Vote on the Top College Football Rivalry 2
This is an updated and improved list of what have been known as the biggest and best rivalries in College Football. So let your voice be heard, place your vote, and leave your opinion.
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Washington VS Washington State
- Name of the Game: Apple Cup
- What’s at Stake: Apple Cup (Governor’s cup before 1962)
- Rivalry Since: 1900
- Record: Washington 64, Washington State 29, 6 Ties
The Scoop
These two teams don’t bring in the kind of publicity as most other big games but I assure you that there is hatred here. Mutual respect doesn’t go far when these teams meet as it is one fierce inner state rivalry. Don’t believe me? Just ask the fans. Even though it is a big rivalry in the state of Washington, it has pretty much been one sided and neither team has ever been considered a real threat year in and year out.
Army VS Navy
- Name of the Game: Army-Navy Game
- Rivalry Since: 1890
- Record: Army 49, NAVY 51, 7 Ties
The Scoop:
This is a big one and rightfully so. Although neither team is a powerhouse anymore, the Army-Navy game is one of the biggest stages in American sports. The series is still close although Navy has won 8 of the last 10 meetings. Still, especially during war time, this rivalry is about a lot more than just football; it is about pride, especially for the seniors. There have been many instances in the past where Cadet’s (Army) had gone to war upon graduating and did not return home. No other rivalry carries as much sentiment as this one, because most of the tribute goes out to veterans and those deployed.
Pittsburg VS West Virginia
- Name of the Game: Backyard Brawl
- Rivalry Since: 1895
- Record: Pitt 59, West Virginia 37, 3 Ties
The Scoop:
Not the most glamorous of rivalries, it still has a lot of history and a catchy nick name. This is the 14th oldest rivalry in college football and is still fierce due to the schools close proximity (They are 70 miles apart) and they often compete with each other for recruits. Pitt has mainly dominated the series but West Virginia’s team is greatly improving.
Ole Miss VS Mississippi State
- Name of the Game: Egg Bowl (or Battle for the Golden Egg)
- What’s at Stake: Golden Egg Trophy
- Rivalry Since: 1901
- Record: Ole Miss 59, Miss St. 38, 6 Ties
The Scoop:
Like any other inner-state rivalry, this one has significance; if you are from Mississippi. It deserves to make this list because there is more at stake than just the Golden Egg; it is a huge recruiting tool. Neither team in recent years has been able to really compete on a National level so this game is generally discarded. But do know that for Mississippi, this is The Game.
South Carolina VS Clemson
- Name of the Game: Battle for the Palmetto State
- Rivalry Since: 1896
- Record: Clemson 63, South Carolina 37, 4 Ties
The Scoop:
When these two teams meet it is an explosion of hate. Don’t believe me? Go to SC and find out for yourself. This is the 3rd longest uninterrupted series and approximately 40 games have been decided by a touchdown or less. In-state rivalries rarely get anymore fierce than this, as there have been several brawls between the two schools.
Oklahoma VS Oklahoma State
- Name of the Game: Bedlam Series
- What’s at Stake: Bedlam Bell
- Rivalry Since: 1900
- Record: Oklahoma 78, Oklahoma State 16, 7 Ties
The Scoop:
Even though this has been one lopsided series, still the whole state of Oklahoma watches this game. Like most in-state rivalries, Bedlam is about pride. Oklahoma State considers this more of a rivalry game than Oklahoma since OU has so many other rivals and has continually been a National powerhouse. Still, count on the OSU Cowboys to come into this game ready to fight.
Stanford VS CAL
- Name of the Game: Big Game
- What’s at Stake: Stanford Axe
- Rivalry Since: 1892
- Record: Stanford 54, Cal 44, 11 Ties
The Scoop:
In California there may be none bigger and the Big Game. Although this game is home to one of the greatest plays in College Football history, it has not been what it once was. Both teams are trying to get back on track and as of late it seems as if Cal is winning the battle. Even so, this is the 10th oldest rivalry in College Football and deserves a spot on this list, even though it really began as a Rugby rivalry.
Oregon VS Oregon State
- Name of the Game: Civil War
- Rivalry Since: 1894
- Record: Oregon 55, Oregon State 45, 10 Ties
The Scoop:
It is the 7th oldest rivalry in the nation and still one of the fiercest. This really is an all out Civil War and although these teams aren’t legendary for playing for National Titles, this game surely is. (Especially in Oregon) Since 1997, only the home team has won this game, which proves that it is still a highly competitive game.
