The Four Rivalries to Watch Today

A House Divided (Photo credit: {just jennifer})

The final game of the regular college football season is here. I am a little melancholy because I love college football and of course my Wahoos won’t be going to the post season.

But the final game of the regular college football season means one thing: rivalry games!

I know I went over some of the big rivalry games in the NFL but those guys have nothing, nothing on the college kids. Here is some history of the best rivalries you’ll see today.

Iron Bowl Auburn vs Alabama

This is one of the nastiest rivalries in the country- period. In fact innocent trees have been victims from the outcome of this game. Here’s some back ground.

Since 1893 Auburn and Alabama have met in a game that turns brother against brother in the state of Alabama. Bama leads the series 41-31-1. The name the Iron Bowl comes from the fact that a majority of the series was played in Birmingham which had a large steel industry.

Now the two teams share hosting duties.

During the first game the controversy began as Alabama lost the game 32-22 to Auburn. Alabama considered the game to be the final match up of the 1892 season and Auburn considered it the first game of the 1893 season.

The rivalry took a break in 1907 because the schools couldn’t agree over amount of expenses to be paid players and where officials should be obtained. It took the Alabama House of Representatives to threaten to withhold funding unless they resumed the rivalry game. Serious stakes indeed. The two universities got together and agreed to renew the game- holding it in Birmingham because it was the largest stadium in the state and tickets would be split evenly between the two schools.

So this year’s Iron Bowl- there should be no contest Alabama will win and win big- Auburn hasn’t won a conference game yet this season and going against who many consider the best team in college football today isn’t going to be the day.

If you would like to learn more about this rivalry you should watch ESPN’s documentary Roll Tide/War Eagle. In this well done film you’ll see how fierce the folks down south take this rivalry and how people who didn’t even attend the schools have affected the game.

The Game: Michigan vs Ohio State

This is a game that is fierce no matter the outcome. The first meeting was in 1897 with Michigan beating Ohio State 34-0. In the past four decades this game is a national interest because often it will determine the BIG championship and the winner will often go to the Rose Bowl. According to ESPN this rivalry is the best in America- period.

In 2011 the conference grew to 12 members (well now 14 with the addition of Maryland and Rutgers- boo Maryland!) and the teams were placed in separate divisions. But the teams still play each year and could meet in the BIG championship game again.

The most notable period of the rivalry is known as the “Ten-Year War” between Ohio State coach Woody Hayes and Michigan’s Bo Schembechler. Hayes was notorious of his hatred for not only the University of Michigan but the State of Michigan. He wouldn’t even purchase gas in Michigan on recruiting trips- and almost ran out of gas before getting into Ohio. Schembechler had been an assistant of Hayes at Ohio State before leaving to be a head coach at Miami of Ohio when he left to become the head coach of Michigan.

War was declared.

Four times between 1970 and 1975 both teams were ranked in the top five of the AP Poll before their matchup. Michigan entered every game during those years undefeated and one only once against Ohio St.

In 1973 both teams were undefeated and the game ended in a tie. This forced the Athletic Directors of the conference to vote to see which team would go to the Rose Bowl. Ohio State won the vote and Michigan fans were so angry they threaten to sue.

The War ended when Hayes was fired at the end of the 1978 season after he punched an opposing player during the Gator Bowl. Schembechler had a record of 5-4-1 against Hayes.

In recent years Jim Tressel and his sweater vest brought the rivalry back to a point of focus. In his introduction to Ohio State during its basketball game against Michigan he said “I can assure you that you will be proud of our young people in the classroom, in the community, and most especially in 310 days in Ann Arbor, Michigan on the football field.” Tressel succeeded leading Ohio State to beat Michigan for the first time in 14 years.

I find it ironic that Tressel’s speech talked about good in the community when he was outed as coach because of players off field antics. And because of that the NCAA sanctions the currently undefeated Ohio State can’t be ranked in the BCS (they would probably be number 2) going into this game.

One notable game during the Tressel era 2006- 1 vs 2. Both teams went into this game undefeated. The day before the match up Schembechler died. Ohio State won the game and played for a national championship against Florida. Another notable note- a half hour after the game ended the Ohio Lottery PICK 4 drawing was 4-2-3-9 matching the final score.

USC vs Notre Dame

These programs are considered the elite in the college football universe. Look at the history. Each school has 11 national championships and seven Heisman Trophies. This is considered an intersectional rivalry because they do not play in the same conference.

Notre Dame leads the series 43-35.

