What Makes a College Football Rivalry?
College Football Rivalries Aren't Born Overnight!
College football is a sport where every week matters because of the short and compact 12 week regular season schedule. No doubt every team is giving it their all each and every week, but there are definitely some particular games where the team seems to have an extra edge. College football rivalries typically bring out the best in both schools and provide for an amazing grudge match. Here's a look at some of the characteristics that contribute to making a college football rivalry what it is.
Familiarity of TeamsThe teams that know each other well always seem to battle it out a little more than those who don't know each other well. The players often see each other during the offseason and do a little trash talking that just fires up the other team a little more for the next season. Most rivalries are within the same conference or with a team that is on the schedule year in and year out. It is difficult to create a rivalry between two teams that rarely see each other.
Geographic Proximity
Very often the two teams that have a heated rivalry game each year are very close to each other in geographic proximity. The fans of these teams often live close to each other and develop a hatred for the other team and the stadium of the home team becomes a dangerous place for the visiting team's fans.
Tight Battles Over the Years
A good college football rivalry is often built on the fact that the games between the two teams quickly become an instant classic because of how closely contested the game is. If the rivalry becomes too one sided it certainly takes away from the overall appeal of the game. The history of a great rivalry generally includes a slew of high quality football games that leave the fans wanting more.
Animosity and HatredIt may sound bad to say, but a true feeling of animosity for the other side really fuels the fire of a college football rivalry. Nothing can make a player or coach more determined to win than a genuine hatred for the other team. While they may respect each other, when push comes to shove they can't stand the other school.
What Are Some of the Best College Football Rivalries?
- Ohio State vs. Michigan -Michigan leads the overall season by a decent margin, but the Buckeyes have won seven of the last eight meetings between these two rivals. This game generally has an important meaning in the national picture as well.
- Army vs. Navy -Navy leads the overall season by a razor thin margin of 52 to 49. These two schools don't always have the best record, but when this rivalry hits a whole new level of play is evident.
- Alabama vs. Auburn -These two teams absolutely hate each other with a passion. Alabama leads the overall series 38 games to 33.
College Football Rivalries
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