The History Behind College Football Rivalries
College football has a rich and storied history that dates back to the late 1800s. The first intercollegiate football game was played in 1869 between Rutgers and Princeton, and the sport quickly gained popularity on college campuses across the United States. As the sport grew in popularity, so too did the number of rivalries between schools.
Some of the earliest college football rivalries were between Ivy League schools, with Harvard and Yale facing off annually in what is now known as "The Game." Other early rivalries included Michigan vs. Notre Dame, Army vs. Navy, and Texas vs. Texas A&M.
As college football grew in popularity, so too did the intensity of these rivalries. Fans began to take the games more seriously, and players and coaches became more invested in winning these matchups. Today, college football rivalries are some of the most highly anticipated events on the sports calendar, with fans and players alike counting down the days until kickoff.
Top 10 Iconic College Football Rivalries
1.
The Iron Bowl: Alabama vs. Auburn Perhaps the most heated rivalry in all of college football, the Iron Bowl features two of the most successful programs in the sport's history. Alabama and Auburn have been playing each other since 1893, and the intensity of this matchup has only grown over the years. The game is played annually on the last Saturday in November, and the entire state of Alabama comes to a standstill as fans gear up for one of the most highly anticipated games of the year.
2.
The Red River Showdown: Texas vs. Oklahoma The Red River Showdown is one of the most iconic college football rivalries in the country. Dating back to 1900, this matchup features two of the most storied programs in college football history. The game is played annually at the Cotton Bowl in Dallas, Texas, and is known for its intense atmosphere and close finishes.
3.
The Michigan vs. Ohio State Rivalry The Michigan-Ohio State rivalry is one of the most historic and intense rivalries in all of sports. Dating back to 1897, this matchup features two of the most successful programs in college football history. The game is played annually on the last Saturday in November, and is known for its intense atmosphere and close finishes.
4.
The Army-Navy Game The Army-Navy game is one of the most storied and historic matchups in college football history. Dating back to 1890, this game features two of the most prestigious military academies in the country. The game is played annually on the second Saturday in December, and is known for its intense atmosphere and patriotic traditions.
5.
The Egg Bowl: Mississippi State vs. Ole Miss The Egg Bowl is one of the most heated and intense rivalries in all of college football. Dating back to 1901, this matchup features two of the most passionate fan bases in the country. The game is played annually on Thanksgiving Day, and is known for its intense atmosphere and close finishes.
6.
The Florida vs. Florida State Rivalry The Florida-Florida State rivalry is one of the most intense and storied rivalries in the country. Dating back to 1958, this matchup features two of the most successful programs in college football history. The game is played annually in late November, and is known for its intense atmosphere and close finishes.
7.
The USC vs. UCLA Rivalry The USC-UCLA rivalry is one of the most intense and historic rivalries in college football. Dating back to 1929, this matchup features two of the most successful programs on the West Coast. The game is played annually in late November, and is known for its intense atmosphere and close finishes.
8.
The Georgia vs. Georgia Tech Rivalry The Georgia-Georgia Tech rivalry is one of the oldest and most intense rivalries in college football. Dating back to 1893, this matchup features two of the most successful programs in the Southeast. The game is played annually on the last Saturday in November, and is known for its intense atmosphere and close finishes.
9.
The Notre Dame vs. USC Rivalry The Notre Dame-USC rivalry is one of the most storied and historic rivalries in college football history. Dating back to 1926, this matchup features two of the most successful programs in the country. The game is played annually in late November, and is known for its intense atmosphere and close finishes.
10.
The Harvard vs. Yale Rivalry The Harvard-Yale rivalry is one of the oldest and most storied rivalries in all of college football. Dating back to 1875, this matchup features two of the most prestigious Ivy League schools in the country. The game is played annually in late November, and is known for its intense atmosphere and close finishes.
Other Notable College Football Rivalries
While the rivalries listed above are some of the most iconic in college football history, there are many other matchups that have played a significant role in shaping the sport over the years. Some of the other notable rivalries include:
- The Oregon vs. Oregon State rivalry
- The Clemson vs. South Carolina rivalry
- The Texas A&M vs. LSU rivalry
- The Nebraska vs. Oklahoma rivalry
- The Penn State vs. Michigan State rivalry
Each of these rivalries has its own unique history and traditions, and has played a significant role in shaping the landscape of college football.
The Impact of College Football Rivalries on the Sport
College football rivalries have played a significant role in shaping the sport over the years. These matchups have helped to create some of the most iconic moments in college football history, from the "Kick Six" in the Iron Bowl to the "Game of the Century" between Michigan and Ohio State.
Beyond the on-field impact, college football rivalries have also had a significant impact on the culture of the sport. These matchups have helped to create some of the most passionate and dedicated fan bases in all of sports, and have helped to foster a sense of community and tradition among college football fans.
In many ways, college football rivalries are what make the sport so special. These matchups bring out the best in players and coaches alike, and have helped to create some of the most iconic moments in sports history. Whether it's the intensity of the Iron Bowl or the history of the Army-Navy game, college football rivalries will continue to captivate fans and define the sport for generations to come.
