CFB: Top-5 Rivalry Games of All-Time
One of the unique features of college football are rivalries. These games are typically played every year for bragging rights and often time, conference standing. The pure hatred for the opposing team for many, starts at a very young age. The great fall games mean so much to an often, divided household considering the proximity of the opposing teams. Whether you're "War Eagle" or "Roll Tide," one thing we can agree on is that, rivalries are an absolute beautiful experience for all fans. Here, the top-5 college football rivalry games will be ranked.
5. Florida vs. Florida State - Started in 1958 and nicknamed "The Sunshine Showdown," Florida and Florida State have dueled it out in the Peninsula of Florida for decades, playing on the final day of the season. The battle for the Florida Trophy has been led by Florida 34-25-2. The most notable game was nicknamed "The Choke At The Doak" when both 9-1, top-10 teams met in 1991. Florida jumped out to a 31-3 lead heading into the 4th quarter before FSU tied it at 31 which would ultimately be the final score, as a tie.
4. Oklahoma vs. Texas - Played in the middle of the season and started in 1900 and nicknamed "The Red River Showdown," Oklahoma and Texas have played in a neutral site at the Cotton Bowl since 1932. The Longhorns lead the series 61-45-5. The most notable game for the Golden Hat came in 2008, with a 45-35 No. 5 Texas win over No. 1 Oklahoma, including two Colt McCoy touchdowns in the final eight minutes. It was the most attended game in the rivalry's history with 92,182 fans in the crowd.
3. Army vs. Navy - Started in 1890 and played on the last game of the season, Navy leads this storied rivalry 60-50-7, having just come off a 14-game winning streak over Army. The game is often attended by the sitting U.S. President. The most notable game came in 1963 when Jaqueline Kennedy urged the game to go on after the assassination of her beloved husband John. They played in front of 102,000 in a stadium that would later be named John F. Kennedy stadium and it came on the 22-year anniversary of Pearl Harbor. With Army's odds running out against eventual Heisman winner, Roger Staubauch, Army scored a touchdown and recovered the onside kick, marching down to the two were they would be stopped - giving eventual national champion Navy, the win.
2. Alabama vs. Auburn - Nicknamed "The Iron Bowl" with the first game coming in 1893, Alabama leads the series of Auburn 45-35-1. Played on the very last game of the season, this game has especially meant a great deal recently as it has decided many championships births. The most notable game came in 2013 when the winner was almost guaranteed a spot in the BCS National Championship. The game featured a 99-yard touchdown from the one and a late Auburn touchdown to tie on an option pass. Ultimately with one second left, Alabama attempted a 57-yard field goal which was returned by Chris Davis Jr. for a touchdown with no time left, giving the nickname "The Kick Six."
1. Michigan vs. Ohio State - Played on the last day of the season and started in 1897, Michigan has led the series of "The Game" 58-48-6. It has featured a "Ten Year War," which was between legendary coaches Bo Schembechler and Woody Hayes. It started in 1969 and lasted until 1979 with Schembechler winning the battle 5-4-1. The most notable game came in 2006 just one day after Schembechler passed away. It was the first time the teams were ranked No. 1 and No. 2 and it was the first night game of the series. With the winner going to the national championship and the loser going the the Rose Bowl, eventual Heisman winner Troy Smith led the Buckeyes to a 42-39 win over Heisman finalist Mike Hart and the Wolverines. After the huge win at the Horseshoe, Ohio State would lose the national title to Florida and Michigan would lose the Rose Bowl to USC.
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