So You Wanna Play Ball (or Football) in California, Huh? A Deep Dive (Kind Of) into FBS Schools
Ah, California. Land of sunshine, beaches, Hollywood dreams, and...uh...college football? Maybe that last one isn't the first thing that comes to mind, but fear not, aspiring gridiron gladiator! The Golden State actually packs a bit of a punch when it comes to FBS (Division I Football Bowl Subdivision) schools.
Now, before you grab your cleats and head straight to Disneyland (because, hey, priorities), let's break down that FBS thing. Basically, it's the big leagues of college football. These schools have top-notch facilities, killer coaching staffs, and a shot at that coveted national championship.
How Many FBS Schools Are We Talking About?
Here's where things get interesting. Buckle up, because this is where the suspense unfolds (or maybe it unravels, depending on your reading comprehension). The exact number of FBS schools in California can be a bit of a mystery, depending on who you ask and how you define "school."
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The Official Count: According to the NCAA rulebook, there are currently two bonafide FBS programs in California: the USC Trojans and the Cal Golden Bears. Woah, that's not quite the footballing empire we were expecting, right?
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The "Wait a Minute" Factor: But hold on to your helmets, sports fans! There's a wrinkle in the fabric of the FBS universe. A couple of schools – Fresno State and San Diego State – compete in the Mountain West Conference, which generally falls under the FBS umbrella. However, there's some technical mumbo jumbo about conference affiliation and bowl eligibility that might make them FBS-ish. Let's just call them FBS-adjacent for now.
So, What Does This Mean for You, the Aspiring Football Star?
Don't fret, young Padawan. California might not be overflowing with FBS schools, but the competition at the ones that do exist is fierce. It's like finding a decent cup of coffee in Hollywood – a rare and glorious thing.
Here's your takeaway:
- Do your research: If your heart is set on a pure FBS experience, USC and Cal are your golden tickets (pun intended).
- Don't discount the FBS-adjacent schools: Fresno State and San Diego State might be sleeper hits, offering a strong football program with a California twist.
- Focus on the skills: No matter where you land, hone those throwing arms and fancy footwork. After all, California sunshine is perfect for practicing those game-winning touchdown throws.
Bonus Tip:
While you're busy training, don't forget to work on your surfing skills too. California beaches are calling, and who knows, maybe you'll snag a pro surfing sponsorship to fund your college dreams (hey, it's a crazy world we live in).
