, of all places, a church.  

The Stanford Memorial Church is right in the middle of the campus, and it is inspiring.  It was built during the American Renaissance as a memorial to Leland Stanford, commissioned by his wife Jane, and it was completed in 1903.  The building's architecture rivals anything found in Europe and is the crown jewel of the Stanford campus.

The building has survived several earthquakes, including major quakes in 1906 and again in 1989.  

This is truly a very cool church, on a very cool campus. 

#7 Oregon: Memorial Quad

The Oregon Memorial Quad is the main university quadrangle.  The land for the quad was donated by Chaplain William S. Gilbert as a way to honor those from the University of Oregon who had served their country in the time of war.  Several buildings surround the grounds including Peterson Hall, Gilbert Hall, and the Lillis Business Complex. 

The campus itself is more than beautiful but then again, what would you expect in Oregon? Lush, green, alive, pick your adjective.  But, the Memorial Quad sits as its coolest place on the campus, which is not short of cool places. 

So whether you are just finished with a great meal from the Caspian Restaurant or you are still sipping on a steaming hot coffee from the Duck Stop, a walk around Memorial Quad would be a great way to end the day.  Of course, then you can make your way down to Max's Tavern, The Bier Stein, or the Tiny Tavern for a night cap.

The University of Oregon and its coolest place, the Memorial Quad. 

#8 Kansas State: Waters Quad

Another beautiful campus at No.8.  Kansas State University is a campus that has cool written all over it.  Anderson Hall has its own charm as a architectural landmark, as does Hale Library. However, I can't bring myself to naming a library as the "coolest place on campus".  But, if you get a chance check the Hale Library out because it is pretty cool. 

The university has several museums including the Kansas State Insect Zoo, and the Historic Costume and Textiles Museum. 

The main campus is nearly 700 acres covered in trees, hedges, lawn, and pathways.  It is a scenic campus that Kansas State University should be proud of. 

Near Hale Library is Waters Quad, and as you can see it is a very cool place.  It is the main quad on campus, and hosts everything from special events to study sessions and afternoon naps. 

It is a very cool place on a very cool campus. 

#9 University of Oklahoma: Oval Gardens

One word–incredible.

The picture above is of the South Oval on the campus of the University of Oklahoma.  The North Oval has its own incredible charm, but it seems to me the South Oval takes the cake. 

Now, OU fans know that their campus has so many sites that are cooler than cool.  Evans Hall has been home to historic events, and the Fred Jones Jr. Museum of Art is home to incredible exhibits and artistic creations.However, the Oval and its amazing display of creativity, pride, and tradition, is the spot that is coolest on campus. 

If you ever get the chance to visit OU,  you should certainly check out the Oval.  Then, stroll over to the Mont and have a swirl.  If you don't know what that is, just ask a local.  While you're at it, ask them to take you over to Campus Corner to find a bite to eat.  

The University of Oklahoma Oval Gardens. What a college campus should look like. 

#10 Arkansas: The Senior Walk

So you have been to George's Majestic Lounge, the Wine Cellar, and Sassy's Red House for some BBQ.  You have participated in the "Calling of the Hogs", but you just don't know where to go from here. 

Well, how about a walk over to the coolest place on the Arkansas Campus.  The Senior Walk...

This is one of those traditions you won't find anywhere except a college campus.  It started in 1905 with the graduating seniors drawing their names into the sidewalks in front of Old Main, which is the oldest building on campus.  This tradition continued for ten years until the university itself took over the task of adding names.  They even included the names of all graduating classes prior to 1905.

As years went on the classes got bigger and bigger so in 1986 the university developed a special machine called the "Senior Sand Hog" to do the dirty work of adding the names. 

School superstition says that it is bad luck to step on the first graduating classes names, and if you do, you will never graduate. 

While we can't prove if that theory is real or not, we can say that the Senior Walk on the campus of Arkansas is very cool.

