College Football 2011: Predicting the Winner of the Top 25 Rivalries
As college football fans, we live for the rivalries. We mark down the day we play against the team we hate the most. It's the one Saturday of the year we look forward to the most.
Often times, our teams biggest rivalry games can make or break the season. From the big schools to the small schools, rivalries are a huge part of college football. We love them so much we plan the entire season around just one game.
So which teams will take the cake in this year's biggest rivalries? Here are my predictions for who will come out on top.
25. Washington vs Washington State
1 of 25
The 2011 Apple Cup won't be that exciting to watch. Neither team is going to be that great this season.
Washington must replace Jake Locker and will have a tough time doing so. Washington State should improve from a 2-10 record, but not by much. Cougars quarterback Jeff Tuel will be back as well as 1,000 yard receiver Marquess Wilson.
The Huskies own the series record 66-31-6.
Winner: Washington State
24. Oregon vs Oregon State
2 of 25
Oregon owns the series record 58-46-10, including the last three. A game known as the Civil War is always fun to watch.
Oregon is clearly the better team, having been one game away from winning the National Championship. The Ducks return with quarterback Darron Thomas and running back LaMichael James.
Oregon State will have a tough time replacing leading rusher Jacquizz Rodgers.
Winner: Oregon
23. Clemson vs South Carolina
3 of 25
Clemson was blown out by South Carolina last year, and could face the same feat in 2011. The Tigers are bringing in a strong recruiting class that should upgrade their defense. But will it be enough to stop the Gamecocks?
Clemson leads the series 65-39-4, but the Gamecocks are a much better team right now.
Stephen Garcia should beat out Connor Shaw for the starting quarterback role, and we know Marcus Lattimore is an excellent back.
Winner: South Carolina
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22. Kansas vs Missouri
4 of 25
The Border War is one of the oldest rivalries in all of college football. The name was changed to the Border Showdown, but nobody really sticks to that. It's too difficult to change the name of such a storied rivalry.
It's a very heated battle, and both teams debate on the series record. Missouri leads the series 56-54-9, but Kansas believes it's a tie right now.
The Tigers will have a setback in 2011 as they will have to replace Blaine Gabbert. However Kansas is not very good and are all around a young team. It was a blowout last year in Missouri's favor, but 2011 should be a bit closer.
Winner: Missouri
21. Mississippi State vs Mississippi
5 of 25
Mississippi State is on the rise with head coach Dan Mullen leading the way. Ole Miss is still stuck at the bottom of the SEC West.
The Egg Bowl series record is owned by Ole Miss 60-41-6, but 2011 should be another victory for the Bulldogs. Ole Miss will have a new quarterback in Nathan Stanley, and it should take him a while to get adjusted to being the full-time starter.
The Bulldogs will be lead by Chris Relf and Vick Ballard. As long as Dan Mullen is coaching the Bulldogs, they will have the edge in the Egg Bowl.
Winner: Mississippi State
20. Virginia vs Virginia Tech
6 of 25
The Commonwealth Cup is led by Virginia Tech 50-37-5. Although Virginia was destroyed by the Hokies in 2010, the next time they meet should be very interesting.
The Hokies are losing their three best players to the NFL draft in Tyrod Taylor, Ryan Williams, and Darren Evans. The biggest playmakers on their team are gone, and it's not going to be easy to find offensive production to replace them.
Virginia is the same boat. Their leading rusher and receiver have both graduated, as has their quarterback Marc Verica. The 2011 Commonwealth Cup will be a battle of two teams trying to figure who they are.
Have to go with my gut here—I think 2011 will be a bad year for Frank Beamer.
Winner: Virginia
19. Pittsburgh vs West Virginia
7 of 25
The 2011 Backyard Brawl should be a good game. West Virginia abolished Pitt last season, but without Noel Devine in the backfield, the Mountaineers are going to have a tough time.
The Panthers also must replace their leading rusher in Dion Lewis, but Ray Graham will be just fine as the main ball carrier. He ran for 922 yards on 148 carries. Devine ran for just over 1,000 yards on 219 carries. Graham is going to be special in 2011. That is, if new head coach Todd Graham gives him the ball constantly.