Georgia VS Georgia Tech
- Name of the Game: Clean, Old Fashioned Hate
- What’s at Stake: Governor’s Cup
- Rivalry Since: 1893
- Record: Georgia 58, Georgia Tech 38, 5 Ties
The Scoop:
It has one of the most unique names of any rivalry in College Football. There is much hatred between these two team and the history of this rivalry has more to it than just football. Georgia to this day won’t count two of Georgia Tech’s victories in the 40’s because Georgia had lost so many players due to World War 2.
Iowa VS Iowa State
- What’s at Stake: Cy-Hawk Trophy
- Rivalry Since: 1977
- Record: Iowa 20, Iowa State 10
The Scoop:
Just because it is a young rivalry doesn’t mean that it isn’t fierce. In recent years, these teams have become more competitive with one another and even though Iowa leads the series, Iowa State has won 6 of the last 10. This game is an in-state rivalry but it also features Big-10 VS Big-12.
Auburn VS Georgia
- Name of the Game: Deep South’s Oldest Rivalry
- Rivalry Since: 1892
- Record: Auburn 53, Georgia 49, 8 Ties
The Scoop:
This game is a big one, probably not as popular as the Iron Bowl but definitely has a lot of history. This game continues to carry significance as both teams are still top-notch programs and contenders in the SEC.
Florida VS Florida State
- What’s at Stake: Governor’s Cup
- Rivalry Since: 1958
- Record: Florida 30, Florida State 19, 2 Ties
The Scoop:
This is a fairly young rivalry with no catchy name however this game does deserve to make the list. These two teams actually met in the Title Game back in 1996 (In which Florida destroyed FSU 52-20) and both programs have been very successful in the last 20 years.
Brigham Young VS Utah
- Name of the Game: Holy War
- What’s at Stake: Beehive Boot
- Rivalry Since: 1896
- Record: Utah 52, BYU 32, 4 Ties
The Scoop:
It is called the Holy War because BYU is owned by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints and Utah is a state school thus giving it the dimension of Church VS State. This rivalry is for real; both schools just flat out do not like each other, although you probably shouldn’t expect too much cursing out of BYU.
Alabama VS Auburn
- Name of the Game: Iron Bowl
- What’s at Stake: James E. Foy, V-ODK Sportsmanship Trophy
- Rivalry Since: 1893
- Record: Alabama 38, Auburn 32, 1 Tie
The Scoop:
The date on this rivalry is actually incorrect because from 1907-1948 these two teams did not play. Still, this game means a lot in Alabama and has had some memorable games, despite having the age-old history of Auburn-Georgia.
Notre Dame VS USC
- What’s at Stake: Jeweled Shillelagh
- Rivalry Since: 1926
- Record: Notre Dame 42, USC 31, 5 Ties
The Scoop:
These two teams are two of the most historic in College Football. More Heisman Trophy winners have played in this game than any other. Although they are half a country separated, they continue the tradition of playing each other and continuously have good match-ups.
Texas VS Texas A&M
- Name of the Game: Lone Star Showdown
- What’s at Stake: Lone Star Showdown Trophy
- Rivalry Since: 1894
- Record: Texas 73, Texas A&M 35, 5 Ties
The Scoop:
This has hardly been a rivalry but more of a domination by UT. Still, both teams hate each other and A&M still comes out ready to fight. The Lone Star Showdown is actually a series that involves all sports on a point basis. Texas also continues to win that as well.
Oklahoma VS Texas
- Name of the Game: Red River Shootout
- What’s at Stake: Golden Hat, Red River Rivalry Trophy and the Governor’s Cup.
- Rivalry Since: 1900
- Record: Texas 57, Oklahoma 39, 5 Ties
The Scoop:
There is plenty of history in this one. This game has been played on neutral ground in Dallas Texas, the half way point between the two schools, since 1914. Even though Texas leads the all-time series, Oklahoma has them beat in Heisman Winners (4-2), Conference Titles (40-29) and National Titles (7-4). This game is a heated rivalry and out of all the rivalries in College Football has probably the biggest effect on the National Title Picture. Four of the last six meetings has featured a participant in the National Championship Game and each team has one title during that span.
Michigan VS Ohio State
- Name of the Game: The Game
- Rivalry Since: 1897
- Record: Michigan 57, Ohio State 40, 6 Ties
The Scoop:
A football game may not get any bigger than this, hence the name “The Game”. Legendary coaches Woody Hayes and Bo Schembechler really made the series a big one back in the 60’s and the 70’s. Ever since then, these two teams bring absolute hate and each team boast huge stadiums which are sold out year after year. Last years match-up may go down as one of the best games in the history of the series, as Ohio State squeaked out a 42-39 victory over Michigan.
