The 10 Best College Rivalries By ErikTheBlue Section: FootballPosted on Thu Nov 30, 2006 at 10:15:10 PM EST As the end of the regular season approaches, many teams are facing their rival teams, and there have always been lists, ranking the best college rivalies. Just for kicks, I thought I would throw a list into the mix. While my opinion is biased, I think that many will agree that these are some of the most fiery match-ups in sports. 10. Oregon vs. Oregon State Gotta give props to a bowl opponent. The "Cival War" is anything but. This Pac-10 match-up is one of the most heated in college athletics. While the Ducks and the Beavers, are perhaps the least threatening mascot you can have, it does not stop the fans from being some of the most threatening people if you are caught wearing the wrong colors.
9. Harvard vs. Yale While this game is frequently titled, "The Fight Between Nerds", it does not stop these "Nerds" from despising their fellow Ivy-Leaguers. And while it doesn't make for a "great" football game, but every single sport between these two is a heated-battle.
8. USC vs. Notre Dame This game is interesting, because these two teams are about 2,000 miles apart. This is no cross-town rival, or a in-state foe. Both these schools have a national fan-base, and the winner gives bragging rights, not only to their respective states, but to the country. The Battle for the Jeweled Shillelagh, is always highly contested and never predictable.
7. Cal vs. Stanford "The Big Game", as it is called, never fails to live up to it's name. The annual match-up is a Pac-10 tradition and this particular rivalry is known to divide families. While Cal has dominated the rivalry, it has not hindered the firey dispositions between these two.
6. Alabama vs. Auburn "Roll Tide" and "War Eagle" are about the only words you here when you go through the state of Alabama when these two meet. Another In-State match-up makes this a treat for the fans, as bragging rights are on the line. If you so desire to get hit in the mouth, try saying "War Eagle" to a member of the Crimson Tide, or "Roll Tide" to a Tiger.
5. Army vs. Navy One of the most pure rivalries in sports. Army vs. Navy is arguably the best. Whenever the words "Go Army" are spoken, they are quickly followed by "Beat Navy", and vice-versa for "Go Navy, Beat Army". These two also have great respect for eachother, for they know that they will soon be fighting for us, side by side. No matter who is favored, it is always something to watch.
4. USC vs. UCLA Cross-town rivals in the battle for the Victory Bell. This rivalry divides Los Angeles in two, and no matter how favored one side is, (*cough* USC! *cough*) It is always something that fans look forward to all year.
3. Texas vs. Oklahoma "The Red River Rivalry" is a storied tradition between these two states. Both are national contenders almost every year, and the fans have quite a vulgar opinion about the other, and it doesn't look like that will ever change.
2. Ohio State vs. Michigan Arguably the biggest match-up of the year in college football. When these two go at it, it is always a close-one, and the despise of the other only grows. This rivalry is probably not one you want to get involved in too much if you are on the outside looking in.
1. BYU vs. Utah While many people don't know just how heated this rivalry is, it is often heralded as an "unhealthy" sports rivalry. Due to the fact that these are really the only two competitive Division 1-A schools, thus dividing the state in half. Either side is often persecuted, or even physically harmed. While these occasions are not celebrated, they are just some of the reasons why I rank this as the #1 rivalry in college sports.
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