#11 Michigan State: The Rock

Michigan State has a long and storied tradition and the coolest place on its campus has a legendary story.

"The Rock", is a cherished landmark on campus.  It was originally found during a dig in 1873, just off Michigan Avenue in East Lansing.  It was donated to the university and was placed in the premier location next to what is now Beaumont Tower. 

The Rock, quickly became a favorite hangout for students, and many couples were engaged at that rock causing it to get a nickname of "engagement rock". 

As the times changed, so did the use of the rock.  It was moved to a location east of Farm Lane, and has been used as the location for protests, celebrations, and many other events and occasions.

The Rock can be painted on by anyone who wants to.  It can be used to tell people happy birthday, get well, or even, get lost.  It is not uncommon to see political statements, special holiday announcements, or other universities that might want to paint a message of pending defeat.  This is why during football and basketball seasons there are times when the rock is guarded from enemy attack.   

One of the most memorable moments came in the hours following the attacks on 9-11.  A candle light vigil began, and thousands of students came together in a message of unity, reflection, and remembrance.  A very cool act, by a very cool university, in a very cool place.

"The Rock", Michigan State's coolest place.

#12 Virginia Tech: Drillfield

After a meal at Bull & Bones, or a burger at Mike's Grill, maybe you could make your way over to Awful Arthur's for some live music. 

Then, when you wake up on Saturday morning you could head over to the coolest spot on the Virginia Tech campus.

The Drillfield is a unique feature on this beautiful campus.  It sits at the center of the university campus and has been the site of countless sporting events, demonstrations and, of course, cadet maneuvers, which is how it got its name. 

The reason the field has been left intact is because there are two underground rivers that cause the area to sink gradually.  This caused it to be unstable to build on, but perfect to play on.

The coolest spot on the Virginia Tech campus is most certainly the Drillfield.        

#13 South Carolina: The Horseshoe

The campus of South Carolina is lush, green, and beautiful.  It has so many cool places, buildings, sites, and scenes.  But, right in the heart of campus sits its very coolest locale. 

The Horseshoe has a large lawn area that is used by students for fun and study.  It is surrounded by mostly 19th century structures, and is on the National Register of Historic Places.  

The Horseshoe structures serve as a research library, a museum, a welcome center, student housing, and a president's home, just to mention a few.   

All around the Horseshoe, you can follow a brick path that leads all over campus.  It is a perfectly constructed sidewalk for a perfectly amazing place.

#14 Nebraska: Union Fountains

The University of Nebraska has many cool places.  The Lied Center for Performing Arts, The Mary Riepma Ross Media Arts Center, Architecture Hall, the International Quilt Study Center, The Maxwell Arboretum, several research centers, and even a robotics laboratory. 

However, the most interesting and certainly coolest location on the university campus has to be the Union Fountains. 

The Nebraska Union is the student union building which houses computer labs, recreational activities, and a bookstore.  But, outside its walls sit the Union Fountains. 

Not only are the beautiful, but they are a favorite hang out spot for many students.   

The Union Fountains are the coolest spot on the Nebraska campus.

#15 Wisconsin: Shore of Lake Mendota

It is almost not fair.  A university that already has an amazing campus also has not one but two lakes surrounding it.

First of all, the campus itself it located in Madison, Wisconsin.  It sits about a mile from the state capitol between Lake Mendota and Lake Monona.  The main campus is over 900 acres of pure beauty, and has its own hospital, police force, and even a dairy plant. 

Bascom Hall is a truly royal-looking structure that sits at the center of the campus, and could easily be considered the coolest place, if it weren't for all the water.

The Mall on campus is a great gathering place that is surrounded by historic structures, trees, lawns, and perfect sidewalks.  The entire campus feels as if it is so clean you wouldn't have to use the three second rule... ever.  

The water takes this campus from special to extraordinary.  Breathtaking, amazing, beautiful, all of the above.   

