The Rise of Intercollegiate Athletics
The growth of intercollegiate athletics in the late 19th and early 20th centuries played a pivotal role in shaping the modern college football schedule. As colleges expanded their athletic programs, the demand for competitive games increased, leading to the establishment of conferences and the creation of structured schedules. This period saw the emergence of major conferences like the Ivy League and the Big Ten, which continue to dominate the sport today.