The Panthers are also losing Jonathan Baldwin, and their passing game will greatly suffer because of it. West Virginia is led by quarterback Geno Smith, and many believe they are the Big East team to beat in 2011.
Winner: West Virginia
18. Minnesota vs Wisconsin
8 of 25
Paul Bunyan's Axe is one of the coolest trophies in football. The trophy was created in 1940, and Wisconsin has won more; however, Minnesota owns the all time series record 59-53-8.
Wisconsin will soon take over the record as Minnesota continues to decline. The Badgers must replace QB Scott Tolzien, but with Montee Ball and James White in the backfield, Wisconsin is going to run all over teams.
The Golden Gophers lose their quarterback Adam Weber and won't be improving their 3-9 record all that much.
Winner: Wisconsin
17. Georgia vs Georgia Tech
9 of 25
Georgia owns the series record in the Clean, Old-Fashioned Hate game 69-31-5. They've won the last two and plan to make it three in a row in 2011.
Georgia Tech faces a difficult task in 2011 because quarterback Joshua Nesbitt and leading rusher Anthony Allen are both gone. Paul Johnson's option attack is not an easy offense to run, and Georgia Tech will have a hard time adjusting with new players leading the way.
The Bulldogs landed the top running back in the nation in Isaiah Crowell. They're hoping he can bring play making ability much like A.J. Green changed the game for the Bulldogs.
Overall, Georgia is a better team.
Winner: Georgia
16. Utah vs BYU
10 of 25
The Holy War has been ruled by Utah over the years, but in 2010 they barely squeaked out a win. Utah will need someone to step up in the run game as their top two rushers have graduated.
BYU is still a very young team, but they will be led by senior running back J.J. Di Luigi. Jake Heaps had a solid freshman year, and closed it out well in the New Mexico Bowl—throwing for 264 yards and four touchdowns.
The Cougars are bringing back the majority of their starters, and will be a much better team than their 7-6 record from 2010.
Winner: BYU
15. Florida vs Florida State
11 of 25
The Gators have dominated this rivalry over the past decade, but Florida State made a statement win last season when they demolished the Gators 31-7.
Florida will have a new head coach the next time these two meet, and we will see if Will Muschamp and his new Florida offense can hang with Jimbo Fisher's tough Seminoles.
Christian Ponder may be gone, but E.J. Manuel takes over as quarterback and Florida State will be just fine. The Gators, however, will be learning a new program and new schemes which could set them back.
Winner: Florida State
14. Notre Dame vs Michigan
12 of 25
These two teams may not have played a ton of games against each other, but there is no denying the hate each has for the other. Both programs have great history and tradition, which makes this rivalry always an interesting one to watch.
Both schools had their down years recently, but things are looking up. Notre Dame must decide on a quarterback while Michigan must have faith in Brady Hoke, as well as improve on defense.
The 2011 matchup between these two teams should be just as exciting as 2010, which came down to the wire.
Denard Robinson was too much for the Fighting Irish to handle in 2010, and it won't be any different in 2011.
Winner: Michigan
13. Harvard vs Yale
13 of 25
Harvard has dominated the rivalry dubbed "The Game" in recent years—winning the last four in a row. However, Yale leads the series 65-54-8.
The Crimson may be losing their leading rusher in Gino Gordon, but Treavor Scales will step up in his place. Yale returns with leading playmakers which should spice this rivalry up a bit.
However, I have to go with my gut here once again. Since these nerds tend to think too much, Harvard will take home the victory because Yale will be defeated mentally. The Bulldogs have only won once since 2001.
Winner: Harvard
12. Georgia vs Auburn
14 of 25
The Deep South's Oldest Rivalry is always a fun game to watch. When November rolls around you know you're in for a treat when these two teams go at it. There's never a dull moment in the SEC.
Auburn won last year for the first time since 2005. The Tigers currently hold a two game lead in the series, but Georgia has a strong chance of picking up some ground in 2011. The Tigers will be without Cam Newton and Nick Fairley—two reasons Georgia lost to Auburn in 2010.
