Other Rivalries

Many collegiate football fans outside the state of Utah might not be aware of how intense the rivalry is between the Cougs and the team up north. Some may see it as church versus state. Former ESPN College Football Analyst Bill Curry sometime ago mentioned of our particular rivalry "I think people from the south and from the midwest ought to see this. This is big-time football rivalry". With the focus this week on perhaps the state's biggest game of the year with possible BCS implications it would be interesting to see where it stands among others found around the nation. Did a little bit of internet digging and found quite a few. As follows...

Florida/Georgia-Often referred to as the world's largest cocktail party (no I haven't "participated"). Apparently tailgating begins the week before and is held at a neutral location.
Ohio State/Michigan-Began way back in 1896. Between the two schools there are 18 national championships and 10 Heisman's. Most games have determined the Big 10 conference title. In fact many have influenced the outcome of the national championship game itself. Was ranked back in 2000 by ESPN as the greatest in American sports rivalry.
Oklahoma/Texas-Known as the Red River shootout. Played on a neutral field exactly halfway between the two. You know its big when even the two state's governers have bet on the game.
Alabama/Auburn-The "Iron Bowl" began in 1893 and wasn't played from 1907 through 1948 since they couldn't even decide which ref's to use.
Army/Navy-Simply known as the Commander In Chief Trophy. What a great rivalry where they don't play for a NFL contract but for country.
Lafayette/Lehigh-This one's so old it predates football trophies. The winning team gets the gameball painted with the score.
Minnesota/Wisconsin-Played for the instrument of forest destruction known as "Paul Bunyon's Axe". It is also the oldest rivalry in NCAA Div IA.
Harvard/Yale-The 3rd most played rivalry. It was also one of the 1st collegiate football matchups.
California/Stanford-This produced "the play" back in 1982 using 5 laterals and took out a completely stunned cardinal trombone player.
USC/Notre Dame-Played for "The Jeweled Shilelagh" a Gaelic warclub from Ireland made from oak. It has a ruby for USC or emerald for Notre Dame placed on it.

...unfortunately there have likely been countless numbers of rivalries that will have been left out. So where do you think this one stands? Would love to hear!

BLUE And red Leatherheads

Way back when in 1922 (October 14th to be precise) was the first rivalry contest between the two schools. At least by knowledgable sources. The heathen school up north believes it all began back in 1896 when BYU was still an academy. It's just one of many things that both identities can't seem to agree on. Much like Michigan or Ohio State. Possibly Ali Frazier. How bout the Sox and the Yankees? Maybe Bird and Magic. Or even from the links Palmer and Nicklaus. Former ESPN College Football Analyst Bill Curry has mentioned of our particular rivalry "I think people from the south and from the midwest ought to see this. This is big-time football rivalry". In the last 10 matchups (excluding the 2004 smackdown) the combined AVERAGE margin of victory is only 4.4 points. Will it be another nailbiter? The series always seems to provide some of the most memorable matchups. Last season "Magic Happened". In 2006 it was the "Answered Prayer". Back in 2003 the duel would be remembered vividly as "The Snow Bowl". Reaching back into 2001 there was Staley's sideline run. There was also something special in 2000 for "Lavell's Last Hurrah". Fans even remember the "Kaneshiro Doink" heard round the world (well at least in the state). Regardless of what side you are on at least one thing that could be agreed on is that it sure will be fun to watch. And yes you better wear BLUE (facepaint and leatherhead optional).