Traditions in college football are like relatives: Everyone has them, and some of them are stranger than others.

From mascots to special songs and special chants, traditions are an important part of college football.

Whether it's the tradition of all of the cadets standing during the game at the U.S. Military Academy or the tradition of the students wearing the same type of T-shirt for the opening game at the University of Notre Dame, most of the traditions are built around togetherness, unity and spirit.

At the University of Nebraska, Lincoln, one tradition is for the fans to purchase and then release red balloons into the air at kickoff.

But perhaps the tradition Nebraska is better known for is practically an unspoken one --red-clad fans. It's not that surprising at home games, but on the road it sure makes a statement.

Nebraska fans who are unable to purchase tickets for home games think nothing of driving several hours to see their team in action. And Nebraska's rivals are often dismayed when they run out and set their eyes upon the sea of red that has taken over their stadium.

An unusual tradition at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville, brings the "Vol Navy," hundreds of orange flag-waving boats, to the Tennessee River in sort of a floating tailgate party.

Sometimes the particular history of an area lends itself to the creation of football traditions. At the University of Kentucky, for example, there are a couple of traditions before kickoff that harken back to the state's origins. A trumpeter is selected to play "Call to the Post," which is instantly recognizable as the fanfare that precedes the Kentucky Derby horse race.

Also, the band plays "My Old Kentucky Home," and the home crowd removes hats and caps and sings along.

And whatever their origin, traditions like these help make the game-day experience a memorable one.