Why are certain college football teams hated so much?

This may seem like an odd question but I'm curious, why do certain college football teams get so much hate? Is it rivalries, or behavior of the team, or something else? I'm pretty into football and I'm wondering how this might affect the experience at some schools.

There can be a couple of factors at play when it comes to why some college football teams may be perceived as "hated" by some folks.

One of the biggest factors is indeed rivalries, which are a tradition as old as college sports themselves. These rivalries are often regionally based and can stem from competition for local dominance or longstanding disagreements. For example, Harvard and Yale, known for their historic rivalry, can bring out passionate feelings from students, alumni, and local fans. This heated competition often translates into strong sentiments, both positive for one's own team, and negative for the rival team.

The behavior of team members, as well as actions of fans or even decisions by coaching staff, can also be a factor. Unsportsmanlike conduct, perceived arrogance, or continual success can lead to negative sentiments as it can be seen as breaking from the perceived ethos of fairness and humility in sport. For example, a team that consistently wins or remains in the top ranks may gain a reputation as being "overrated" or "privileged," leading to animosity.

In terms of how this might affect your experience at school, it may spark spirited debates, increase school spirit during certain games, and provide a communal feel as you and your schoolmates rally together in support of your team. The "hate" is often more about competition than actual animosity, and participating in these rivalries can be a fun and unifying part of your college experience.

Another potentially relevant factor could be disagreements with how the college or university handles certain administrative or ethical issues related to their football programs. Some institutions have faced backlash regarding concerns such as player safety, academic integrity of athletes, and handling of misconduct.

In essence, the root of such sentiments are multi-faceted, deriving from historical rivalries, behavior of individuals or groups associated with the team, or administrative practices. Each university is a microcosm of the larger world, with its own dynamics and narratives that contribute to these perspectives.