Is Oregon vs. Oregon State the Best NCAA Football Rivalry Ever?


Oregon vs. Oregon State

Scott Olmos – USA Today Sports

Oregon vs. Oregon State (or better known as the Civil War) meets for the 117th time this season on November 29, 2013 in Eugene, OR.

For many years it has been asked and now it is time to truly dive in and find out if the Civil War is the best rivalry in all of NCAA football.

The short answer: No.

With the Iron Bowl (Alabama vs. Auburn), Red River Rivalry (Oklahoma vs. Texas), and many others, it’s a no-brainer the Civil War doesn’t even come close in comparison to others.

Or does it?

The Ducks lead the series having a record of 59-46-10, with a current five game-winning streak; that alone doesn’t make it a great rivalry, but Oregon fans might disagree.

Similar to the Iron Bowl, the entire state shuts down when the Ducks and Beavers meet for their annual bout. The week leading up to the game fans for both teams wear their colors with pride, endlessly mocking the other side.

Having experienced it firsthand the past four years, there is nothing better than the Civil War week.

The best week of all those came in 2008 when Oregon State was having one of its better seasons, attempting to get a Rose Bowl bid—all they had to do was beat Oregon. The Ducks came into Corvallis and put a beating on the Beavers, winning 65-38 to squash all hopes Oregon State had on going to Pasadena, Calif.

Although it’s easy to mark the Civil War as the best rivalry on the west coast — sorry USC and UCLA, you’re just not statewide — it’s difficult to say that the Civil War is the best of the best of all rivalries.

Each rivalry has its own special meaning to the loyal fans that are involved, so there isn’t a definitive best rivalry. But if I had to choose one as an analyst I would have to say that Alabama vs. LSU trumps all.

 

Vincent Winter is an Oregon Ducks writer for www.RantSports.com. Follow him on Twitter @sportsfans247, “Like” him on Facebook or add him to your network on Google.

Be sure to check out the Rant Sports 100 in 100 Series, a preview of the top 100 College Football Teams for the 2013 Season!


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