OT: Greatest rivalries in sports

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November 18th, 2011 at 4:19 PM
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MGoCooper
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OT: Greatest rivalries in sports

After watching the special on Auburn vs Alabama on ESPN, I was thinking about the greatest rivalries in sports, not just college football. Although strangely enough, college football seems to have quite a few of the top rivalries in sports. So, for speculation purposes, I made my Top 10 rivalries in sports, and these are in order of the fiercest.

 

1. Michigan vs TSIO

2. Redsox vs Yankees

3. Army vs Navy

4. Auburn vs Alabama

5. North Carolina vs Duke

6. Nicklaus vs Palmer

7. Borg vs McEnroe 

8. Giants vs Dodgers

9. Harvard vs Yale

10. Barcelona vs Real Madrid

 

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November 18th, 2011 at 4:24 PM | I feel like Celtics Lakers (Score:1)
Kal
Joined: 07/10/2008
MGoPoints: 4598

I feel like Celtics Lakers would have to jump in there somewhere. Also, individual rivalries have a limited time to them, don't know why they would count as the greatest in sports. The great ones are ongoing, IMO.

November 18th, 2011 at 5:09 PM | I'd be careful about (Score:2)
Red is Blue
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I'd be careful about advancing the "limited time" argument a breath after arguing for the Celtics/Lakers given the latter is currently on limited time.

"Is There Anybody Out There?" Pink Floyd, The Wall.

November 18th, 2011 at 4:25 PM | (Score:1)
indianablue
Joined: 09/08/2009
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No Chicago Bears and Green Bay Packers?

Three-quarters of the world is covered by water; the rest is covered by Charles Woodson.

November 18th, 2011 at 4:25 PM | Packers v. Bears  Patriots (Score:1)
HttV Wolverine
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Packers v. Bears 

Patriots v. Jets (last few years at least)

Lakers v. Celtics

These are a few that come to mind, personally.

“What the mind can conceive, the mind can achieve and those who stay will be champions.” - Bo 

][V][

November 18th, 2011 at 4:27 PM | Agree with all of those (Score:1)
MGoCooper
Joined: 04/21/2011
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That's the beauty of this topic, is everyone can have so many different responses.

November 18th, 2011 at 4:48 PM | I agree. I have learned of a (Score:2)
HttV Wolverine
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I agree. I have learned of a few international ones just from you in this thread. This is definitely an interesting topic.

“What the mind can conceive, the mind can achieve and those who stay will be champions.” - Bo 

][V][

November 18th, 2011 at 5:40 PM | I would replace Pats vs. Jets (Score:1)
gmoney41
Joined: 07/13/2009
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I would replace Pats vs. Jets with Pats vs. Colts.  Over the last 10 years there hasn't been a better rivalry in the NFL.

November 18th, 2011 at 4:29 PM | Also (Score:3 Normal)
MGoCooper
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Australia vs New Zealand in Rugby, and India vs Pakistan in cricket.

November 18th, 2011 at 4:29 PM | Questionable (Score:4 Normal)
mgorecruit
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On a global scale, Barcelona vs Real Madrid is probably much bigger than Michigan-Ohio State. Here in England, I'm probably one of only a handful of people who will care about next week's game, whereas Barca vs Real is watched all over the world by pretty much anyone who loves "soccer".

But if you're talking about just American sports, or how just  the American population views the rivalry, then Michigan-Ohio State is number one.

 

Ben

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November 18th, 2011 at 4:31 PM | Absolutely (Score:1)
MGoCooper
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Both sets of my grandparents are from England, and Manchester United vs Chelsea or Arsenal was always big.

November 18th, 2011 at 4:54 PM | Soccer Rivalries (Score:1)
BrownJuggernaut
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Soccer Rivalries (just some of them, they're all fierce in their own right):
Arsenal-Tottenham
Manchester United-Liverpool
Manchester United-Manchester City
Liverpool-Everton
Real Madrid-Barcelona
AC Milan-Inter Milan
AC Milan-Juventus
Juventus-Inter Milan
Roma-Lazio
Ajax-Feyenoord

I forgot Rangers-Celtic which is a HUGE rivalry in Scotland. It's also Protestants vs Catholics.

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November 18th, 2011 at 5:18 PM | No mention of Wolverhampton (Score:2 Normal)
bacon1431
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No mention of Wolverhampton vs. West Bromwich Albion? Come on...