Tennessee VS Alabama
- Name of the Game: Third Saturday in October
- Rivalry Since: 1901
- Record: Alabama 44, Tennessee 38,7 Ties
The Scoop:
Tennessee seems to claim everyone in the SEC as a rival, none-the-less this one has major history behind it. The SEC Title has rested on the shoulders of this game many times and National Title implications a few as well. The winner of this game celebrates by smoking cigars, a tradition that was started by Bear Bryant back in the 50’s.
UCLA VS USC
- Name of the Game: UCLA-USC Rivalry
- What’s at Stake: Victory Bell
- Rivalry Since: 1929
- Record: USC 41, UCLA 28, 7 Ties
The Scoop:
No other rivalry has the stage like this one. Two teams from the same city with the campuses only 10 miles apart, these two teams truly do hate each other. Many would argue that it is not the biggest rivalry in California, but it is truly unique.
Florida VS Georgia
- Name of the Game: The World’s Largest Outdoor Cocktail Party
- Rivalry Since: 1912
- Record: Georgia 45, Florida 37, 2 Ties
The Scoop:
There aren’t many games that have the history that these two have. There is actually a Hall of Fame team for this game alone. Other than that, it’s one of the only games that is held on neutral ground, which is in Jacksonville, Florida every year.
Florida State VS Miami FL
- Florida State-Miami Rivalry (Wide Right)
- Rivalry Since: 1951
- Record: Miami 29, Florida St 21
The Scoop:
Most famous for the three wide right botched field goal attempts, this rivalry has a lot of history for such a young tradition. There has also been a wide left and a Miami Muff, which are two more mistake field goals that cost the victory for each team. Between 1983-2002, these two teams won 7 National Championships (5 for Miami and 2 for Florida State) and played for 14.
Harvard VS Yale
- Name of the Game: The Game
- Rivalry Since: 1875
- Record: Yale 65, Harvard 50, 8 Ties
The Scoop:
This is the oldest rivalry in college football. This rivalry is between two Ivy League schools who do not put a whole lot of stock in football, but in this game, they play for bragging rights. What originally started out as a rugby game, this rivalry means a ton to the students and the Alumni.
Other:
There are lots of rivalries in college football. If I failed to list the one that you believe is the best, please list it so that it will be counted in with the votes.
12 Comments
Army/Navy is the greatest rivalry, I know this because I have been to a game with my father who was once a graduate of the Naval Academy. Believe me, there isn’t a game like it in the world.
Next would be Ohio State/ Michigan and then OU/Texas
Harvard/Yale deserves an honorable mention
You are forgetting the BIGGEST rivalry ever, Ohio State and Michigan in football! I know there are a lot and you cant list all of them, but I’ve never even heard of the rivalry between WV and Pittsburgh, and I’ve lived both places.
Damn, now I look like an idiot, I didn’t see the other pages. Ridicule me and make me feel more like an idiot now, I deserver it. Nice list.
The game is Oklahoma and Texas. How many other rivalries are still on neutral ground?
As for Ohio State and Michigan, that wouldn’t even be a big rivalry if woody hayes hadn’t have been so crazy.
South Carolina VS Clemson!
My dog is named Woody Hayes.
I agree with j3r except I would word it differently; UT VS OU because UT goes first in this. They have won the last two meetings and have the all time record.
Hook em Horns!! Beat OU!!
Without a doubt Clemson Tigers vs. South Carolina Gamecocks. Tiger Fans hanging rubber chickens, Gamecock Fans strangling stuffed tigers, the brawl of 2004 (both teams were banned from the bowls because of the huge fight at Clemson Memorial Stadium). This is hands down the fiercest college football rivalry in the nation. GO TIGERS!!!
Army Navy hands down is the biggest rivalry. This game can make or break the entire season.
First off, Texas A&M was a tiny military college for about 100 years, so yes they got dominated by Texas pretty much every year, it would be like Ohio State vs. Army being a rivalry game. But since becoming a major state university with approximately equal enrollment and endowment as University of Texas in the mid 1970’s, Texas A&M actually leads the series 18-15 since 1975. Also the Lonestar Showdown which as this list states “Texas continues to win…as well” is only 4 years old, Texas leads by a whopping 3-1 (A&M winning the most recent). At least try to make up a list without imbuing your own personal biases. A&M vs. UT IS Football’s Greatest Game in Football’s Greatest State. Period. (P.S. third longest running rivalry in college football)
I think you’re forgetting the Missouri – Kansas game. It isn’t exactly the most exciting one, but it is long and has a decent amount of history behind it… deserves a mention, but still good list.
If it isn’t the SEC don’t mention it. Auburn/Bama goes first. Gators/Bulldogs go second. Everything else doesn’t even matter.