Michigan vs. Michigan State and Other College Football In-State Rivalries

As Michigan and Michigan State get ready to square off today and start their in-state war, it brings to mind other teams that will soon be preparing for their rivalry games as well.

One thing that truly separates college football from the NFL is these special in-state rivalries and the passion that surrounds them.

Here is a look at ten of the best rivalries that can divide a state. 

Utah Utes vs. BYU Cougars

When BYU and Utah get together, they get involved in a Holy War in Utah.

These two teams have an extreme dislike for each other and show it every single year.

The two teams play for the Beehive Boot but more importantly, the play for bragging rights and the state of Utah. 

The series record is 55-34-4 in favor of Utah which includes this years dominating victory by the Utes. 

Washington Huskies vs. Washington State Cougars

While this rivalry has lost some of its national reach over the past decade, that certainly does not matter to Washington and Washington State.

These two teams play in a game known as the Apple Cup, but it certainly is not as nice as the name may sound.

No matter what their records are, these two teams come out and get after each other. They will meet up at the end of the year and the Huskies will look to improve on their 66-31-6 lead in the series. 

Georgia Bulldogs vs. Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets

No better way to describe this rivalry then hate.

Georgia and Georgia Tech play in different conferences but always find room for each other on their schedules. At the end of the year, these two teams will go at it again and the Yellow Jackets hope to cut into the current 61-39-5 lead Georgia has.  

This is another case where the state is cut in half and you're either a Bulldog or a Yellow Jacket.  

Florida Gators vs. Florida State Seminoles

One of the more heated in-state rivalries is between Florida and Florida State.

These two teams often give the nation and the state an amazing game, and both are often in the Top 25.

If you are looking for a game that will not only include big plays but also outstanding players, this is one of the best to tune in to. 

Over the course of the rivalry, Florida has developed a 33-20-2 lead and wants to add to that at the end of this season. 

Mississippi State Bulldogs vs. Ole Miss Rebels

As if in-state rivalries need more fuel on their fires, Dan Mullen came to Mississippi State and stated the Bulldogs would never loss to Ole Miss again.

When the two teams get together, they battle it out for the the Golden Egg Trophy.

Now, Ole Miss will have even more incentive to knock off their in-state rival and protect their 60-41-6 series lead.

This will be another great game that takes place late in the year.  

Oklahoma Sooners vs. Oklahoma State Cowboys

The Bedlam Game is one of the top in-state rivalries around and could be even more important this year. 

The rivalry features both Oklahoma and Oklahoma State and this year, it appears both teams could enter the game undefeated and give the nation quite a show. 

These two teams kick it off in the last week of the season and the Cowboys are hoping to end an eight game winning streak by the Sooners and cut into the 82-16-7 series domination that Oklahoma has shown. 

Michigan Wolverines vs. Michigan State Spartans

The Michigan-Michigan State game separates families and households, as this game brings out the passion in all fans and players.

While Michigan has owned the rivalry, the Spartans have gained the upper hand recently and is hoping to defend their home field today. 

These two teams locked up in a good one today but the Spartans will draw closer in the series that is now at 34-23-2 after todays win.

Oregon Ducks vs. Oregon State Beavers

The Civil War pits the Oregon Ducks and Oregon State Beavers against each other every year, and recently it has provided the nation with some outstanding games with huge implications.

Over the past three years, there has been a birth in the Rose Bowl available twice and a shot at the national championship once.

Based on the paths these teams are on this year, it appears the Ducks will be heading towards a fourth straight victory when they meet up in the last game of the year and wants to add to their 58-46-10 series lead.  

Texas Longhorns vs. Texas A&M Aggies

The Lone Star Showdown features two powers in the Big 12, but the future of this rivalry is somewhat in question.

This year, the Aggies made the choice to leave the conference and will join the SEC in 2012.

It will be interesting to see if the teams continue the matchup and when they will play it, considering this is typically a late-season game. This year the game will be played on Thanksgiving and the Aggies have a chance to cut into the series lead the is currently at 75-37-5. 

Alabama Crimson Tide vs. Auburn Tigers

Auburn and Alabama are two top tier teams in the SEC that have provided some outstanding games.

Last year, the Auburn Tigers' comeback from a deep first half hole secured their position in the national title game. This year, the Tide are back and in line for a shot at the title but will have to go through Auburn to get there.

The series record favors Alabama 40-34-1 but is being played at Auburn at the end of this season, a perfect opportunity to draw within five for the Tigers.