For a' that, an' a' that, 
Our toils obscure an' a' that, 
The rank is but the guinea's stamp, 
The man's the gowd for a' that. 
November 18th, 2011 at 5:22 PM | i think he meant (Score:1)
steviebrownforh...
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soccer rivalries that people actually watch :P

November 18th, 2011 at 5:28 PM | As a Wolves fan, I've grown (Score:1)
bacon1431
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As a Wolves fan, I've grown used to getting overlooked :P

But for not having much on the line because both teams aren't the big spenders and neither have a chance of finishing higher than 10th on the table, the rivalry is fierce and underrated when it comes to European football. But I am biased.

For a' that, an' a' that, 
Our toils obscure an' a' that, 
The rank is but the guinea's stamp, 
The man's the gowd for a' that. 
November 18th, 2011 at 6:11 PM | Sorry (Score:1)
BrownJuggernaut
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I'm sure there are a lot rivalries (derby matches) I missed, but I was just covering teams that the yeomen American fan might have heard of.

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November 18th, 2011 at 11:01 PM | When told that 900 million (Score:1)
M-Dog
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When told that 900 million Chinese would wake up the next day and not know or care who won the Michigan-Ohio State game, Woody Hayes said "yes, but 10 million Ohioans will know and care, and they'll want my head if we lose".

All sports are local.

 

M'Dog

November 19th, 2011 at 12:12 AM | I was being facetious. I know (Score:1)
bacon1431
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I was being facetious. I know that most people probably haven't even heard of the Wolves or WBA, let alone that they're rivals.

For a' that, an' a' that, 
Our toils obscure an' a' that, 
The rank is but the guinea's stamp, 
The man's the gowd for a' that. 
November 18th, 2011 at 5:36 PM | We can go International as (Score:1)
yeahrice
Joined: 09/09/2011
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We can go International as well.

England - Argentina

England- Scotland

North Korea - South Korea

Brasil - Argentina

Germany-Poland

Brasil - Uruguay

USA -Mexico is big as well.

Biochemistry

Class of 2010.

 

November 18th, 2011 at 6:12 PM | My friend from South Korea (Score:1)
BrownJuggernaut
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My friend from South Korea hates Japan, so I'd put that up there too.

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November 18th, 2011 at 4:30 PM | ESPN agreed with a lot of what you say (Score:2 Normal)
M-Wolverine
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http://espn.go.com/endofcentury/s/other/bestrivalries.html

10. Giants vs. Dodgers
 9. Redskins vs. Cowboys
8. Auburn vs. Alabama
7. Red Sox vs. Yankees
6. Arnold Palmer vs. Jack Nicklaus
5. Maple Leafs vs. Canadiens
4. Wilt Chamberlain vs. Bill Russell
3. North Carolina vs. Duke
2. Muhammad Ali vs. Joe Frazier
1. Michigan vs. Ohio State
 

"I love him, he's a great coach, he's a great mentor, he's a great friend. He's every single thing you want a college coach to be, and he does it flawlessly." -David Molk

November 18th, 2011 at 8:33 PM | Ali vs. Frazier was glaring! (Score:2)
turd sandwich
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Ali vs. Frazier was glaring!

November 18th, 2011 at 4:45 PM | I agree with MLB rivalries. (Score:2)
HttV Wolverine
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I agree with MLB rivalries. ESPN kills the Yankees v. Red Sox rivalry talking about it every game. About the only MLB rivalry games I thing have any backing are like the Indians v. the Reds, since they are from different leagues. It's definitely interesting because they only play during interleague games / playoffs.

“What the mind can conceive, the mind can achieve and those who stay will be champions.” - Bo 

][V][

November 18th, 2011 at 4:40 PM | is current relevance relevant? (Score:1)
superstringer
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Everyone has missed what is probably the dirtiest, most hate-filled NFL rivalry of all time:

Raiders v. Chiefs.

If you don't know about their history, then it'll be a surprise to you.  Fans of the teams know the hatred.  However, both teams have stunk for 10+ years, so the relevance of the rivalry is pretty much gone.  But back in the day, this was a bloodbath, twice a year.  Having Marcus Allen switch teams but retire as a Chief pretty much added salt to the wounds there.

November 18th, 2011 at 4:41 PM | H-A-T-E, Alabama-style (Score:1)
Sugaloaf
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I really think M-OSU all-time (and on a national level), but man after watching the Aub-Ala doc, that's fierce.  When people start poisoning landmarks and live in a state that's only got college football going for it, they HATE each other. You can smell the desperation, on both sides, to win. 