Georgia may not have A.J. Green to throw too in 2011, but they will be a more balanced offense. Marlon Brown and Tavarres King will step up in Green's absence making life a little easier for Aaron Murray. The Tigers will have a rough time with an inexperienced quarterback, and will be relying on Michael Dyer and Onterio McCalebb quite a bit.
Winner: Georgia
11. Alabama vs Tennessee
15 of 25
The Third Saturday in October is the name given to this historic rivalry. It dates back to 1901, and Alabama leads the series record 47-38-7.
I don't think there should be any questions about who is the better team here. Tennessee was blown out by Alabama in 2010, and the same will probably happen in 2011. The Volunteers are a young team that still needs a lot of improvement.
The Crimson Tide will be lead by Trent Richardson, and they will go as far as he and their defense takes them. We'll see early on what new quarterback A.J. McCarron is all about. Alabama makes it five in a row in 2011, no doubt about it.
Winner: Alabama
10. Lafayette vs Lehigh
16 of 25
"The Rivalry" is the most played football rivalry in the nation. These two teams have met 146 times, and Lafayette leads the series 76-65-5. However, Lehigh has won the last year three years in a row.
The Mountain Hawks of Lehigh went 10-3 last year whereas the Leopards of Lafayette went 2-9. Lehigh is the much better team. And even though they're losing their top rusher from 2010, they're in good position to run the table once again in the Patriot League.
Winner: Lehigh
9. Nebraska vs Oklahoma
17 of 25
It is sad to see this rivalry come to an end. I thought about removing it completely since there is no score prediction to make, but I wanted to give my two cents on the historic matchup, as well as give Nebraska a new rivalry
OU-Nebraska was a huge game when both teams where members of the Big Eight Conference. In 1996, when the Big 12 was formed, the two split apart in different divisions and didn't play each other consistently like they used to.
Now that Nebraska is moving to the Big Ten, the battle of these two national power houses is over. We can only hope it is one day brought back to life. Nebraska is about to embark on some new rivalries as it takes on several other mid west teams in 2011.
Nebraska closes out the 2011 season against Iowa. These two states border one another, and it is likely this will be the newest Big Ten rivalry. I'd love to hear your predictions on the name for this game. It will either be something like "Corn War" or "The Battle for the Corn," and the trophy can be a giant ear of corn.
Winner: No one
8. Texas vs Texas A&M
18 of 25
With a record of 75-37-5, Texas has owned the Lone Star Showdown. However, it was the Aggies of Texas A&M that came out on top in 2010.
There's no doubt that 2010 was a down year for the Longhorns. Expect them to bounce back in 2011 and make some noise once again in the Big 12. Garrett Gilbert will lead the way for the Longhorns as Ryan Tannehill will for the Aggies.
The Aggies will have the upper hand at the running back position with 1,100 yard rusher Cyrus Gray. It's going to be a good game, but I believe the Aggies will surprise a lot of people in 2011.
Winner: Texas A&M
7. Florida State vs Miami
19 of 25
This rivalry may have only started in the 1950's, but it has given us a lot of dramatic finishes, as well as some massive beat downs. Miami leads the series 31-24, and has dominated this past decade, but Florida State put the hurt on the Hurricanes in 2010 by winning 45-17.
The Hurricanes have been on a downward spiral, and they're hoping new head coach Al Golden can turn them around and bring back the glory days for the U. That will take some time—meaning Florida State should start this decade off with a nice win streak against Miami.
Miami will have a quarterback battle between Jacory Harris and Stephen Morris. Harris was injured last season which gave the then freshman Morris some valuable playing time. Harris should win the job. The Seminoles will have a new quarterback in E.J. Manuel, but he too was given great experience in 2010 due to Christian Ponder injuries.
Winner: Florida State
6. USC vs Notre Dame
20 of 25
The Trojans and Fighting Irish have been going at it since 1926, and Notre Dame owns the series record 43-33-5. The Trojans have dominated the rivalry for the past decade, but it was Notre Dame who won a close one in 2010.
