My time at Boston College can be best described as "tough love" and "establish your independence".
The #1 pro was to live out a life long dream and get my education paid for. College athletics is one of the rare things in life where you can accomplish multiple goals at the same time. College also helped me grow up and prepared me for life after school.
Your sport becomes your job, but this isn't a true con because that is true with all serious commitments. In college you learn to carry yourself in a professional manner if you want to succeed.
College football is a big business, but don't lose sight of the main goal which is connecting with the young men who are spending their first time in life away from the comforts of their home environment. College is a huge maturation process and athletics is even more so.