College Football Rivalry Games: Michigan, UCLA, Michigan State, USC
The Greatest Team to Fear: The “Home Underdog Rival”
When the schedule is first published, no matter what the sport, the first game that gets circled is the rivalry game. Some of the greatest rivalries have been documented by ESPN in their “10 Greatest Rivalries” list. But there are some rivalries that sneak in under the radar; the one that doesn’t get the same press as the Red Sox-Yankees or Giants-Dodgers rivalries; were talking about the rivalry that means more to one team than the other. That is the team to look out for.
In the state of Michigan for example, you have the Spartans of Michigan State and the Wolverines of Michigan. These two schools are only 60 miles apart, yet when it comes to the gridiron, this rivalry means more to the Spartans than the Wolverines. If you were to ask any Michigan player, current or alumni, who their biggest rival is, they would tell you the Ohio State Buckeyes. Beating State was and is just a formality for Michigan; something that they are expected to do. When the Spartans beat Michigan that victory is their National Championship. Think back to 2001 in the infamous “Miracle in Michigan” game at Spartan Stadium. This game was one of the most exciting (and controversial) games in college football history. Michigan entered that game at 6-0 while State was just 3-2. While the game was closely-played throughout, it is the game’s conclusion that is most remembered. On fourth-and-goal, with one second remaining in the fourth quarter, Michigan State quarterback Jeff Smoker threw a touchdown pass to running back T. J. Duckett as time expired to win 26-24.
Last December, USC found themselves one win away from another trip to the National Championship game. Standing in their way; the UCLA Bruins. In a season that UCLA wanted to forget, they had a chance to cost their cross-town rival a shot at a national championship. This game was being played at the Rose Bowl. Southern California entered that game a big favorite, but that didn’t matter. UCLA played their best game of the season en route to a 13-9 win, shutting USC out in the 2nd half and shattering the dreams of every Trojan fan out there.
Just a few weeks ago, we had arguably the biggest regular season game in NFL history with unbeaten New England traveling to unbeaten Indianapolis. This game is simply the best rivalry in the NFL today due to the success of both teams. The books made the Pats a 5-point favorite. A slap in the face to the defending Super Bowl champs. With under 8 minutes to go, the Colts had a 10 point lead only to give up 14 points to eventually lose by 4. The key though is that the Colts covered the spread!
When looking at a game that is considered a “rivalry” game, just remember that the standings and current record sometimes don’t mean a thing at all
Courtesy of Madmen Sports Picks, November 13th, 2007
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