Follow these straightforward steps to create your Football Cake:

1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two round 9-inch cake pans.
2. Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt until well combined.
3. Combine Wet Ingredients: In another bowl, mix the buttermilk, vegetable oil, eggs, and vanilla extract until smooth.
4. Mix Together: Gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients, stirring until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.
5. Pour Batter: Divide the batter evenly into the prepared cake pans.
6. Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
7. Cool the Cakes: Remove the cakes from the oven and let them cool in the pans for 10 minutes. Then, transfer them to wire racks to cool completely.
8. Level the Cakes: Once cool, use a serrated knife to level the tops of the cakes if necessary.
9. Frost the First Layer: Place one cake layer on a serving plate. Spread a layer of buttercream frosting evenly on top.
10. Add the Second Layer: Place the second cake layer on top of the frosted first layer.
11. Frost the Entire Cake: Use the remaining buttercream frosting to cover the sides and top of the cake.
12. Decorate: Use food coloring to create a football field design on top. You can pipe lines, yard markers, and a football shape.
13. Finish with Details: If desired, add edible glitter or fondant decorations to enhance the look.

These steps will guide you in creating a Football Cake that not only looks incredible but tastes wonderful too!