It's that time of year again. You can smell the meat smokers and grills firing away as people are making food, see the lines of people heading toward the stadium and even feel the warmth of pride rush over you because you are about to stand for hours cheering on your colors. It's college football season. With it upon us, you will need to have the best foods for your tailgate this football season.

Chips and Dips

jalapeno, avocado, vegetable, salsa, guacamole
Jocelyn Hsu

Every tailgate or any cookout always needs chips and a variety of dips. This appetizing option couples as a great appetizer before the dogs start cooking and also grabs people's attention. Make your tailgate the highlight of the day with some homemade guacamole.

Burgers and Dogs

cheese, lettuce, hamburger, tomato
Angela Kerndl

Pink or no pink, everyone enjoys a seasoned, grilled hamburger before the game. Since you will be shelling these things out like candy, it also wouldn't hurt to pack a few extra packages of hot dogs so that you won't run out.

Based from popular opinion, hamburgers and hot dogs are the staple foods of any football game day. 

Breakfast Is Served

Alison Weissbrot

Of course, you have to make sure you're prepared for even the mid-morning or early afternoon games. My personal favorite is a warmed breakfast burrito. Other brunch foods, such as egg and ham sandwiches and fresh fruit, are always a dope idea. And you can't go wrong with a sherbet mimosa.

Staying Healthy–ish

stir-fry, tomato, broccoli, carrot, onion, pepper, vegetable
Christin Urso

I think everyone can appreciate a colorful vegetable tray or even cooked veggies straight from the skillet. Either way, your tailgate will definitely earn some brownie points from those game-goers who are cautious of their calorie count.

Just don't forget to stay hydrated and healthy-ish.

Smoked Meat or No Meat

There really are fewer things better for a meat-lover than smelling a delicious barbecue from a smoker. For a lot of people who attend tailgates at football games, there are fewer things they enjoy than smelling the meat with the stadium in front of them.

Plus, what could be better than a pulled pork sandwich with a drop of barbecue sauce in between warm hamburger buns. Smoked meat is definitely a part of the best foods for your tailgate this football season.

The Sweet Stuff

chocolate, peanut, peanut butter, butter
Micaela Petrucci

Sweet tooth at halftime? Go ahead and dig out that container of cookies you have stashed away for such emergencies. You can always run out of beer, but it would be a real shame if you ran out of sweets. Brownies are also a very enjoyable and shareable treat to take with you. 

Another craved food to have at your tailgate is the chocolate- and sugar-coated Chex cereal we all love to refer to as "puppy chow" or "muddy buddies." Trust me, this dessert is like crack. 

In my own experience, these are the best foods for your tailgate this football season and will definitely help you accomplish the day so you can go into the game and cheer on your team. So buy some dip and remember that tailgating is a marathon, not a sprint.