Gut's or Glory? | College Football Lives Here

I've been having a hypothetical discussion with some of the guys at work and think that it's an interesting topic that can be attacked from different angles. Here it is. Say you're a decent high school football player and have the opportunity to choose one of the two following options:

Option 1: Attend a DIV II school and actually play 4 years of college football -or-

Option 2: Attend a DIV I school with a legitimate shot at a BCS title and a ring with little to no chance of stepping on the field. (Not even a "Rudy" chance of playing)

Pro's and Con's

Option 1: (Pro) You'll get to play the sport you love and compete at a level that will challenge you and your abilities.

(Con) Fan turn out will be minimal, your games will never be televised, and there will no "spotlight", your College/University is unfamiliar to all but those that live in your state. "You played for whom? Where is that?"

Option 2: (Pro) You will win a conference and BCS title, a ring, and you will forever be listed on the championship roster (guaranteed in this scenario) You'll attend all of the games, dress, and rub elbows with future NFL standouts.

(Con) You will be on Squad for your entire career. You will never step foot on the field of play.

I purposely omitted the word "scholarship" from this scenario because it tips the balance unfairly. So which is it..........................................

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July 10, 2008 11:37 PM ET

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I have seen several kids my dad has coaches make this same decision and it all depends on the person..

If they're a skill position player who has been the big man on campus in high school since there sophmore year, they will choose the small school so they can keep there status as big man on campus,

If they are are an offensive of Defensive linemen most of the time they will take the big school and get the ring, because even if they go to the small school and play, they won't get reckonnized at all, alos 9 times out of 10 the big school offers the better education..

*LSU*

West Monroe, LA

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July 10, 2008 11:56 PM ET

had both, actually enjoyed small school more.....

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July 11, 2008 12:32 AM ET

I agree with LSUrocks, it all depends on the person.

lilpugh22

Texarkana , TX

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July 11, 2008 11:22 AM ET

That's a tough one.

It's more of a gamble to "play" on a FBS big-time school b/c of depth charts and injuries. I think actually playing in a game on a big-time school's team would be the best of all worlds, but I'm an idealist.

I would just wanna play, so I would probably take the small school route. Having a ring wouldn't mean much to me if I did not directly contribute. I know the back-ups are very important, but I would need more cause I'm emotionally greedy like that.

How 'bout 'em

Marietta, GA

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July 22, 2008 05:02 PM ET

Play for a small school. Gotta figure, the Dream is to play in the NFL one day, right? The way I see it, is that if you're good enough at the small school level, some NFL scout will see you. Joe Greene, Ernie Holmes, LC Greenwood, Dwight White, Jack Lambert, Mel Blount---the majority of the great players on the old Steel Curtain defense were from small schools, and they all have multiple rings. Jason Taylor, Terrell Owens, DeMarcus Ware---they all played for fairly small schools.

I think it should be less about the glory and more for personal bets. Just my opinion. Cause who in their right mind would want a Championship ring from a game in which they merely contributed handing the starter Gatorade on the sideline? That's kind of like being the team Water Boy and getting ticked off for not being in the Team Picture. It's rediculous. Have some pride.

So, who's gonna win the Ohio St-Southern Cal game come September?