Alabama vs. Auburn 2011: Why the Iron Bowl Isn't College Football's Best Rivalry

There is no better week in college football than rivalry week.

All over the college football landscape, teams are facing off against other teams that they genuinely hate and have a long history against. One of those rivalry games is the Iron Bowl, the annual game between the Alabama Crimson Tide and the Auburn Tigers.

This is a very good rivalry game that has a rich tradition; however it is not the best rivalry in college football.

There are several other rivalry games that should be placed higher than the Iron Bowl. With all due respect to Florida vs. Florida State, Ohio State vs. Michigan and USC vs. UCLA, the best rivalry game in college football is Army vs. Navy.

Alabama and Auburn have played some important games that have tossed the BCS standings upside down, but the Army versus Navy game is more than just a game. The importance of this game goes above and beyond rankings and polls.

The Army versus Navy game has a storied tradition that dates back to 1890. This game is filled with heroes—not just gridiron heroes, but real heroes. These are men that risk their life on the battlefield and who appreciate the game of football and this rivalry as they go up against their brothers-in-arms.

In the Army versus Navy game, the youth of America can find real role models.

It may not have the publicity of the Iron Bowl, but it deserves consideration as the best rivalry in college football.

The Iron Bowl is a credible college football rivalry game, but it is not even close to being the best rivalry in college football. The best college football rivalry is the Army versus Navy game.

James Brown is a B/R Featured Columnist and can be followed on Twitter. Feel free to contact James at [e-mail].