Predicting the Winners of Every Major College Football Rivalry Game in 2016
The Iron Bowl. Clean, Old-Fashioned Hate. Bedlam. Every year, college football fans circle the date and clear the calendar to watch their favorite team battle its most-hated opponent.
Using Athlon Sport's list of 25 greatest rivalries as the guide, we're offering early result predictions for 2016s traditional clashes.
The list is ordered alphabetically with the away team being named first, unless the game will be at a neutral site, and only Football Bowl Subdivision tilts are included.
In some cases, the matchups that aren't occuring this year—such as West Virginia vs. Pittsburgh—are replaced by annual contests.
Alabama vs. Tennessee
1 of 25
For nine straight seasons, Alabama has topped Tennessee. Maybe, just maybe, this is the year the Vols finally snap their "Third Saturday in October" slump.
Quarterback Joshua Dobbs returns to lead a unit that includes Jalen Hurd, Alvin Kamara and Josh Malone. Derek Barnett and Kahlil McKenzie headline what should be a strong defense.
But we're not banking on the streak ending.
Nick Saban's Crimson Tide will manage to hold off a fourth-quarter charge from a Vols squad ready to win the SEC East. A strong offensive line and powerful rushing attack will be the difference for 'Bama.
Arizona State vs. Arizona
2 of 25
Change is coming to Arizona State, and it's not necessarily for the better.
Mike Norvell accepted the opportunity to become the head coach at Memphis, and quarterback Mike Bercovici exhausted his eligibility. The Sun Devils might have a tough year replacing them.
But that's excellent news for Anu Solomon and a promising Arizona squad. He battled injuries last season, and those sporadic absences resulted in a 7-6 campaign for the Wildcats.
As long as Solomon is healthy, Arizona will defend its home field.
Army vs. Navy
3 of 25
Keenan Reynolds helped Navy continue one of the program's biggest traditions: beating Army in football. He even became the school's first quarterback to finish 4-0 against its rival.
Just once in this millennium have the Black Knights upended the Midshipmen, who hold a 14-game winning streak in the series.
But next year, Army will finally remember what a triumph feels like.
While Navy relied on a massive senior class in 2015, Jeff Monken turned to the youth of the Black Knights. They managed a meager 2-10 record but had seven one-possession losses, including a 21-17 loss to the Mids.
Fight on to victory. For that's the fearless Army way.
.jpg?w=256 "Ohio State Team Doctor")
Auburn vs. Alabama
4 of 25
Auburn stuck around longer than expected last season, and Gus Malzahn's team will likely improve in 2016.
However, winning in Tuscaloosa won't be a part of that progression. Potential issues for Alabama under center will be settled, and the two-headed monster of Bo Scarbrough and Damien Harris can shoulder the load like Derrick Henry did last year.
Plus, the Tide's defense features a tremendous secondary while the Tigers lack a standout receiver. Deception will be a key for Auburn, but it won't be enough.
Alabama will defend its home field and garner a third straight Iron Bowl win.
BYU vs. Utah
5 of 25
After playing every season since 1947, the Holy War tried to take a two-year break. Bowl season wouldn't let that happen. Utah raced out to a 35-0 lead and held on down the stretch.
Once again, a regular-season tilt beckons for the rivalry.
The Utes have won five straight overall, but Travis Wilson, Devontae Booker and Britain Covey won't be available in 2016. To replace that talent by the second game is immensely difficult.
Still, Kyle Whittingham's team returns several key pieces of a strong defense—one that propelled the Utes to the bowl victory. While Taysom Hill could provide a significant impact, Utah holds a slight edge at home.
Florida vs. Florida State
6 of 25
Defense ruled the 2015 meeting, and the 27-2 final score wasn't a perfect representation of the game. Florida's defense hung on admirably until Dalvin Cook sealed a win for the Seminoles.
Unfortunately for the Gators, the offense is still another year away from competing with top-tier opponents.
That issue would be compounded if wideouts Antonio Callaway and Treon Harris are ineligible or suspended, but Florida coach Jim McElwain has remained vague about their statuses, according to Matt Baker of the Tampa Bay Times.
If the Gators manage to contain Cook and Co., they'll have a decent shot. Florida State's defense and a healthy dose of home-field advantage will be the differences, though.
Florida vs. Georgia
7 of 25
The "World's Largest Outdoor Cocktail Party" technically doesn't exist anymore, but college football fans know it's the Florida-Georgia game.
Both teams have a solid chunk of their production coming back. Georgia even has a little more on both sides, which means the Gators are going to win because this rivalry is weird.
Although Nick Chubb and Sony Michel are a dynamic one-two punch, the Bulldogs must replace a majority of the front seven. Last season, Florida was one-dimensional post-Will Grier, yet, gashed Georgia for 258 rushing yards.
The Gators would move their winning streak to three.
Florida State vs. Miami
8 of 25
Miami had two opportunities to engineer a game-winning drive against Florida State last season. The 'Canes came up short twice.
And the 'Noles will be better in 2016. Much better.
Yes, Brad Kaaya—who torched FSU for 405 yards last year—and Co. won't be pushovers. Miami has an encouraging future with Mark Richt at the helm, and the new coach's impact may be felt immediately with the Hurricanes contending for the Coastal Division crown.
