It is impossible to make a list of college football rivalries and not mention this one. These two schools are arguably the top two college football programs of all-time, with 22 national championships and 14 Heisman Trophies between them.
I acknowledge this despite me being a UCLA Bruin alumnus and supporter. Growing up watching this game on TV, it has truly had some classic moments, to be sure, like that big comeback by USC in 1974, or that Reggie Bush push in 2005 (which was cheating and should have been a penalty).
It's a real pity that it has been one-sided as of late.
CALIFORNIA - STANFORD
There's really one reason this rivalry is on this list—"The Play". That multi-lateraled run back for a touchdown that Cal did in 1982 at Berkeley, knocking down that Stanford band member in the process.
To this day, Stanford disputes the touchdown, and because of that play, John Elway, Stanford's Quarterback at that time and their greatest athlete ever, never got to play in a bowl game. And that play remains perhaps the most famous single moment in college football history.
OK, my choice for favorite rivalry will no doubt upset some people; I can hear the "Bias!" screams now. Being a former student of one of these schools, I can understand that. However, like the traditions, I honestly feel that this is my favorite rivalry, and there ARE some legitimate reasons for it.
UCLA - USC
Some rivalries are merely in the same state, like Alabama and Auburn or Texas and Texas A&M. Others are in different states several hundred miles apart, like Michigan and Ohio State or Florida and Georgia.
That means students, fans, and alums can go 364 days without having to interact with each other. That is NOT the case with this rivalry.
These two institutions, both alike in prestige and fame, are a mere ten miles from each other. TEN MILES!
Students, alums, and fans of the two schools interact with each other constantly, mostly in respectful terms, but not always. When the two schools meet, it is a Civil War for that day and the week leading up to it, much like the Montagues and the Capulets.
Los Angeles is turned into a blue-and gold/cardinal-and-gold Verona during that time.
The fact that many of the games are epic affairs only adds to the spectacle. UCLA's 48-41 double overtime win in 1996 and the 13-9 win in 2006, knocking the Trojans out of the BCS Championship game, were two of the happiest moments of my life.
I know that people will dispute this list, that their rivalry should be on it. That's perfectly understandable.
Actually, that's part of what makes college football great, the debate over who's number one, which is the best fight song, who's got the best traditions, which rivalry is the best.
The debating and disputes over this list will no doubt come, whether it is voiced among the comments or privately among the readers.
And you know what? I wouldn't have it any other way.
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