Readers Respond: Your Opinion: Name the Best Rivalry in College Football

But even great rivalries lose their luster when one team becomes too dominant. Recently, I ranked the Top 10 Best Rivalries in College Football for 2009, based both on historical importance and current relevance.

Now, I want to hear your opinions. So tell me: What's the best rivalry in college football today? Ohio State-Michigan? The Red River Rivalry? The Backyard Brawl? Give your take here. Give Your Take!

UM vs OSU

How can anyone argue this? The largest crowd in all of college football is Mich/OSU. it does not matter who is hosting the game.

—Guest thonati

the paul bunyan axe

The Paul Bunyan axe rivalry than any of those rivalrys. most of those rivalrys are too one-sided.

—Guest austin

THIS IS INSANE!!! LOOK AT THE #'s

Before you go spouting your favorite teams, check out some stats. MAIMI - FSU is the GREATEST rivalry period. Since 1980, the average score for a MIAMI - FSU game is 24-22, that is unheard of. Also, Between 1983 and 2002, the Hurricanes and Seminoles combined to win 7 national championships and play in a whopping 14 national championship games. And Lastly, the TV ratings say it all, no other rivalry comes close in TV ratings. The 2006 game between Miami and FSU was the most-viewed college football game, regular season or bowl, in the history of ESPN, averaging 6,330,000 million households in viewership (6.9 rating). It was also the second-highest rated game in ESPN history, behind only the 1994 game between Miami and FSU, which notched a 7.7 rating Not sure why the MIAMI - FSU rivalry gets left out but the numbers are pretty ridiculous. THe Games are ALWAYS close and there is a legitimate hatred between the two schools.

—Guest Guest

The Big Game

Let's not forget about Cal vs. Stanford, the rivalry that produced 'The Play' in 1986, the best comeback win ever. These two schools are also huge academic rivals in the SF Bay Area, both having produced dozens of Nobel Laureates. These might not be the biggest programs and it's been a long time since either won a National Championship, but it is a very healthy rivalry, and no matter how good or bad each school's program is doing, both step up to fight for The Axe.

—Guest Mr. Dave

The Land Grant Bowl

What about Penn State v. Michigan State for the Land Grant Bowl? That's a truly incredible game!

—Guest NittanyLionLover

BEST Rivalry

how about usc and ucla now that is what I call Rivalry

—Guest william Reynoso

College Football's Greatest Rivalry

Oh, please .... the greatest rivalry? Whomever Tennessee is playing on Saturday. Go Vols! :D (with particular heat arising from U.T. - 'Bama and U.T.-Vandy encounters, of course). Kari (who personally witnessed Tennessee's historic, final quarter toppling of Bear Bryant's unbeaten streak).

—Guest Kari Diehl

What about fla state

miami and fla state is the hardest hitting rivalry in the game. always a good match up. go noles

—Guest Taylor

My Top 5

1. Texas VS Oklahoma 2. Ohio State VS Michigan 3. USC VS Notre Dame 4. Army VS Navy 5. Washington VS Oregon ...but it is all subjective.

—Guest Adam

Not so "known"

Ole Miss- LSU...it isn't really a big time rivalry I suppose but if you ask anybody in either state who they would pick if they could only win 1 game, they would pick this one. This past season it was re-named the Magnolia Bowl, which should add to the luster and bitterness since their is actually a trophy at stake. These are two huge party schools, so the weekend always involves alot of heaving partying which of course adds to the hatred. I'll say in 6 years this will be one of the top 10-15 in the country.

—Guest rebel fan

mcoy

what about uf v. fsu? at any given time, fsu can take out uf. plus, it's a great instate rivalry.

—Guest mcoy

And...

What about ND vs. USC, in recent years there hasn't been much luster (besides 05) but this is their comeback year.

—Guest Footballfan

And...

What about ND vs. USC, in recent years there hasn't been much luster (besides 05) but this is their comeback year.

—Guest Footballfan

best rivalry

oregon vs oregon state look why would the call it the cival war that got to be the best name for a rivalry hands down as the best rivary of now and forever

—Guest phillip

You forgot....

How about Minnesota-Wisconsin and Stanford-Cal. They have more pizzazz and appeal than half the games you mentioned.

—ejhahn

What about the holy war?

BYU vs. Utah is THE greatest rivalry in college football. You should se the swagger in that game 2006: John Beck to Jonny Harline in the end zone, BYU 33 Utah 31 2007: 4th and 18 Max Hall to Austin Collie, BYU 17 Utah 10 2008: Utah goes undefeated Utah: 48 BYU: 24

—Guest #1 BYU fan

My Top 5 Greatest Rivalries

I SWEAR I'm not biased. 1) Alabama-Auburn. There's nothing else like it. The entire state shuts down the day of the game. Literally. 2) Alabama-LSU. Thanks to Saban, this one's going to be for years to come the game that decides the SEC west champ. 3) Alabama-Tennessee. Ok, maybe there's a little bias here. I was in attendance for 'Bama's A-Day this past year. One genius thought it would be a great idea to dress in all Tennessee orange. Bad idea. He walked into the stadium, was shown on the video screens, and was immediately Booed by the ENTIRE stadium. Think there's hate there? 4) Ohio State- Michigan. 5) Alabama-Florida. I know it's not an official rivalry, but if you ask any number of 'Bama fans, they would LOVE to see us stomp the Gators once and for all. This is going to be the SEC Championship matchup for the next decade. Mark your calendars.

—Guest Haagen-Dazs