Division I college football kicks off this week with a change in pregame ritual. As part of the NCAA and American Football Coaches Association's RESPECT weekend, many teams will meet for a voluntary pregame handshake.

"This is a symbolic initiative that says to the football world, our fans, our students, our student-athletes and athletics departments that sportsmanship is a vital part of the successful football programs we have in this country," said AFCA Executive Director Grant Teaff. "We wanted to show sportsmanship in a clear way."

Although support has been largely unanimous, some have taken issue with the initiative's necessity. John Rohde, sports columnist for the Oklahoman, argues the handshake will mess with a team's pregame "mojo."

Rohde writes that the handshake could potentially negate a fiery locker room pep talk. "Carefully constructed psychological preparation could disintegrate with the pressing of palms," he says.

Rohde suggests that shaking hands might make student-athletes less likely to look at an opposing team an "enemy," seeing them instead as fellow competitors seeking a similar goal.

So, what the heck is wrong with that?

It's not necessary to dehumanize your opponent in order to beat them. To win, you simply must play better than the other guys. If you're not prepared, no amount of angst will bring home the victory.

Rohde also suggests that encouraging teams to interact while emotions are at their peak, might have the effect of adding fuel to an already volatile fire. Would Rohde rather the team take it out in dangerous on-field hits?

I'm not saying that shaking hands will necessarily result in a more sportsmanlike atmosphere, but what does it hurt? It sends a signal of respect that is hopefully carried out throughout the contest and it sets a good example for fans and students.

Still, some student-athletes might need some convincing. "Wow, that's different," Oregon quarterback Jeremiah Masoli told the Oregonian."That's unique. ... I don't like it. I don't even like shaking hands when you get out there with the captains for the coin flip."

It's clear, however, that something must be done to improve sportsmanship in college football and student-athletes like Masoli will ultimately benefit. Perhaps if there was a pregame handshake before last year's game against Boise State, Masoli might not have suffered a concussion on a late hit in the heartbreaking 37-32 loss to the Broncos.

"It's just another gesture to send a message that football is not a gentle sport by any measure," Marshall Head Football Coach Mark Snyder told The Herald-Dispatch, "but gentlemen can play it."