Football and US College Brands

Like many of you in the United States, I spent time watching my alma mater play football last weekend. This time of year is exciting on college and university campuses. The start of classes, new and renewed relationships, and football. Seeing hundreds of thousands of fans jammed into stadiums across the United States questions come to mind about the value of football to those schools.

After visiting university campuses in many countries outside the US more questions come to my mind. As you probably know, most countries outside of the US do not have collegiate sports. Teaching and research rule Saturdays in the fall on those campuses. I have worked on college campuses in the US that do not have football. So, I guess the primary question is, does college football enhance or dilute the image and reputation of the school? In terms of brand, does college football build brand champions for the school?

What do you think?