Who are the top five biggest rivals in college football?
The top five biggest rivalries can be subjective and might vary depending on factors such as historical significance, proximity of schools, and the intensity of competition.
Here are five of the most widely recognized and highly contested rivalries in college football:
- Ohio State vs. Michigan (The Game): Often referred to simply as “The Game,” this rivalry between Ohio State University and the University of Michigan is one of the most iconic and fiercely contested in college football. Both programs are historically successful, and their annual meeting near the end of the regular season carries significant implications for conference championships and postseason berths.
- Alabama vs. Auburn (Iron Bowl): The Iron Bowl is the annual matchup between the University of Alabama and Auburn University. It is one of the most heated rivalries in the Southeastern Conference (SEC) and has a rich history of memorable moments and upsets.
- USC vs. Notre Dame (The Jeweled Shillelagh): The rivalry between the University of Southern California (USC) and the University of Notre Dame is one of the oldest and most storied in college football. The two schools have a history of national prominence, and their matchups have often influenced the college football landscape.
- Oklahoma vs. Texas (Red River Showdown): The Red River Showdown is an annual rivalry game between the University of Oklahoma and the University of Texas. The game takes place at the Cotton Bowl Stadium in Dallas, Texas, during the State Fair of Texas. The rivalry is marked by its intense fan bases and the importance it holds within the Big 12 Conference.
- Harvard vs. Yale (The Game): Harvard University and Yale University have one of the oldest rivalries in college football. Dating back to 1875, “The Game” is the annual meeting between these Ivy League institutions, and it carries a rich tradition and cultural significance in American sports history.
It’s essential to note that college football has numerous other significant rivalries, and the intensity and importance of these matchups can shift over time due to team performance, coaching changes, and other factors.
Fans of these schools often cherish the annual rivalry games as highlights of the college football season.
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