Here's a piece from SI's Arash Markazi about his experience at the USC/ND game.  Basically he replays his press booth and on field experience, including observations of the USC players and being in a now-famous photograph as he stood on the sidelines watching Matt Leinart fumble the ball just before the end zone.

The story reminds me of BoiFromTroy's earlier ruminations about CFB bloggers obtaining media credentials.  I don't know if that will happen anytime soon (certainly not at certain universities), but it would be nice.  I've had similar access before on a few memorable occasions, and it's a trip (I was actually in a similar photo, in a similar situation, in a similar spot on the field, although the game was in overtime and the quarterback scored, nearly suffocated by his teammates in the celebratory pileup).

You get to see things much more up close, and get an appreciation for all the gears at work in games, not just the action on the field, but all the periphery, from the millions of quiet little helpers dragging wires and patrolling the sideline barrriers---don't cross them or you're sure to get an earful, don't I know---to the bands and cheerleaders and fans.  Stepping onto the field and other areas, such as the tunnels, locker rooms, press boxes, and hidden storage facilities really sharpens ones view of all that goes into a game and what happens within it.  I think it would do many of us well, if we're into that serious reporting---and maybe even if we're not, to get a glimpse of things.  Besides, it makes for interesting memories.