Structure of College Football

[GunnerBill]

I have been watching the NFL from over here in the UK for about 12 years. I only started watching college football a couple of years ago. I watch one game most Saturdays... got the Penn State game on just now for example. However, I have no idea how the old thing is structured. I have googled it but the explanations on there all assume some knowledge so can I ask my friends at TBD to educate me? In particular:

 

- how are the conferences organised? How many are there? How was it decided who played in which one and why do teams occasiobally move?

 

- how are the rankings sorted? Who makes the lists and what impact do they have on the season?

 

- how are the schedules devised? I think there are in conference and out of conference games and stuff but how is it all worked out?

 

- how do the bowl games work and why are there so freaking many of them? How do you qualify for one bowl game or another?

 

- what is a division II and III school? I presume it means those are the kinds of schools that can't recruit top guys and are never on TV but do they only play against each other or do they play against the big schools sometimes too?

 

If someone could take the time to explain how the whole thing is structured answering those questions along the way I would be extremely grateful. Don't feel constrained to only stick to those questions either... don't assume any knowledge. I understand the rule differences in the game itself but the structures are a mystery to me and I think it is stopping me being more than a casual viewer.

[YoloinOhio]

I promise to answer this when I have time!

[GunnerBill]

I promise to answer this when I have time!

 

Thanks Yolo and I look forward to it.