This past weekend, I had the pleasure of attending two college basketball games.
I went to the Kentucky-Tennessee game on Saturday night at Rupp Stadium in Lexington, Kentucky. The competition is fierce, reflected in the physicality on the pitch and the passion in the stands.
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Then on Sunday, I went to Columbus to watch Ohio State play Michigan. Even on the court, the Ohio State-Michigan State rivalry remains fierce.
Last weekend also saw Carolina take on Duke, a game that always delivers results and Saturday was no different. Seth Trimble’s buzzer-beating 3-pointer sparked a wild celebration in Chapel Hill. This game is as fair as any rivalry in sports.
It got me thinking, after this weekend, are Ohio State and Michigan the best rivalry in sports from a football standpoint?
This game is always one of the most anticipated of the year, especially when both teams are so good. Both programs have produced some of the most recognizable players in college football and NFL history, creating memorable classic games in the rivalry’s history.
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On top of that is the animosity between the two fan bases. The week before a game is almost as important as the game itself.
Proximity is an important component of any competition. That’s why Ohio State-Michigan is so great.
The same goes for Carolina-Duke, with the two schools only 11 miles apart. It comes in two shades of blue: two incredible programs with legendary characters that could fill both sides of the page, making for one nail-biting game after another.
Then there’s the Celtics vs. Lakers. From coast to coast, two distinct styles and lifestyles in their respective cities, and rivals of two legendary teams. The number of times these two teams have met in the NBA Finals has made this rivalry legendary.
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The Yankees-Red Sox rivalry dates back to the early 20th century. The number of games, series and moments that have shaped Major League Baseball and America makes this rivalry a part of America.
Bear Packers. Eagles-Cowboys. Steelers-Ravens. These great rivalries have shaped the history of the NFL, past and present.
There are countless competitors in the NHL, especially on the East Coast. Hockey history is filled with countless rivalries that both sides are extremely proud of.
Even in college football, there are a lot of great rivalries besides Ohio State vs. Michigan. The Iron Bowl was incredible and intense. Georgia-Florida. Oklahoma-Texas. Army-Navy. Fans of all teams are keen to watch these games.
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So, are Ohio State and Michigan State the best rivalry in all of sports?
It makes a good case. One reason is that it’s actually the top consideration for both programs. 365 days a year, both programs are thinking about winning. That tells you how serious things are.
That probably makes it the best rivalry in all of sports, certainly in college football.