However, Miami's offensive line struggled against 2015's version of the Seminoles d-line. The 2016 edition should be among the nation's best, and the 'Canes mustered 1.1 yards per carry last year.
Florida State will extend its winning streak to seven, tying an all-time series high.
Georgia Tech vs. Georgia
9 of 25
Kirby Smart will have his first shot at "Clean, Old-Fashioned Hate" as the head coach of Georgia.
Georgia Tech stumbled through a rough 2015 season, but Justin Thomas, Clinton Lynch and Marcus Marshall lead a backfield capable of rebounding. Expect better than 3-9 for the Jackets.
However, don't anticipate a win over the Bulldogs. Uncertainty overshadowed last year's meeting, and Georgia played an uninspired game. Chubb and Michel won't let that happen again.
The Bulldogs will continue their recent dominance and grab the 14th win in 16 seasons.
Kentucky vs. Louisville
10 of 25
Whichever program can develop its talent better will claim the Governor's Cup in 2016. Only one program, however, has Lamar Jackson.
Louisville continually experimented under center last year, but Jackson should control the offense next season. His dual-threat ability is difficult for any team to contain, let alone a Wildcats defense that will probably rely on blitzing.
During the 2015 matchup, Jackson scampered for 186 yards and two scores. He dug the Cardinals out of a 21-0 hole that Kyle Bolin's two interceptions created, and they won 38-24.
Make it six in a row for Louisville.
Michigan vs. Michigan State
11 of 25
"Little brother" ain't so little anymore.
Since Michigan running back Mike Hart said the now infamous phrase, Michigan State has beaten the Wolverines seven times in eight tries—including 2015's mind-boggling finish.
But it's time for big brother to reclaim his place. Michigan returns a strong majority of its talent, while much of the Spartans production is headed to the NFL.
MSU loves to play the "underdog" and "disrespect" cards, so this ought to suit the Spartans nicely anyway.
Michigan vs. Ohio State
12 of 25
"The Game" might be the most difficult rivalry to predict for 2016. We know generally what to expect from Michigan, and we know better than to doubt Urban Meyer.
College football doesn't allow ties anymore, right? Shoot.
Ohio State has taken 11 of the last 12 outings, but not since 2007 has the result been more than just pride for both teams. In all likelihood, the Big Ten East division will be at stake.
Projecting a win for Michigan could mean an undefeated season for Jim Harbaugh's club. Hype is dangerous. But this Wolverines roster is loaded.
For the first time in five years, Hail to the Victors.
Minnesota vs. Wisconsin
13 of 25
There's a literal axe at stake. The problem is that the same program keeps taking it.
Minnesota holds a slim advantage in the series with a 59-58-8 record against Wisconsin, which has rattled off 12 straight victories and secured 19 of the last 21.
Plus, the Badgers have posted six consecutive wins of 10 points or more. Is a competitive fourth quarter too much to ask?
Both teams have similar defensive outlooks since each front seven largely remains intact while the secondary will be full of new faces. Wisconsin's yearly edge on offense will again provide the difference.
Mississippi State vs. Ole Miss
14 of 25
Optimism tentatively lingers for Mississippi State. Dan Millen returns a decent roster overall but must replace Dak Prescott. Behind him, the Bulldogs weren't effective running the ball. Prescott also threw just five interceptions last year.
He's gone now. It could get ugly in Oxford.
Although Ole Miss will no longer have Laquon Treadwell, the offense should still be immensely productive with dual-threat quarterback Chad Kelly running the show.
The Rebels can record their third straight triumph over Mississippi State, which is caught in a precarious spot between the "rebuild" and "reload" stages.
Notre Dame vs. USC
15 of 25
The 2016 version of Notre Dame vs. USC should be an entertaining matchup since both offenses figure to have a slight edge over the opposing defense.
We'll take the better quarterback, despite not knowing if DeShone Kizer or Malik Zaire will be under center for the Irish. That competition will continue throughout the spring, summer and even into the fall.
Plus, the Trojans will enter the contest after completing a three-game gauntlet against Oregon, Washington and UCLA to complete their Pac-12 slate. Fatigue will be a factor.
Notre Dame head coach Brian Kelly will improve to 5-2 vs. USC—something only Frank Leahy and Lou Holtz accomplished.
Oklahoma vs. Texas
16 of 25
Charlie Strong is prepared for the Longhorns to "steamroll everyone," according to Brian Davis of the Austin American-Statesman.
Well, that's pretty bold.
One of life's greatest mysteries is how 2015 Texas upended 2015 Oklahoma. It just doesn't make sense. Nevertheless, the 2016 Sooners will atone for their jaw-dropping slip up last year.
The Longhorns are certainly trending up with Strong at the helm, but Baker Mayfield was a non-factor last season. Oklahoma will leave the Cotton Bowl celebrating a victory.
Oklahoma State vs. Oklahoma
17 of 25
Depending on previous outcomes against Baylor, Bedlam may again decide the Big 12 champion.
