And I can already tell people are going to say, what about the Yanks-Sox, Cowboys-Redskins, Army-Navy, Auburn-'Bama, Duke-UNC etc. So any people thinking that right now, stop. You're wrong. And here's why.
Cowboys - Redskins....well, maybe if Joe Gibbs could go back and time or allow Jason Campbell to use a racecar during games this one would have a fighting shot. The 'Boys are still America's Team, but until the 'Skins get some Tanto Power, this one will stay off the radar.
Army - Navy....First, thank you to all those that have served, are serving, or plan to serve in ALL of our Nation's military. With that being said, please stop acting like the national audience cares about this game. I mean, people don't even know where the Naval Academy and West Point even are anymore! I'll save you the Google search, it's Maryland and New York respectively. Unless these teams can compete with the new powerhouses and in the top 25, it just won't have the same shine to it. And Navy, the San Diego Credit Union Poinsettia Bowl isn't helping. And no, I didn't make up that bowl name.
Auburn - 'Bama....The Iron Bowl. Let me preface this by saying I worked for a summer in Mobile Bay, Alabama so I did get a slight experience of the hype leading up to this game. Yes it is hyped in the summer, it actually is hyped about 36 hours after the game is over the previous year. This is the only game that has an argument for me against OSU-michigan in college football because the fans are crazy about it. But they have nothing else. The college teams are their true sports passion, and nationally this game will never catch on for two reasons. 1. If you aren't from the SEC you hate SEC fans because all they talk about is how hard their conference is and how bad your conference really is, no matter what the case might be. 2. People from the rest of the country just don't get the South. It is not the same as other places. It's true. Go there sometime, check it out. It's pretty wild.
Duke - UNC....Another classic college rivalry and this one ranks closer than most people think. This one always has the makings of being truly special. Perennial powerhouses, about 10 miles away from each other, passionate fans, and the hatred that fuels the best rivalries. The strength of this rivalry, Men's Basketball, is also its biggest knock for being up there with the best. This game can't end a championship run. It can't keep someone from the National Championship game. The beauty of College Basketball is the Big Dance at the end, but because it's there a loss in one of these games still gives you hope when the game is said and done.
Yankees - Red Sox....well maybe I should just put Red Sox - Yankees. Two great teams from "America's Pastime". The problem is, the sport is being left in the past for the America's Presentime, Football. Plus, in a sport that plays 14 months a year like baseball (I'm pretty sure Pitchers and Catchers are already reporting), with two teams that play against each other at least 18 times, it loses some luster to the "non-fan of one of these teams" national public. Sorry, its just the case. Plus the huge national attention given to both squads leaves a sour taste in the mouths of other fans. As a Tribe fan I knew I had to watch 3209587 hours of Sox highlights after the ALCS but couldn't I have 10 minutes of highlights to enjoy beating the Yankees? It became the Joe Torre variety hour and they lost! The national media will keep trying to beat this down the throats of all sports fans but it's one that just won't take.
OSU - michigan....So why is this one the best in all of sports? Because it has everything.
- Football has become the new American sport.
- It's played one time a year so the wait when you lose is unbearable.
- This game has decided the Big Ten Conference championship 22 times (23 on Saturday) in the last 72 years. A third of the time this game is for a title, that is remarkable.
- Perennial National Championship contenders.
- The proximity of the schools, just a few hours of a drive away.
- Fans with the utmost passion for their teams.
- Schools encased in tradition.
- Hatred for the opposing team that is as strong as your love for your own team.
- Other people throughout the country who aren't fans actually enjoy watching the game
With all of these rivalries, they all have had their glory times. And most continue to thrive and fuel their fans passion each time they roll around. And whether you agree, disagree, whatever, leave some comments and keep the debate going. It's a good debate to have...I mean, Hate michigan week only gets to come around once a year.
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