The coolest spot on the Wisconsin campus, the Shore of Lake Mendota.     

#16 Texas A&M: Century Tree

Texas A&M has a perfect balance of modern and traditional. 

One of the greatest traditions is also the coolest spot on campus.  The Century Tree is located at the heart of the campus.  This live oak is over 100 years old and was one of the very first trees planted on campus. 

This tree has been used for numerous marriage proposals, gatherings, a meeting place for friends, and photo shoots of all kinds. 

It is one of the universities most cherished possessions.  

The Century Tree is the coolest spot on Texas A&M's campus.   

#17 Houston: Cougar Sculpture

The University of Houston started in a high school.  The first year of operation as a four year institution was held at San Jacinto High School and had an enrollment of just under 700 students. 

Today, the school has a large, beautiful campus and enrolment has grown to nearly 40,000. 

The Ezekiel W. Cullen Building and its pool and fountain are easily close to the tops on the list of cool places on campus.  So are the Science and Engineering Building, the Stephen Power Farish Hall, and the Worthman Theatre.  Not to mention, Cougar Village, Moody Towers, and the Quad which has five separate halls. 

This campus has come a long way from its high school days.  However, the Cougar Statue has to be the coolest of all additions to this ever growing university. 

Located near the entrance of the Cullen Building, this statue should not be missed.  If you ever get the chance to visit the Houston campus, find the coolest spot there... The Cougar Sculpture.

#18 Michigan: The Diag

The University of Michigan was actually once located in Detroit.  However, in 1837 it was relocated to Ann Arbor, a good choice by most accounts.  The reason it was moved was that forty acres of land was donated by the Ann Arbor Land Company for the placement of the university.

As the campus developed, structures were built all around it.  The inside of the campus was kept as an open area covered in grass.  The students and faculty walked back and forth across this grassy area going and coming from various buildings and classes.  This caused trails to be made in the lawn, and gave birth to the current structure of pathways.   

In the mid 1850s those paths were made official by adding boardwalks and the area became known as the Diag.

At the same time many trees were planted on campus along the pathways, and as enrollment increased so did the construction of buildings near the area.   

The area known as the Diag, has remained the main open area in the center of campus over the decades.  It is a favorite gathering place for students, faculty, and fans.

The coolest spot on the University of Michigan campus is clearly the Diag.   

#19 Penn State: The Nittany Lion Shrine

Penn State has a very unique history.  The campus itself has a number of amazing areas but none better than the Nittany Lion Shrine.

The area was part of a homecoming dedication in 1942.  Sculptor Heinz Warneke and stone-cutter Joseph Garatti crated the lion from a thirteen ton block of Indian Limestone. 

The Shrine itself was a gift from the class of 1940.  It is in a very secluded setting near the recreation building, and it is said that it is today the second most photographed place in the state of Pennsylvania. 

Because of some past vandalism during homecoming week, it is now guarded by students during that week. 

It is by far the coolest spot on the Penn State campus. 

#20 Texas Tech: Memorial Circle

There is some mystery surrounding this next addition.  On the campus of Texas Tech sits the Memorial Circle.  It is an area of remembrance in the center of campus.  No one really knows for sure why a circle was placed there, but it has been there from the beginning. 

At first it was unpaved and just a dirt circle.  In 1948 the circle was dedicated to veterans and renamed "Memorial Circle".  In 1967 the flagpole was moved from another area of the campus to Memorial Circle.  

While it was originally dedicated as a World War II memorial, it is currently used to commemorate all who have lost their lives in war. 

The current location includes fountains and elaborate brick walkway work.  It is a fitting memorial and a very cool location. 

#21 Arizona State: Palm Walk

On the Campus of Arizona State University there is an amazing walkway.  It is known as "Palm Walk", and it is a campus landmark.

The Palm Walk starts at University Bridge and covers nearly half a mile, ending at the Student Rec Complex. 