The game began as a conversation between the wives of Notre Dame head coach Knute Rockne and USC AD Gywnn Wilson. USC was looking for a national rival and they sent Wilson and his wife to see Notre Dame play Nebraska. Originally Rockne didn’t want a home-home series between the Irish and Trojans because of the travel. It was Mrs. Wilson who convinced Mrs. Rockne that a trip to Southern California was better than cold Nebraska. Mrs. Rockne agreed and convinced her husband. A rivalry was born.

Today’s game is incredible important- as the Irish need to win to stay undefeated and go to play for its first National Title in the BSC. The Trojans- who beginning the season were ranked No 1 in preseason polls has had a most disappointing season are currently unranked and without their starting quarterback Matt Barclay. This is the Irish’s game to love.

Florida State vs Florida

First played in 1958 the Gators vs the Seminoles is a classic in the state of Florida. But the series starts much earlier than that. Florida State College was the predecessor of FSU was abolished by the Florida Legislature and was recreated to become an all-girl college. The University of Florida in Gainsville was created for men. After WWII both schools became coeducational. The governor of Florida requested that the two schools begin competing against each other athletically.

Florida leads the series 33-21-2 but FSU since 1976 the rivalry has become balanced. The last forty meetings- Gators lead 20-19-1. This year both teams have the same record and bragging rights are on the line.

Related articles

• Michigan vs. Ohio State: Remembering Jim Tressel’s Dominance over the Wolverines (bleacherreport.com)
• Irish ranked No. 1 for first time in 19 years (1070thefan.com)
• You: Alabama vs. Auburn: Breaking Down What Makes the Iron Bowl the Best Rivalry Game (bleacherreport.com)

Cowboys-Redskins Rivalry History

Cowboys vs. Redskins: Sibling Rivalry (Photo credit: Wayan Vota)

Since I live in an area with a large number of Redskins and Cowboys fans I understand this rivalry- these two clubs HATE EACH OTHER.

Sport Illustrated call this rivalry the top in the NFL and for good reason. As divisional rivals they see each other at least twice a season and both teams have won a combined eight Super Bowls.

But how did it all start and why? Well it’s really about a song and chicken feed.

Yep really.

A Texas oil tycoon Clint Murchison, Jr. wanted to bring an NFL team to Dallas and was having a hard time doing. In 1958 the owner of the Washington Redskins George Preston Marshall wanted to sell the team- and so the Redskins almost moved to Dallas until the last minute Marshall wanted a change in terms. Murchison wasn’t happy and the whole deal called off.

Then along came a man named Barnee Breeskin. Breeskin was the Redskin band director and the composer of “Hail to the Redskins.” Breeskin got into a disagreement with Marshall (see a pattern with this guy) and wanted revenge. Breeskin sold the rights to “Hail to the Redskins” for $2,500 to Murchison!

Murchison worked with the NFL to get an expansion team in Dallas and had every other owner’s approval- except you guessed Marshall. Even today in order to create an expanision team in the NFL you need unanimous owner’s approval and Marshall was the only hold out.

Until Marshall realized that Murchison owned the rights to a particular song. In order to get the rights back Marshall agreed to the expansion and the Dallas Cowboys were founded and began playing in 1960.

The fighting should be over right- no one more dig was needed. Back then there wasn’t free agency so in order to build a team Dallas was allowed to pick from certain players from other NFL teams– unless they were protected. Murchison picked Redskins’ Pro Bowl quarterback Eddie LeBaron as their starter. Marshall forgot to protect LeBaron.

How the Fans Got Involved

Back in the early days of the rivalry the fans acted like college fans do- crazy- and none better than the Cowboys Chicken Club.

December 1961 Cowboy fans sneaked into D.C. Stadium with bags of chicken feed. The idea was that during the Redskins’ half time show when Santa Claus would arrive by a sled the pranksters would release dozens of chickens on the field – 75 white and one black because the Marshall was the only owner in the league who wouldn’t put African-American players on the field.

The CCC actually got the chickens into the stadium the morning of the game and was unspotted until halftime when an official from the Redskins noticed the crates and sounds of chickens. The CCC tried to bribe the official but the official was actually Redskin general manager Dick McCann. The CCC members were arrested and the chicken confiscated.

The next year the CCC got into Marshall’s hotel room and put a large turkey in the bathroom the night before the game. Marshall fled the hotel room. Minutes before kickoff four banners reading “CHICKENS” in both end zones and on both sides of the 50 yard line were shown in the upper decks while “Hail to the Redskins” played in the stadium. Then acrobats hired by the CCC rushed onto the field in chicken costumes and started throwing eggs. One was caught but another one released a chicken during the National Anthem. By the time the players went onto the field the acrobat escaped.

