As a student sports journalist this football season, I was no longer a fan.
I understand to some this might be a weird phenomenon, especially in today’s digital journalism world or bloggers and fan websites.
But yes, that’s correct, I haven’t screamed “Go Ducks” in a really long time.
I often hear, “You go to Oregon and you can’t root for the football team?” or “You can’t cheer in the press box when Marcus Mariota throws a touchdown?”
The answer is yes. Boston Globe sports columnist Dan Shaughnessy said it best, “I am here to write, not root.”
However, on Jan. 1, as I laid on my couch trying to remember my precious last moments of 2013, I got to be a fan again.
The Ducks were done playing, there was a great slate of games ahead and the scent of my mother’s home-cooking lingered throughout my family room.
It was something I missed fall term, as the football season meant work and travel. By no means is this a complaint. I am grateful for the opportunity I have as a student, but it was hard going back to the days of watching the game with no deadline or having to check Twitter constantly.
It was simplicity I missed. The chance to just watch the game.
There is an adrenaline rush, a passion unlike others that comes with watching college football.
From the underdog winning in the final minutes and the walk-on seeing the field for the first time in his career to the marching bands and diehard fans, there is an undeniable spirit about college football.
Although I have taken the role of a journalist instead of a fan, as the college season came to a close last night as Auburn faced Florida State in the BCS Championship, here is a look back on some of the best moments, games and stories from this past college football season.
1. Auburn vs. Alabama 
The way this bitter rivalry ended will certainly go in the college football history books. Auburn cornerback Chris Davis caught a missed 57-yard field goal as time expired and rushed to the end zone for a 100-plus-yard winning touchdown. It was epic to say the least and earned the Tigers a spot in the SEC Championship game.
2. Nebraska Hail Mary
A Hail Mary in football may occasionally work while playing Madden, but on the field the success rate is not that impressive. But Nebraska made it happen in the final seconds of its game against Northwestern. Quarterback Ron Kellogg found Jordan Westerkamp in the end zone to give the Cornhuskers the win.
3. The Civil War
For Ducks and Beavers fans this was a Civil War to remember. With 29 seconds left in the game, Mariota found Josh Huff for a 12-yard touchdown, giving the Ducks a 36-35 win over Oregon State. It was Huff’s final game at Autzen Stadium, and the senior broke the school record for most receiving yards in a season this year.
4. Feel Good Stories.
Every year there are great stories that reach surface and touch many people. Personally, one of my favorites this year was about Alabama quarterback A.J. McCarron and equipment manager A.J. Starr.
Follow Beth Maiman on Twitter @bethamaiman