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Health & Fitness

The Best Rivalry In College Football

Michigan vs. Ohio State. Alabama vs. Auburn. These match-ups are taking place on November 30th, 2013 in what is sure to be an incredible day of football. 

Michigan used to dominate the rivalry. In fact, Michigan beat Ohio State 86-0 in 1902 - a huge payday for all who took the over. Ohio State than took over the rivalry, outscoring Michigan 112-0 from 1934-37. In the 1970's, OSU coach Woody Hayes hated Michigan so much, to the point where he refused to buy gas for the team bus in Ann Arbor and wouldn't even use the term "Michigan." In the '90s, Eddie George, Tom Brady, Charles Woodson, and Mike Vrabel all starred in the rivalry. The 2000s featured Troy Smith, Braylon Edwards, Ted Ginn Jr., Chad Henne, and Maurice Clarett. Clarett passes time in jail by by blogging, "The Mind of Maurice Clarett". He discusses his hatred for prison - very insightful. The rivalry is as good as it is because of the competitiveness of both programs and incredible fan bases and stadium attendance. Over the past three centuries,  Michigan leads the rivalry 58-44-6. 

Alabama and Auburn met in the first Iron Bowl on February 22nd, 1893, where Auburn edged out the Crimson Tide. The rivalry was later put on hold for 41 years and resumed in 1948. Although the rivalry has spanned three centuries, the best Iron Bowl ever occurred in 2010, where Cam Newton came back from a 24-0 deficit at halftime to win 28-24. Alabama leads the rivalry 42-34-1. It's hard to justify it being a bigger rivalry than OSU/Michigan because of a near half-century without a game, and smaller fanbases. OSU and Michigan fans are across the country, when people in the South seem to be the only ones emotionally attached to the Iron Bowl. In fact, today is the only time in history Auburn and Alabama have been ranked in the top 5 when they played each other. Michigan and Ohio State have done this 9 times. The Iron Bowl is the best rivalry in the South - not the country.

This isn't to say that the Iron Bowl isn't important. It is usually an incredible game and has featured many college football greats over the years. In fact, the winner of the Iron Bowl has won the National Championship the last four years. Maybe the biggest rivalry just depends on where you live. Perhaps the Wheaton College vs. North Central "Battle for the Little Brass Bell" is the best rivalry in college football, if you're from DuPage County. Although the debate will never come to an agreement, everyone can agree that November 30th will be a great day for college football.

Go Blue.

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