Mainly because I was alive and the access to games was ridiculousVery interesting! Thanks for the history.
I disagree that 1998 to 2019 was the best era, but would like to know more about why you think it is?
I think this era will turn out better once a few major NIL and portal bugs are worked out. With NIL & especially the portal, more teams will be relevant for the national title each year because it will be harder to load up talent three deep in great recruiting areas. A few key injuries or transfers are now more likely to knock a perennial power off their perch. As a fan of college football overall, that's a positive (not the injuries) even if it isn't for the Gophers right now.
BUT
Consistency of rosters really helped you know college football. Harder than 2018 to follow who is where.
I also think it’s funny when people say that C Woodson is the only defensive player to win the heisman. Every player pre 1963 was a defensive player too