The Cowboys would win that game 38-10 and the Dallas News reported that the attendance was 49,888 and one chicken.

Other memorable moments in the Rivalry

Jan 22, 1983- NFC Championship Game at RFK- Redskins defeated Cowboys to earn a trip to Super Bowl XVII and the Redskins first Super Bowl win.

The 1983 NFL season opener on MNF the Redskins were wining 23-3 at the half. Then Dallas came back and won 31-30.

December 9, 1984, down 21-6 at halftime Redskins scored 17 unanswered points on turnovers to get a 23-21 lead going into the fourth quarter. The Redskins won that game 30-28 and it was the first time in the rivalry when the Redskins swept the Cowboys.

September 9, 1985, Redskins QB Joe Thesimann celebrated his birthday at Texas Stadium with a performance including five interceptions and a benching by Hall of Fame coach Joe Gibbs. The Dallas fans started to sing Happy Birthday to Thesimann and the Cowboys won 44-14.

1987 Scab Game- the Cowboys had more players cross the picket line during the 1987 strike than any other team. The Redskins had replacement players considered of less caliber but still pulled out a victory. This game is considered the inspiration for the 2000 movie The Replacements. The Redskins also won the Super Bowl that season.

1989 was not a good year for the Cowboys- except for the November 5 game against the Redskins- the one victory that whole season.

In the early 1990s both teams were at the top of the NFL ranks thanks largely to the Dallas big three of Troy Aikman, Emmitt Smith, and Michael Irving.

1991- Redskins were undefeated going into the game and the Cowboys gave the Redskins their only loss for the season- the Redskins would win the Super Bowl that year.

1992- Emmitt Smith had a career performance with a 140 rushing yards in a win against the Super Bowl champs. The Cowboys won the Super Bowl that year but the Redskins got a bit of revenge with a win of their own.

1993- the Redskins embarrass the Cowboys- notice a pattern- with a win. This was only four wins for the Redskins that season that would add another Super Bowl win for the Cowboys.

1996- the Redskins would close out the home stand at RFK Stadium with a win against the Cowboys.

After 1996 the years have not been kind to either team- in fact in 2001 both teams came into their MNF game with an 0-4 record. Dallas won both games that year.

2002- the Redskins broke a 11-game losing streak to Dallas with a win 20-14 and both teams had losing records

2005- during the game when Aikman, Smith, and Irvin were inducted into the Cowboys “Ring of Honor” the Redskins won the game.

Despite the history the Cowboys have owned the rivalry- 62-40-2. Today they meet for the Thanksgiving game– and it is sure to be exciting.

Related articles

• Final Word: Redskins-Cowboys (espn.go.com)
• Dallas Cowboys vs Washington Redskins rivalry (truebluenation.wordpress.com)
• Washington vs. Dallas: Cowboys Have Thanked Redskins for Giving in the Past (bleacherreport.com)

Why is Football such a Big Part of Thanksgiving?

Houston Texans’ Running back Arian Foster hurdles Dallas Cowboys’ defender Mike Jenkins. Reliant Stadium. Houston, Tx. Sept. 26 2010. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Happy Thanksgiving to all my favorite Gals and Pals. Today is a great one for football fans because we get Thanksgiving games!

Since the league began in 1920 there have been Thanksgiving games. Currently three NFL games are played- there are always games in Dallas and Detroit and an additional game with a rotating roster of opponents was added in 2006.

As if you needed another reason to love Thanksgiving!

The Thanksgiving football tradition started for the NFL as a promotion gimmick by the first owner of the Detroit Lions and the idea grew to include many teams during the 1920s and 1930s. When World War II broke out the NFL didn’t schedule any Thanksgiving games between 1941-1945. After the war was over the tradition was renewed with just the Green Bay Packers vs. the Lions until 1963.

The Dallas Cowboys joined the tradition in 1966 and since the Lions and Cowboys have been the traditional home teams for the Thanksgiving NFL games. It is also considered the official kick off of the red kettle campaign for the Salvation Army as it is featured during half time in Cowboys stadium.

In 2006 the NFL added a third game for Thanksgiving played at night and airing on the NFL network. This year the game will be played on NBC.

Now let’s looks at the three games.

Houston vs Detroit

Kickoff is at 12:30est on CBS

The Lions are in an eight Thanksgiving game losing streak. I have a feeling meeting up with the awesome Texans isn’t going to help the cause.