 

Class of '97.  Missed it by that much.

November 18th, 2011 at 4:45 PM | Calvin Hope (Score:0 Overrated)
November 18th, 2011 at 5:15 PM | I read this too fast the (Score:3 Normal)
Red is Blue
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I read this too fast the first time and thougt it said Calvin vs. Hobbes.

 

 Calvin and Hobbes Original.png

 

"Is There Anybody Out There?" Pink Floyd, The Wall.

November 18th, 2011 at 5:18 PM | That would be on the (Score:1)
M-Wolverine
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Greatest team ups list, wouldn't it?

"I love him, he's a great coach, he's a great mentor, he's a great friend. He's every single thing you want a college coach to be, and he does it flawlessly." -David Molk

November 18th, 2011 at 5:36 PM | Other great team ups: Maize (Score:2)
Red is Blue
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Other great team ups:

Maize and Blue

Rum and Coke

"Is There Anybody Out There?" Pink Floyd, The Wall.

November 18th, 2011 at 4:47 PM | I think you need to (Score:1)
BlueCE
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I think you need to put Barcelona vs Real Madrid much higher... we just don't get how passionate and global that rivalry is...

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November 18th, 2011 at 5:17 PM | Objectively it's not nearly (Score:1)
turtleboy
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Objectively it's not nearly as passionate or global as Celtic v Rangers. With all the Scottish and Irish loyal expats all over the world (especially in America) and the repeated violence, racial abuse, and even current scandals about overzealous fan demonstrations I can't see another rivalry going that far. Real, and more recently Barca, are more competetive on the field so they have recently gotten more international attention, but their global rivalry is one of which jersey sells more: Messi or Ronaldo.

How many times have you been on the freeway and had someone fly by you at 100 mph then end up 2 cars ahead of you at the off ramp? What's the point? -Mark Harmon

November 18th, 2011 at 5:32 PM | Actually pretty fucking intense (Score:2)
PurpleStuff
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If you ever talk to someone who speaks Catalan about Barca/Real (rather than some did in a Xavi jersey) there is a ton of regional and historic hatred between the two clubs.  Madrid was basically the pride and joy of the Franco regime and Barca's name wasn't allowed to be printed in Catalan during that time.

There is plenty of hatred on the ground floor of that rivalry.

It is spelled HOKEAMANIA.  Our coach is an ass-kicking American citizen, not one of the Beatles, for Christ's sake!

November 18th, 2011 at 4:51 PM | What about the Lord Jeffs and the Ephs? (Score:1)
brose
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C'mon on man...my neighbor once told me he would just kill himself if the Ephs couldn't beat those dastardly Lord Jeffs this year.

November 18th, 2011 at 4:49 PM | Not exactly sports but......... (Score:5 Normal)
mGrowOld
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November 18th, 2011 at 9:13 PM | They could both play on my (Score:1)
aiglick
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They could both play on my team.

Here's hoping for a bright future. This team does try hard and I will continue to support them.

November 18th, 2011 at 4:52 PM | Illinois vs. Michigan (Score:3 Normal)
da3mite
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Obvs..

November 18th, 2011 at 4:52 PM | 1995-2002 (Score:3 Insightful)
CAHLChamp
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Red Wings - Avalance was close to the best in all of sports for a stretch in the mid- to late-Nineties.  After the March 26, 1996 game and Detroit beating them in that season's playoffs, their regular season games were events not to be missed.  The rivalry petered out rather quickly, but was huge not only in the hockey world but was front page material in its heyday.

Living in Columbus fighting the Great Satan from the inside since 2004

November 18th, 2011 at 4:58 PM | Good call, CAHL (Score:1)
BeatOSU52
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Good call, CAHL.

The 2 goalie fights were epic, and there was almost a third goalie fight in the 2002 Western Conference Finals if Hasek didn't fall down on his way to Roy.

 

On a different note, UM vs MSU football is quietly creeping its way on the top rivalries in sports the way our fans bicker with each other.  pretty soon the national media will start picking up on dislike for each other, more.

We're not teaching them about sports, we're teaching them about life!

November 18th, 2011 at 5:23 PM | Wish it was still big, but (Score:1)
bacon1431
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Wish it was still big, but most of the people involved have moved on. It the late 90s, early 2000s, it was one of the best in pro sports. So great.

