There is no better game in sport than a rivalry game. Whether close in geographic region, divisional or conference opponent, a long history, or whatever the case may be, fans tend to be most excited when playing their rival. College football is no different, in fact some would argue college football produces the most thrilling of rivalries in sports. Here is a list of the top five rivalries in college football.
Honorable Mention: Notre Dame vs. Michigan
Notre Dame and Michigan doesn't make this list because they no longer are on each other's schedules, but their long history that dates back to the 1800s surely makes them a candidate. Notre Dame and Michigan has provided football with some of the most exciting games, and fans of both teams want to see it again. Michigan head coach Jim Harbaugh is open to the idea of resuming this historic match up, and so is Notre Dame head coach Brian Kelly as he said the rivalry is "trending up," via the Rich Eisen Show. Michigan leads the series 24-17-1, and fans want to see the rivalry continue. Notre Dame and Michigan doesn't make the list right now, but if their rivalry is renewed and the programs both succeed there is no arguing their place as one of the top rivalries in college football.
5. Navy vs. Army
Army vs. Navy college football is ingrained in American History. This season will make the 116th meeting between Army and Navy and will be the 86th time the two military academies play in Philadelphia. Navy has taken decisive control of the rivalry over the past decade winning 13 games in a row. Navy is leading in the overall rivalry 59-49-7. While Navy has been dominant in the most recent seasons, Army has the history on their side. Army football was a powerhouse in the 1940s as they won three national championships in 1944,1945, and 1946. With a head coach like Earl "Red" Blaik and an assistant coach in Vince Lombardi there is no denying the history West Point Football has left on this game. Navy's triple option offense has dominated this rivalry the past couple years, but that doesn't stop it from being one of the greatest rivalries in sports if not than definitely the most patriotic.
4. Texas vs. Oklahoma
There is no way this list can exist without the Red River Rivalry between the Texas Longhorns and the Oklahoma Sooners. This rivalry dates back to 1900, and has given some of the hardest hitting college football fans have ever seen. The game is set at the historic Cotton Bowl in the middle of the State Texas Fair, and the excitement for the game can only be experienced in person. The Longhorns lead the overall series 60-44-5, but Oklahoma took the rivalry game last year with a 31-26 victory. While it seems every school in Texas wants to beat the Longhorns, their biggest rivalry still seems to be Oklahoma. What makes this rivalry so great is both teams' total dominance in college football over the years. Texas has won four National Championships, their latest coming in 2005. The Sooners have been a top program in college football for over half a century, and they edged out the Longhorns with seven National Championships. This rivalry isn't going anywhere any time soon, and fans across the country look forward to their meeting on October 10 this year.
3. Auburn vs. Alabama
Schools in close proximity always create rivalries, whether it's Arizona vs. Arizona State, Oregon vs. Oregon State, or UCLA vs. USC there seems to be an extra motivation to beat the other top program in your state or city. There is no bigger rivalry within one state then Auburn vs. Alabama. Both these schools have been dominant in college football over the past decade, and their games have provided fans with some of the greatest excitement college football can offer. Alabama leads the series 43-35-1. The Crimson Tide have been a powerhouse in football with 15 National Championships, and three since 2009. Auburn has two claimed national titles, but there most recent game in 2010. There seems to be no more heated rivalry in college football then Auburn vs. Alabama. The pride of one's former school, or the area of the state one lives in, everyone pays attention when the Iron Bowl is on. The two schools play in arguably the best conference in football, and the winner of this game every year seems to have a chance at a National Championship.
2. Notre Dame vs. USC
The Notre Dame USC rivalry dates back to 1900, and is likely the greatest long distance rivalry in all of college sports. From South Bend, Indiana to Los Angeles, California there is something great about this rivalry that sweeps up the whole nation. Irish and Trojan fans are seen throughout this country and both schools have a tremendous following. People with no relation to either USC or Notre Dame find themselves watching this game year in and year out. Notre Dame leads the series 45-36-5, but the Trojans dominated the Irish last season 49-14. The Irish have 11 claimed National Championships their latest coming in 1988, and the Trojans have the same exact amount of titles with 11 as well. Whether in California or in Indiana there is something special about this rivalry, with two completely different programs and fan bases that come together every year for a great game.
1. Ohio State vs. Michigan
Buckeyes against Wolverines is the greatest rivalry in college football. It is the equivalent of Yankees vs. Red Sox, in that it's two schools not far in distance geographically, but the whole country tunes in when it happens. People who have no interest in Ohio State or Michigan still find this to be the best rivalry in college football, and maybe in all of sports. These two programs first meet in 1897, and the Wolverines have the all-time series lead 58-46-6. While Michigan is leading in the overall series, Ohio State took a victory last year winning 42-28 before going on to win the National Championship. The Buckeyes have eight national titles their latest from last season, and they are expected to be frontrunners again this season. Michigan has 11 National Championships, but they haven't won one since 1997. Wolverines new head coach Jim Harbuagh looks to turn this program around, and if they can return to prominence it will truly show how amazing this rivalry is. Ohio State vs. Michigan is the greatest rivalry in college football, and fans all know it, as this rivalry provides a strong history and also gives the fans a feeling of what college football is all about.
