The first thing that comes to mind when you think of college sports is rivalries. Many fans across the United States stick with their favorite teams when they place a bet, buy merchandise, or voice their support.
In this article, we will analyze the biggest rivalries in college football, basketball, and baseball. Keep reading until the end, as this list has some interesting matchups and statistics that you don't want to miss.
The Most Intense College Football Rivalries
There have been many intense college football rivalries in the past century, but the following three tops the list:
Michigan Vs. Ohio State
Since 1897, the rivalry between Michigan and Ohio State has been the most intense in the history of United States college football.
Whether it was the 1950 "Snow Bowl" moment, where the players faced each other off during a snowstorm, or the eight consecutive wins by Ohio State between 2012 and 2019, these two teams have been at each other's necks for over five decades!
Alabama Vs. Auburn
Considered to be the most prominent college football rivalry in the South, the Alabama and Auburn matchup has always been a source of discussion since the two teams first played in 1893.
Some of the most memorable moments between the two teams that fans have witnessed include:
- The 1989 win where Auburn crushed Alabama in its home state at Jordan-Hare Stadium.
- The 2013 moment when an Auburn player scored off a missed field goal against Alabama just as the time ran out.
- Tua Tagovailoa's record-breaking performance in 2018 that led Alabama to a 52-21 victory.
Texas Vs. Oklahoma
Dating back to 1900, the Texas vs. Oklahoma rivalry is one of the oldest in college football. Since the two states share a border, this rivalry is also referred to as the "Red River Showdown."
This sporting event takes place every year during the State Fair of Texas and is a must-watch, as the excitement level of the crowd is at an all-time high.
One of the key highlights of this rivalry is the 1976 match, often called the "Game of the Century." At the time, the number two-ranked Oklahoma lost to the underdog, Texas (ranked number five).
Notre Dame Vs. USC
The Notre Dame vs. USC rivalry is known for its fierce competition that has had a significant impact on sports across the United States.
Whether it was the 1964 moment when USC, considered the underdog at the time, chased a 17-point deficit and emerged victorious, or the 1988 marketing campaign led by Notre Dame that introduced "Catholics vs. Convicts" t-shirts, these two teams have provided numerous unforgettable moments.
The Biggest Rivalries in College Basketball
Similar to college football competitions, there have been some intense rivalries in college basketball, some of which include the following:
Duke Vs. North Carolina
The Duke vs. North Carolina rivalry is the most notorious in the history of United States college basketball, which is why it sits at the top of our list. Whenever these two teams face off, the excitement and tension in the air are palpable.
Since 1920, Duke and North Carolina have battled it out more than 200 times, leading to some of the most memorable moments in TV entertainment. These include the following:
- The 1974 game where the unranked Duke staged one of the most improbable comebacks in all of college sports.
- The 1995 game where Duke narrowed the winning gap, and Capel made a shot that fans will remember forever.
- The 2005 game where UNC fans stormed the court after Duke missed two shots, resulting in a victory for the opposing team.
Kentucky vs. Louisville
Compared to Duke vs. North Carolina, there have only been a few Kentucky vs. Louisville showdowns, but they have been intense!
Whenever these two teams compete, the match is often called the "Battle of the Bluegrass." As of 2022, there have been only 53 meetings, with Kentucky winning 66% of the time.
Indiana vs. Purdue
In Indiana, the rivalry between the Indiana Hoosiers and Purdue Boilermakers has become a staple in sporting events. With over 200 matches played against each other, Indiana vs. Purdue has often been at the center of thrilling performances in the state.
The competition is so intense that the winning percentage is almost even, with Purdue winning 51% of all the matches. We can understand how nerve-racking it can be to place your bets during this matchup.
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The Top Three College Baseball Matchups
When it comes to college sports rivalries, baseball isn't far behind, delivering intense matchups and thrilling performances.
The following are the top three college baseball matchups:
California Golden Bears Vs. Stanford Cardinal
Considered one of the most historic rivalries, the California Golden Bears and Stanford Cardinal have battled it for over a century. Most of the games between these two teams feature nail-biting moments that are not only intense but also memorable.
The California Golden Bears and Stanford Cardinal first played against each other in 1892, and the two teams have had over 350 matches. Both teams have demonstrated serious talent during these matches and achieved impressive victories.
LSU Tigers Vs. Tulane Green Wave
The LSU Tigers and Tulane Green Wave have battled it out for more than 100 years for Louisiana supremacy. Their first match occurred in 1893, and since then, they have competed against each other more than 300 times.
Both universities have funded and developed top-tier baseball programs in the state of Louisiana, leading to multiple conference championships and College World Series appearances.
Texas Longhorns Vs. Texas A&M Aggies
The state of Texas is known for many things, including its legendary cowboy culture, its large cities, its diverse landscapes, and one of the most intense college baseball rivalries in the United States.
Texas Longhorns and Texas A&M Aggies have been battling it out since 1903 and have had over 375 matches against each other. However, it's not just about sports, as the two colleges also compete in the academic field.
Final Thoughts
Although the biggest rivalries in college sports might appear as simple conflicts between players, their repercussions are far more significant. The matchups we've discussed have left an indelible mark on the country's sports landscape and the universities involved.
This illustrates that a combination of passion, hard work, and commitment lies beneath these intense rivalries. However, none of this would be achievable without the constant dedication and support from sports fans nationwide.