For a' that, an' a' that, 
Our toils obscure an' a' that, 
The rank is but the guinea's stamp, 
The man's the gowd for a' that. 
November 18th, 2011 at 6:25 PM | Dude so true! I mean now it (Score:1)
goldenmug8
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Dude so true! I mean now it isn't really one, but during the 90's, I would say it was top 3 for sure.

I am so glad I was alive to see/remember this rivalry. SOOO good, I still get goosebumps thinking about those playoff games and how much they meant and how intense they were

Class of 2008 and 2009

November 18th, 2011 at 4:57 PM | Any fan will say their team's (Score:1)
BrownJuggernaut
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Any fan will say their team's rivalry is the biggest. A lot of my teams have great rivalries. The Red Sox have the Yankees (best rivalry in baseball). The Bruins have the Canadiens (best rivalry in hockey). The Patriots have the Jets, Colts, and Steelers. The Celtics, at different times, have had the Pistons and the Lakers. Arsenal has Spurs as a local rival and Manchester United, Chelsea, and Liverpool as competitive rivals (Man City is becoming one). Michigan has Ohio State. I don't think I could choose from these rivalries, and I'd be hardpressed to rank them. All I will say is that rivalries are what make sports great.

Avatar is a reference to this. Go Blue!

November 18th, 2011 at 6:42 PM | Northville High vs. Novi High? (Score:1)
g_reaper3
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Battle for the Baseline Jug...........

Go Blue!

November 18th, 2011 at 5:02 PM | CMU vs WMU (Score:1)
GoBlogSparty
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FIERCE

Your friendly neighborhood Sparty

November 18th, 2011 at 5:07 PM | soccer fans, man (Score:2 Normal)
UMQuadz05
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Rangers/Celtic has to be waaay up there, maybe even #1.  Combine UM/OSU and Auburn/Bama sports-hate, add sectarian violence and actual hate, take away any other meaninful rivalries (they are the only real teams in the country), and put the teams in the same damn city. 

Hail to the colors that float in the light-
Hurrah for the Yellow and Blue!

November 18th, 2011 at 5:13 PM | Old Firm (Score:2)
Needs
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Yeah, as hateful as any American rivalry gets, I don't think that any fans chant/sing about being up to their knees in the blood of the other teams fans, or tie their fandom so closely to religion and nationalism.

November 18th, 2011 at 5:20 PM | That one is okay (Score:3 Normal)
PurpleStuff
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But Hearts vs. Hibs is a way bigger deal globally.

It is spelled HOKEAMANIA.  Our coach is an ass-kicking American citizen, not one of the Beatles, for Christ's sake!

November 18th, 2011 at 5:25 PM | Hearts-Hibs got to be the (Score:1)
turtleboy
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Hearts-Hibs got to be the oldest rivalry in sports for sure. The Old-old firm.

How many times have you been on the freeway and had someone fly by you at 100 mph then end up 2 cars ahead of you at the off ramp? What's the point? -Mark Harmon

November 18th, 2011 at 7:13 PM | My friend grew up Glasgow, (Score:2)
Ben from SF
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My friend grew up Glasgow, Scotland; and he told us his earliest memory is being taken by his dad to a Celtic / Ranger match, and they took turns throwing rocks at Ranger fans walking by the entrance to the stadium.  They never even made it into the game.

...Sounds like OSU fans circa 2002...

"I would hope that understanding and reconciliation are not limited to the 19th hole alone." - President Gerald R Ford, Michigan '35

November 18th, 2011 at 5:10 PM | According to ESPN (Score:1)
turtleboy
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it's whatever game they happen to be featuring at that moment. Right now the greatest rivalry ever is apparently Houston-SMU, which will be eclipsed by KState-Texas later that evening. KState is on the verge of winning 4 in a row after all...

How many times have you been on the freeway and had someone fly by you at 100 mph then end up 2 cars ahead of you at the off ramp? What's the point? -Mark Harmon

November 18th, 2011 at 5:22 PM |   Hey fellas. Lil bros (Score:-1 Offtopic)
November 18th, 2011 at 5:25 PM | Black Country Derby (Score:1)
bacon1431
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The Wolves of Wolverhampton against the Baggies of West Bromwich Albion.

Come on you Wolves!!!!!

For a' that, an' a' that, 
Our toils obscure an' a' that, 
The rank is but the guinea's stamp, 
The man's the gowd for a' that. 
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