Oklahoma throttled its rival last season, but Mason Rudolph was injured and played just one series during the 58-23 home loss. Oklahoma State also returns more of its offensive arsenal than the Sooners.
But the combination of Samaje Perine and Joe Mixon along with Mayfield's dual-threat ability for a game in Norman will be too much for the Pokes.
The margin won't be 35 points, but Oklahoma will register its 86th victory in 111 matchups.
Oregon vs. Oregon State
18 of 25
From 1997 to 2006, Oregon and Oregon State traded victories. Even better, the hometown crowd watched its school win each contest.
Since 2008, it hasn't mattered where the game was played. The Ducks have claimed eight straight triumphs, and the streak isn't about to end.
Seth Collins, who scored three touchdowns last year, elected to transfer out of Oregon State. Playmakers will be at a premium for the Beavers in 2016, which is generally the opposite for Oregon.
Give the ball to Royce Freeman, and chalk up win No. 9.
Pittsburgh vs. Penn State
19 of 25
Class, please welcome back Pittsburgh vs. Penn State.
After squaring off every year from 1935 through 1992, conference affiliations and scheduling differences led to the demise of a classic battle. Four games occurred from 1997 and 2000, and the rivalry has been but a memory until 2016.
What an excellent time for the Panthers to extend their 16-year-old winning streak of one.
Penn State has a significant problem with that whole "offense" thing, especially now that Christian Hackenberg is gone. Conversely, Pitt coach Pat Narduzzi is a defensive genius with a strong core.
The second weekend of the season will belong to the Panthers.
Stanford vs. Cal
20 of 25
Cal had a terrific chance to snap its losing streak vs. Stanford in 2015 with Jared Goff and a respectable collection of wide receivers. The Golden Bears came up short, however.
Perhaps the upcoming regular season will show that Cal is actually prepared to replace more than 80 percent of the offense, but that's a huge number for an average power-conference team.
Although Kevin Hogan, Devon Cajuste and Austin Hooper are notable losses for the Cardinals, Christian McCaffrey is still around. He set the single-season NCAA record for all-purpose yards in 2016.
Stanford's overall record may dip, but a seventh straight win in the Big Game is highly likely.
South Carolina vs. Clemson
21 of 25
The Palmetto Bowl wasn't supposed to be close last season, but South Carolina caused a little panic for Clemson fans. Rivalry games are simply the best.
On paper, 2016's meeting is heavily slanted toward the Tigers, who return Heisman Trophy finalist Deshaun Watson and most of his favorite targets. Wayne Gallman set a school record for rushing yards last season, too.
South Carolina, on the other hand, needs a couple seasons to rebuild the SEC's worst defense from 2015. New head coach Will Muschamp will help, but he's not going to work an immediate miracle.
With a win, Clemson will seal a place in a New Year's Six bowl game, which could be a College Football Playoff semifinal.
TCU vs. Baylor
22 of 25
Neither school officially calls it a rivalry. Boring. But 111 all-time matchups later, we know TCU vs. Baylor is more than a simple conference game.
Last season, injuries and rain dampened what offense lovers hoped would be the highest-scoring battle of the year. That can only mean the final score this year will be 87-83.
Timing will also allow "The Revivalry" to have a greater influence on the Big 12 standings, because a Nov. 5 title leaves an entire month of tiebreaker madness to entertain.
Neither Seth Russell nor Jarrett Stidham were healthy for the 2015 game, and Trevone Boykin won't be around for the Horned Frogs. Advantage Baylor.
UCLA vs. USC
23 of 25
UCLA and USC fans could hardly ask for a more meaningful rivalry. During three of the last four seasons, there's been Pac-12 South implications. If not for sanctions, it would've been four of five.
More of the same is coming in 2016.
The difference, however, will be turnovers and similar mishaps. An interception, fumble and missed field goal caused a 17-point swing in favor of the Trojans during the second half.
Josh Rosen won't make the same mistakes again, and UCLA will head to the Pac-12 Championship Game.
Virginia vs. Virginia Tech
24 of 25
The Commonwealth Cup hasn't exactly been a splendid display of football lately, but Virginia Tech has managed to continue its dominance.
Since 1999, the only Virginia win came in 2003. Otherwise, the Hokies have ruled the state.
Both programs are undergoing a transition to new coaches, but Justin Fuente is in a better position to succeed than Bronco Mendenhall.
Led by running back Travon McMillian, receiver Isaiah Ford and tight end Bucky Hodges, Virginia Tech has a quietly strong offense for 2016. That strength will translate to a 13th consecutive win.
Washington vs. Washington State
25 of 25
Luke Falk didn't get a taste of the Apple Cup in 2015. Instead, he watched from the sidelines as rival Washington waltzed to a 45-10 victory.
With that in mind, don't be surprised when Falk throws 70 passes to make up for lost action.
In all seriousness, this rivalry might be the most underrated of 2016. Both legitimate top-25 teams entering the season, but Pac-12 brands like Oregon, Stanford, USC and UCLA overshadow the Huskies and Cougars.
Falk and Gabe Marks will help Wazzu snatch a home victory, clipping Budda Baker and a formidable Washington defense.
.jpg?w=480 "Ohio State Team Doctor")