Looking at the numbers offensively the Lions look slightly better. Averaging 402 yards per game the Lions have almost 60 more yards passing per game than the Texans. This is largely due to WR Calvin Johnson who has over 1,000 yards this season.

But the running game which eats up time and makes defenses tired goes to the Texans. Arian Foster has had 249 carries and 962 yards and 10 touchdowns. Since he is averaging 96 yards per game I fully expect him to get to over 1,000 yards this season against the Lions.

Don’t expect the Lions to run the ball- which they barely do anyway- against a Texans D that only allows on average 86 rushing yards per game. Both teams are equally matched in the secondary so I expect the QBs to throw the ball- a lot. But the Texans have Foster and since the Lions allow 114 rushing yards per game I expect the Texans to put up some points.

Texans win this one.

Redskins vs Cowboys- RIVARLY ALERT

Kickoff is at 4:25pm on FOX

Talking about these two teams is painful because I’m an Eagles fan and well the Eagles are a hot mess.

But the NFL powers that be have decided to put the Redskins down in Dallas.

Offensively these two teams are polar opposites.

	Redskins	Cowboys
Total Yards per Game	380	367
Passing Yards per Game	215	284
Rush Yards per Game	165	83
Points Per Game	26	21
Third Down Conversion %	30	40
Time of Possession	1844	1926

The Redskins with the combination of RG3 and Alfred Morris have over 1,400 yards rushing between the two. The Cowboys have no running game and must rely on throwing the ball- a lot. Probably too much- but this could work to the Cowboys advantage this game because the Redskins average 289 yards of passing per game.

But the Cowboys average 107 rushing yards per game.

See what I mean about both teams really being equally matched?

Whichever squad capitalizes on its strengths- RGIII and Morris get into a good groove for running or Tony Romo and crew get the ball down field will determine the win.

And since I personally do not like either team I’m going to give the win to the home team- Cowboys by 3.

Patriots vs. Jets- RIVARLY GAME ALERT

Kickoff 8:20est on NBC

On paper this is an easy game to discuss. The Jets are terrible- terrible, terrible, terrible.

Since the Jets allow 142 rushing yards per game and the Patriots average 143 rushing yards per game Tom Brady and crew should have this game in the bag on the ground. When you add in the Patriots 289 passing yards compared to anemic Jets of less than 200 passing yards per game there really shouldn’t be a concern.

But why do I have a bad feeling about this?

Perhaps it is because Rob Gronkowski who has 748 yards this season is out with a broken forearm that he never should have gotten because there was no reason for him to be on the field for the 59^th point. The Patriots were up 59 points against the Colts measly 24. No sense at all.

If the Patriots focus on the running game – especially Stevan Ridley who has 842 yards this season- and they will win the game.

Related articles

• Thanksgiving football schedule 2012: Texans get their own holiday spotlight (houston.sbnation.com)
• Football-predicting turkey picks Detroit over Houston (khou.com)
• The History Behind The Thanksgiving Day Game (slapioneer.wordpress.com)

College Football Week

The 2007 Texas Longhorn football team kicksoff to the University of Oklahoma Sooners at the Red River Shootout 2007. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

First I want to say a big Happy Birthday to my six year old- he’s spending the day with his Sessy and Dude-and while mommy and daddy go to C’ville to drink, be merry, and hopefully watch UVa beat Maryland.

But with the busyness of the birthday I didn’t want to leave my Gals and Pals hanging with so many good football match ups today.

Red River Shootout– oh no Rivalry

This one irks me just a bit. The Red River Shootout Rivalry is the annual rivalry game between Big 12 foes Oklahoma and Texas. This game goes all the way back to 1900 and its it one of the best rivalries in all of sports. The teams meet during the State Fair of Texas because it is halfway between both schools. And both teams travel well.

So why does it irk me? Not the actual rivalry itself, its fantastic. No it’s the re-naming of the Red River Shootout to the Red River Rivalry because of corporate sponsorship pressure not to promote gun violence. Really? Y’all do realize this game is in Texas and I’m pretty sure between Texas and the great state of Oklahoma there are happy, responsible gun owners. But whatever you call it, it is still one of the best atmospheres for college football and a prime example why I LOVE the sport so very much.

So what about the 2012 edition to the history books? Will the Longhorns prevail with their young offense after a loss to the Geno Smith show from WVU? Or will OK be okay in putting up numbers?

Both teams are 1-1 in the Big 12

The Longhorns rank sixth in the nation for scoring with 46.8 points per game.

