Okay so after watching the Miami-Florida State game this year, it got me thinking what are the best rivalries in college football. Surprisingly, the more research I did, the more I realized things might be on the verge of changing dramatically.

Miami-Florida State I don’t think there has been a rivalry with as many close games in recent years. The last 9 games between the two schools have been decided by 10 points or less. A good majority of those have been by less than 5 points too. Easily the best rivalry so far in the 21st Century.

Michigan-Ohio State This was the best rivalry of the 20th Century. I don’t think anyone would question that. Up until last year I would say it was still the best. When Lloyd Carr retired things seem to have fallen apart for Michigan, but who knows that could change in a hurry. For now its safe to say this rivalry in terms of good games has cooled at least temporarily.

Colorado-Colorado State Most wouldn’t put this on the list at all, but in terms of good games this rivalry hasn’t failed much. Only two games this decade have been decided by more than 7 points. Its extremely enjoyable to see two teams in the Rocky Mountains play each other. The game this past weekend was certainly one of the better games to watch, much to my surprise.

Texas-Oklahoma I think most fans know about the Red River Rivalry or Red River Shootout by now, but this could be the rivalry of the 21st Century. OU had its way early this decade, but UT has come back with a force of its own. This game has a lot more on the line than most.This game often determines the Big 12 Championship, or at the very least who wins the Southern division. There are long periods where one school dominated the other in this old rivalry, but that’s because one team was usually far better. These two teams have been pretty close to even in recent years, and they show no sign of going away.

Georgia-Tennessee I don’t have any numbers for this rivalry, but I remember it being huge when I lived in Atlanta. Tennessee was one of the best schools in the country in the 1990s, and they still boast a good program. Georgia has continually been one of the best schools this decade. This rivalry hast the potential to become big over time.

USC-Notre Dame Well this one may have been another big rivalry in the past, but it doesn’t have the same energy now. Notre Dame just hasn’t had good football teams, and USC puts out a dominating product on the field like every year. Notre Dame hasn’t even had a chance as far as I’m concerned.

Army-Navy Leave it to the armed forces to create a big rivalry on its own. This is one game I almost always watch just to watch the military get involved in a game. Its always full of energy no matter how good either school is each year. I just wish Army could have the success Navy has had this year in putting together teams. Navy has clearly dominated the series in recent years.

Oklahoma-Oklahoma State This game could be a big one in future years, more so than it is already. Oklahoma State has shown it can beat OU with some good teams in recent years, but it might forever be stuck in the shadow of one of the nation’s best teams.

Auburn-Alabama With the exception of last year, this game has been one of the fiercest rivalries in football. This series has also had close games, but I just don’t feel the energy from either school since neither school has won a National Championship recently. It’s probably another rivalry of the past.

Oregon-Oregon State This rivalry has actually been one under the radar, but is definitely worth watching. Both these teams have been ranked at various times and are on fairly even playing levels. There’s loads of bragging rights on the line in this rivalry.

TCU-BYU This game has potential to be one of the biggest rivalries in college football if both teams stay in the same conference. TCU has the better teams the majority of the years, but BYU could be on the verge of being close to some good
competition. I don’t agree with their #9 ranking in this week’s poll because I think TCU beats them later this season. In the end, these two teams might help bring down the BCS.

I’m sure there’s more, but these are just some of the games I enjoy watching the most and my thoughts.