The Trees were planted starting in 1916, and then more added in the 1930s.  There are currently 111 palm trees that line the pathway. 

Now, the ASU campus has several other cool spots as well.  The mall in the center of campus is second to none in the west and Gammage Auditorium, which was designed by Frank Lloyd Wright, is iconic and truly inspired. 

However, the Palm Walk still remains the coolest spot on the ASU campus. 

#22 Georgia: The Arch

The University of Georgia has been around since the late 1700s.  It is a storied school with more tradition than anyone can even recall. 

So many sites on the campus could be deemed coolest, such as Herty Field, which is in the center of the North Campus.  It was actually the first football field for the school. 

However, probably the coolest place on the campus has to be "The Arch".  Sometimes mistakenly called 'The Arches", The Arch is a three legged arch that is modeled after the Georgia State Seal. 

The Arch faces downtown Athens and has many traditions and superstitions surrounding it.  First, no one should ever walk under The Arch before graduation.  If you do, you will never graduate.  Also, you should never walk through The Arch as a freshman or, as legend has it, you will become sterile. 

Crazy superstition, amazing tradition, and certainly the coolest spot on campus. 

#23 Auburn: Toomer's Oaks

So the coolest location at Auburn is just off campus.  However, it is located right where the university begins and the city begins. 

Toomer's Corner is legendary in college football folklore.  At that corner lie two huge old-growth oak trees, and at every opportunity of celebration, these trees are covered by fans with mounds of toilet paper.  This act has become known as "rolling the corner" or "rolling Toomer's". 

Of course, these are the same live oak trees made famous this year when a man poisoned the historic trees because of his hatred toward Auburn University. 

This is the official updated response from the university about the poisoning. 

"

"In February 2011 the Auburn Family learned that the beloved oak trees
at Toomer's Corner had been deliberately poisoned. Their chance of
survival is very slim. Still, a task force made up of university
horticulturists, landscapers, agronomists, engineers, chemists and
others has undertaken a series of steps to give the trees a fighting
chance, including the replacement of the contaminated soil and
application of activated charcoal to the roots.

During this difficult time, Auburn University has seen an outpouring
of encouragement, suggestions and offers to help save the oaks from all
across the nation. To those of you who have taken the time to call or
write, we send a heartfelt "thank you." Your support means a lot to us.
Some of your suggestions have already been implemented.

On this website you will find the latest news about the remediation
process, links to frequently asked questions and videos, and information
about how you can help support the oaks. War Eagle!"

"

 It would be a shame to lose the coolest spot on campus, let's hope that doesn't happen. 

#24 Texas: The Tower

The University of Texas is one big, very cool spot all by itself.

However, the University of Texas Tower is the coolest place on campus.  Standing at 307 feet, the Austin Tower was built in 1937.  The Tower has become the most recognized place on campus, and has served as a symbol of pride and Texas tradition. 

The newly remodeled observation deck of the Tower has an amazing view in all directions.  It is awe inspiring and because of the new remodel persons with disabilities can now enjoy the view as well.

In the top of the Tower there are 56 bells, which is the largest in Texas.  Songs are played every weekday and the Westminster Quarters can be heard between 6 a.m and 9 p.m. each day. 

It is truly a massive cool spot on the campus of UT.    

#25 West Virginia: Woodburn Circle

Recent news tells us that West Virginia is heading to the Big 12 Conference.  I don't know if that is certain or not, but one thing that is certain is that WVU has a beautiful campus. 

With so many cool spots to pick from, this one is hard to narrow down. 

However, Woodburn Circle seems to get the nod.  Also known as the WVU Quadrangle, this historic quad is a distinct feature of the campus.  Lined with historic buildings such as Marin Hall, Woodburn Hall, and Chitwood Hall, this location has landed itself on the National Register of Historic Places.

A cool spot of historic proportions.  Woodburn Circle on the campus of West Virginia.