The Sooners have Laundry Jones who comes to the Red River Shootout Rivalry after an impressive win over Texas Tech. And they’ve won this game the past two years.

In my opinion I like Texas but I think given Jones’ experience I think he can put some points on the board- and after last week’s game we all know Texas is not equally defense right now.

I’m taking the Sooners to win.

Notre Dame goes for 6-0

I want everyone to take a deep breath because my goodness the last time my house hold was this excited about Notre Dame football my tiny human was still inside me. Now with five impressive wins- fun fact this season the Fighting Irish have never trailed in a game.

Its all about the D for Notre Dame- they have only allowed three touchdowns this season- three touchdowns that’s incredible. But this week they face the attack from a qualified team in Stanford.

Stanford’s QB Josh Nunes is having a great season, and it is surprising given he is following in Andrew Luck shoes. Last week he threw for 360 yards and two touchdowns.

But he hasn’t faced a defense like Notre Dame. Just ask Miami who only scored a field goal last week against them.

I am not picking- though I think it’s pretty obvious who the Gal Pal is routing for.

Gamecocks want to prove they belong with the SEC elite

Wow South Carolina- y’all know how to put on a show. 6-0 for the season and 4-0 in the SEC after a dominating game last week at home to then No 5 Georgia. The final score 35-7.

Now they head to Death Valley with an LSU team still chopping at the bit to move past a disappoint loss to Florida last week. Plus this team has a 22 game winning streak at home.

I’m taking LSU- I think that Les Miles will have his team prepared and their defense ready.

Finally…

Dear Hokie and Wahoo Nations,

This has been a tough season thus far. The Big East and Triangles respectively have beaten us and damaged our spirits.

I want to remind the Wahoos that we have a young squad and things will get better- though I plan to be incredibly “marinated” for the start of our homecoming game. Plus its Maryland- please don’t let us lose to Maryland and their stupid, ugly helmets. (Though executives at Under Armor for the right price I am willing to put as much of your stuff on the blog). If nothing else basketball, lacrosse, and finally baseball are all moment away.

Hokies, I hate to say it I am finding a bit of joy in your troubles. Y’all are not a humble fan base and have been hiding your mediocrity from yourselves through 10 win seasons. Gang, you play in the ACC and your out of conference schedule is a joke. You have a 0-13 record against top ten teams. And I won’t mention your bowl game win percentage.

And yes when a Wahoo says these things you get to say “well what have y’all football team done?” Oh I don’t know, bridge the gap between recruiting, and we consistently produce high caliber NFL talent. Plus our fans are not crazy like you are. All you are is football- we are balanced, and according to Playboy have way more sex than you.

This season is a gift… because in order for y’all to fill that empty trophy case you need different coaching. And I am not alone thinking this- Hokie Nation is starting to question Beamer and his need to keep an old fashion safe offensive scheme. And what happened to Beamer Ball- special teams used to win games. (Side note if you’re on twitter follow me @SportsGalPal but you all should follow @EmptyTrophyCase who is hilarious as the day-to-day life of that poor case which has a sign saying Reserved for National Championship)

So rings your keys Hokies, cause your season is way more disappointing than your fellow Virginians in C’ville. Take advantage of the weakness and demand more from your coaching staff- if Wahoos can keep our president certainly you can pressure the athletic department to make changes.

Oh those crazy Mountaineers

Oh the campaign to save couches in Morgantown is on.  Maybe it was because of joining the Big 12, maybe it was because there is a shortage of quality seating, or perhaps the couches are terrified at the end of a Mountaineers victory.

The Student Government of West Virginia University has creates a PSA video urging Mountaineers to lay off the lighting fluid and use that couch for napping.

Burning of couches after big wins is tradition- one of those who outsiders are like huh? It is so engrained in their culture that there is even a WVU site called We Must Ignite This Couch.  It got so bad that according to GQ magazine  between 1997 and 2003 there were over 1,100 couch burnings.

I’m not sure what the WVU student body has against comfortable furniture or maybe part of the application process is an essay entitled “What are you preferred methods for starting a couch fire?”

And couch burning is also good for weddings, and assassinations of terrorists.  I mean nothing says Go USA better than a couch on fire.

So Mountaineers for the sake of all furniture everywhere please put down your pitchforks and lighter fluid… after all what did that couch do to you?

 

Related articles

• West Virginia Would Like You to Please Stop Lighting Your Couches on Fire (bleacherreport.com)
• Big 12 Commissioner to Lead WVU Homecoming Parade (wsaz.com)