2011 should be a close battle as well. Third year starter Matt Barkley has not lived up to the standards on USC quarterbacks dominance, but 2011 will be a strong year for the California kid. Once Brian Kelly settles on a quarterback, Notre Dame will be surprising a few people in 2011.
Michael Floyd returns for his senior season looking for one more win over the Trojans and Lane Kiffin.
Winner: Notre Dame
5. Georgia vs Florida
21 of 25
It is know called the Georgia vs. Florida classic, but it will forever be known as The World's Largest Outdoor Cocktail Party. If you ever get a chance to attend the craziness that occurs in Jacksonville, Florida at the end of October, I highly recommend it.
Georgia leads the series 47-40-2, but the Gators have recently controlled the series with ease. Georgia used to own in the 80's, but since Steve Spurrier took over, the Bulldogs have had a very tough time against the orange and blue of Florida.
It went into overtime in 2010. In 2011, it should be another close game.
Aaron Murray versus John Brantley part two will be another great game. The transformation that Florida will be enduring during the season could be too much for them. Will Muschamp is bringing a pro style offense to a team designed for the spread. But somehow, someway, Georgia always manages to choke in this game. It's a mental thing, and as a Georgia fan, I can't stand it.
Winner: Florida
4. Army vs Navy
22 of 25
Even though the teams' record may not be that great, the Army-Navy game is one of the best rivalries in all of sports. This is a true American matchup.
It's two teams that play for the love of the game and not the fame. None of them will go onto be professionals in the NFL, but they will professional heroes, and that's what makes this game so great.
Navy leads the series 55-49-7 and their triple option attack is very hard to stop. However, quarterback Ricky Dobbs is gone, leaving a big question mark for the Midshipmen. Army was a very young team last year and will use the experience they gained to better themselves in 2011.
Winner: Army
3. Oklahoma vs Texas
23 of 25
These two schools have been national power houses for many years. The Red River Rivalry is always a good game, and sometimes you never know what to expect. Oklahoma and Texas are typically near the top in the polls year after year, which makes this rivalry even more heated.
Many believe that 2011 is the year Oklahoma will win it all. They'll have to replace DeMarco Murray, but they have plenty of depth at the running back position. Landry Jones and Ryan Broyles will team up and ultimately be too much for Texas to handle.
Winner: Oklahoma
2. Alabama vs Auburn
24 of 25
Auburn has ruled the Iron Bowl in the past decade, but it's Alabama who leads the series 40–34–1. Auburn won this past season in a phenomenal comeback win, which heated up the rivalry even more.
It appears this is going to be one heck of a battle again with Nick Saban and Gene Chizik doing the coaching.
For 2011, Auburn will need a new leader to emerge at the QB position, and until then, they will rely on Onterio McCalebb and Michael Dyer to control their offense. The running backs join a long list of duos to share the back field for Auburn.
Alabama also needs a new quarterback and hopes A.J. McCarron is their guy. Trent Richardson will be the primary focus on offense and can carry this team very far if the line blocks for him. Overall, Alabama will be better in 2011 mainly because of their tough defense.
Winner: Alabama
1. Michigan vs Ohio State
25 of 25
The greatest rivalry in college football is about to get even better. The expansion of the Big Ten has caused these two schools to be split into different divisions. Ohio State is a member of the Leaders division and Michigan is a member of the Legends division.
Many fans were worried the rivalry would end, and they would only play each other every so often. However the Big Ten wised up and realized it can never end this rivalry. The two teams will still play each other in the last regular season game, and now there's the possibility they could play against each other a week later in the Big Ten Championship game.
Michigan hasn't beaten Ohio State since 2003, and they're hoping Brady Hoke can lead them to a victory over their most hated rivals.
The defense will need to improve greatly if they want to have any chance against Terrelle Pryor and Dan Herron. Jim Tressell has owned Michigan and his reign over the Wolverines will continue. As a Michigan fan, it hurts to say so, but the we don't have much of a chance in 2011. I have to be realistic here. Denard Robinson is great, but he can only do so much for us. One man cannot win a game. The defense has to make stops, and Michigan won't be able to do that.
Winner: Ohio State
.jpg?w=480 "Ohio State Team Doctor")
