Final answer:
College football started in the 1870s with informal matches, but it gained popularity in the 1890s and became the topic of conversation among enthusiasts. The first Rose Bowl game in 1902 demonstrated the growing importance of college football.
Step-by-step explanation:
The sport of college football started in the 1870s with informal matches played by student clubs. However, it wasn't until the 1890s that college football gained popularity and became the topic of conversation among enthusiasts. The first Rose Bowl game between Michigan and Stanford in 1902 demonstrated the growing popularity and significance of college football.