College Football’s biggest rivalry: who has it?

Almost every major Division I football team has a major rival that they play every season, usually right around Thanksgiving time. But over the years which rivalry is really the most intense of all? Here are some stories that may help you decide.

One of my favorites is Alabama versus Auburn, not only a great rivalry but an SEC football classic. Some say that this is “without a doubt” the best rivalry in college football. Neighbors have been known to burn the score into each others yards. Fans have changed phone numbers because of the relentless calls from the victor after the game. Families have had fist fights over this one.

Ohio State and Michigan. Since 1913, these two football teams have combined for all or part of 70 Big Ten titles and have finished 1-2 in the standings 15 times since 1968. So no doubt it is a competition between two great football programs. It is also an intense rivalry. Ohio State refused to cancel the 1950 game even though it would be played in the midst of one of the worst blizzards in state records. And canceling the game would have guaranteed the Buckeyes a trip to the Rose Bowl. But they wanted to play.

Georgia vs Georgia Tech. Nicknamed “Good Ole Fashioned Hate”, this rivalry seems to have cooled off some compared to others that are mentioned here. Don’t ask the players about that, they still seem to go at it with full intensity on the football field. But the fans don’t seem to care as much any more about this one.

Florida vs Florida State. May be one of the younger rivalries, but still very intense. Cars have been destroyed and fans run out of the opponents town for showing up alone decorated with team colors and markers. During the 1990’s these two were arguably the two best college football programs in the country.

Ok, I could go on and on. I am not trying to name each big rivalry in college football today. I would not have enough room and would still leave someone out. But I am looking for all of you football fans to give my your comments on which game YOU think is the best rivalry in college football today.

Let’s hear it!