NCAAF Rivalries: The Biggest Rivalries In College Football
Saturdays and sometimes weekdays come with a lot of excitement from college football teams. As the different teams go head-to-head against each other, they battle to win a match, qualify for a league, or win the championship. This isn’t only fun but helps boost the oneness and sportsmanship spirit within the different communities. It also brings various opportunities as college football, and NCAAF odds are among the best for sports fans.
Various university teams prepare head-to-head to knock each other out in tournament matches and ascend to the most important game of the season — the finals. You’d love to know the season’s most heated and well-hyped events. It’s also noteworthy that some of these rivalries have been on for over 100 years and don’t seem to end anytime soon.
We have outlined the top eight American football college rivalries that fans should look out for. Let’s get to them!
1. Army vs. Navy
The first on our list is none other than the Army-Navy bout that has lasted since 1890. Remarkably, it’s very easy to join in the sensation of sportsmanship, as both the Army Black Knights and the Midshipmen carry the battle spirit to the next level. The savage rivalry between the USMA (the United States Military Academy) and the USNA (The United States Naval Academy) on the football field is something to look out for.
The Navy-Midshipmen football club, currently leads with an outstanding 60-52-7 series record. Also, even though the Army-Black Knights had lost 14 concurrent championships between 2002 and 2015, they’ve won the past 5 bouts. In addition, the Black Knights bagged a 15-0 win in 2020.
Moreover, whether the Army, Navy, or Air Force wins on a particular matchday, the United States of America still wins the game at the end of the day.
2. Ohio State vs. Michigan
Some college football rivalries are more heated than we understand, and one of such is the Michigan-Ohio State field battle. It is known as America’s most consistent university football rivalry. The two clubs from the midwestern U.S. have been battling for over 125 years since 1897.
The Buckeyes and Wolverines play against each other yearly at “The Game” under silver-grey skies and with some snow droplets; that’s a match you should look out for. Last year, the Wolverines ascended to victory, winning a 59-51-6 series record-breaker.
Interestingly, “The Game” holds at the biggest stadium in all of North America — Ann Arbor, where millions of American Football lovers gather to see the two Powerhouses jostle for supremacy. Yet, the stadium never contains a massive crowd every time.
3. Harvard vs. Yale
The two of America’s oldest and most recognized colleges aren’t left out of the head-to-head football series feuds. Harvard and Yale are renowned rivals, usually competing in the Ivy League Tournament. The two teams have battled each year since their first match in 1875 —placing them among the league of America’s oldest football rivalries.
Currently, The Yale Bulldogs are leading with a 69-61-8 record. The Ivies is the largest match of the season, as they don’t participate in the after-season tournaments.
4. California vs. Stanford
Two of the most recognized colleges also host the state’s longest and most savage rivalries in the battle for football championship victories. Here, we have the University of California and Stanford going public against private in a fierce game for the top.
In a quest to defeat each other, these two have been in a duel since 1892, making the Big Game the oldest university rivalry in California. While they both tussle for the championship year after year, the Stanford college football team holds the upper hand with a record of 65-48-11.
Notably, the preparations of the renowned Big Game follow with a party on the campuses of both schools, where there are contests in other sports such as polo matches and a regatta, plays, and bonfires.
5. Miami vs. Florida State
The rivalry between Miami and Florida State University is also another noteworthy match. Although their rivalries have eased a bit, this was the case in the 90s, as both teams stood in their most savage forms. The Hurricanes-Seminoles feud isn’t as old as the previous universities, but it has the energy to ramp things up for you.
The Seminole held a seven-year consecutive winning streak from 2010 to 2016 before the Hurricanes got back the championship and retained it for four years. Florida State's University holds the title after beating the Miami club to a 31-28 victory.
6. Alabama vs. Auburn
Also called the “Iron Bowl,” the University of Alabama-Auburn University rivalry has lasted since 1893. The two U.S. South powerhouses go head-to-head each year for much more than just bragging rights — they both love the taste of victory against each other.
Amazingly, their feud transcends the heights of the NCAAF and shows the height to which sports lovers will go to profess their love for their favorite teams. Since the inception of their game in 1893, both college football clubs have clashed 85 times, with the Alabama Crimson Tide leading their rivals by 48-37-1. Nonetheless, the Auburn Tigers have put up some of the most dreaded fights against the Alabamans and gained many significant victories.
7. Oklahoma vs. Texas
We can’t lose sight of the Red River Showdown when discussing fierce Western College Football rivalries. Both the Texas and Oklahoma university clubs have contacted the SEC about having access to join the conference later on. They first went head-to-head in 1900 and have been strong contenders.
Since 2000, the two teams have had 22 matchups, with the Sooners claiming 15 victories of that on-field energetic ball-tussles. They’re still the series winners, holding a 55-48 victory against the Texas Longhorns.
8. Florida vs. Georgia
The game is recognized as the “World’s Largest Outdoor Cocktail Party,” a funny but iconic nickname in the world of American football. Here is another dreaded rivalry between college teams, which has been on since the 1900s.
The Florida Agricultural College once lost to the Georgia Bulldogs in a 52-0 game in 1904. Furthermore, that was the most fruitless season for the Florida Agricultural College as they conceded about 225 points while scoring none. The following year the University of Florida emerged as a conglomerate of the Florida Agricultural College and three other colleges.
Until now, both teams constantly battled for the series winner, and the Bulldogs are leading the University of Florida Gators with a 34-7 victory.
Conclusion
College football rivalry helps boost competitiveness and keeps the soul of youthfulness alive within students, staff, and their communities.
With each season bringing something worth looking out for, anyone can bet their banks on having the best experience. As stated, some of these games had been in existence before American football was even established, and that’s something worth reckoning.
