8 off-season reliefs for a college football fan

After another battle between the titans in the SEC and ACC, the college football season has come to an end.

If you're like me, though, you'll still go on for months about that no-call that was an obvious past interference, or maybe you're an Army fan who will still brag to your civilian friends about the 70-point beatdown they dished out. 

But wherever your loyalties lie, we all share one common enemy (no, not the SEC): the off-season.

To get you through, I’ve put together a list of eight things you can do this off-season to keep you busy until tailgates begin again.

1. Keep an eye on the incoming recruiting class.

Check out the ESPN Top 300 incoming class. Congrats, Oregon! If you're a Virginia Tech fan like me, at least we got #199. And remember, National Signing Day is Feb. 6.

2. Stock up on discounted memorabilia.

All of your favorite team's merchandise will soon be discounted as retailers rush to get rid of inventory. So snag those jerseys and caps for next season!

3. Prep for the Big Game and pro playoffs.

Even if you don't follow pro football, everyone loves an excuse to barbecue and forget about work. So find an NFL-loving friend and tag along.

​None of your friends’ teams made the playoffs? There are two teams you can join: The Patriots, or the Anyone-But-The-Patriots. The Big Game is Feb. 2, so start learning some fun facts about Drew Brees, Tyreke Hill, or how to say Bill Belichick five times fast.

4. Go crazy for March Madness.

Ah, the season for frantically filling out brackets and searching “Warren Buffet 1 billion dollar prize.” Here’s a word from the wise: Grab a second or third monitor now, so no one questions you in March when you have you have your email up on one screen, a spreadsheet on another, and a muted game of Zion Williamson windmill-dunking a breakaway on the third.

5. Follow spring games.

Did they move the redshirt QB to WR? Who's getting benched? Is our first team red or white?  All questions that are ... sort of answered.

6. Rudy! Rudy! Rudy!

Whether you’re a Fighting Irish fan or not, you’re not a real college football fan if you don't love a Cinderella story.  Relive the players throwing their jerseys on Dan Devine’s desk.  I’m tearing up just thinking about that sack...

7. Netflix-binge.

When you’ve already rummaged through nostalgic bowl games and have memorized every line from "Friday Night Lights" (no shame), know this: “Last Chance U” was renewed for a fourth season and comes out in July.

8. Get hyped for next season. 

Off-season is a time of overzealous optimism, so don’t miss you chance to say things like, "Next year is our year for sure!” or "The Hokies will win the ACC, easy!" Anything is possible ... in theory.

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Guest blogger Khal Clary is a lifelong Virginia Tech football fan and a part-time business school student. He has worked at Magnets USA for three years and counting, learning the ins-and-outs of various departments.