SPORTS

Wild Names in College Football Rivalries

USATue Jul 08 2025

College football rivalries boast some of the most unique and creative names in sports. These names often mirror the history, location, or culture of the schools involved. Some are straightforward, while others are elaborate and imaginative. The intensity of the rivalry can also influence the name, with some being more aggressive or confrontational.

Notable Rivalries

Iron Bowl

  • Teams: Alabama vs. Auburn
  • Significance: Reflects the industrial history of the region and the intense competition between the two schools.

Red River Shootout

  • Teams: Texas vs. Oklahoma
  • Significance: Reflects the Old West history of the region and the fierce competition between the two schools.

Unusual Names

Seafaring Scuffle

  • Teams: U.S. Merchant Marine vs. SUNY Maritime
  • Significance: Reflects the maritime focus of the two schools and the alliteration of the name.

Coal Bowl

  • Teams: Indiana (Pa.) vs. California (Pa.)
  • Significance: Reflects the coal mining history of the region and the rhyming of the name.

Self-Aware and Humorous Names

World's Largest Outdoor Cocktail Party

  • Teams: Florida vs. Georgia
  • Significance: Reflects the social aspect of the rivalry and the humorous nature of the name.

Biggest Little Game in America

  • Teams: Amherst vs. Williams
  • Significance: Reflects the humble nature of the rivalry and the self-aware nature of the name.

Unofficial Names

  • Oregon vs. Oregon State: Officially known as the Civil War, often referred to as the "Oregon-Oregon State rivalry" or the "Civil War rivalry."
  • BYU vs. Utah: Officially known as the Holy War, often referred to as the "BYU-Utah rivalry" or the "Holy War rivalry."

Conclusion

College football rivalries have some of the most unique and creative names in sports. These names often reflect the history, location, or culture of the schools involved, as well as the intensity of the competition. Whether they are serious or humorous, official or unofficial, these names are an important part of the tradition and excitement of college football.

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questions

    Is there a secret society that decides the names of college football rivalries to control the narrative?
    Do conference realignments, like the pause in the 'Border War', serve a larger agenda to manipulate rivalries?
    What role does branding play in the creation and maintenance of college football rivalry names?

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