College Football: 26 Things for which every fan should be thankful

Sep 5, 2015; Oxford, MS, USA; Mississippi Rebels wide receiver Quincy Adeboyejo (8) carries the ball as Tennessee Martin Skyhawks defensive back Logan Burns (28) defends at Vaught-Hemingway Stadium. The Rebels won 76 – 3.Mandatory Credit: Justin Ford-USA TODAY Sports

22. Cupcakes

While most people love the frosted mini-cakes found at the local bakery, we’re talking about those teams on the schedule that are put there with a specific purpose – to ensure a win in front of donors, alumni and recruits.

The cupcakes have become an important part of the college football schedule. Most teams throw them in early in the season, dipping into smaller conferences, the FCS, or the HBCUs. FBS teams find at least one soft piece of pastry (sometimes more than one) to have on their schedule.

Not that it doesn’t backfire from time to time (just ask Michigan or Florida fans).

The cupcake games are a source of debate in the media, and at times a source of embarrassment to fans. But it’s hard to imagine a year where there wasn’t a potential upset from one of these little schools, or a huge blowout win by the favorite.

The cupcake schools make money, the big programs get a live scrimmage, and the fans usually have an excuse to leave early and hit the local watering hole.

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