Like many an archaic tradition, this is just pageantry and a nidus for the networks to sell you something...it has long since passed from the realm of relevant college football games.
That is total bullshit.. Of course TV is in business to sell ad time, we are after all a capitalist country. But that does not diminish the game.. This is the closest thing to amateur football you will see in the NCAA...
The relevance is that all these players are going to protect me and my family for years to come.. For that I THANK the relevant work of all involved with this game...