Lately there has been alot of discussion about what is the biggest rivalry in all of sports. There are several options here are just a few that are usually considered to be at the top of the list: New York Yankees vs Boston Red Sox(MLB), LA Lakers vs Boston Celtics(NBA), Duke vs UNC (Men's hoops), Michigan vs Ohio State(NCAAFB), Green Bay Packers vs Chicago Bears(NFL), Montreal Canadiens vs Toronto Maple Leafs(NHL), Rafael Nadal vs Roger Federer(Pro Tennis), Tiger Woods vs Phil Mickelson(PGA), Tennessee Lady Vols vs UCONN Lady Huskies(Women's hoops), and last but not least Auburn vs. Alabama(NCAAFB).
What sparked this blog entry was a conversation between me and my Uncle last night that he said to never discuss while playing poker. The UNC Duke game was on and of course Dickie V was ranting about how it is the biggest rivalry in all of sports. Without a doubt it is important for the 8 mile stretch of bragging rights, but in no way shape or form is it even close to the biggest rivalry in ALL of sports. In my opinion Auburn vs. Alabama or any NCAAFB in state rivalry is a much bigger rivalry than any sport where you could potentially play up to 4 times a season. How is it possible for a rivalry to be bigger than one that has so much on the line? No matter if you agree or disagree with the BCS system it typically ends up putting the 2 best teams together at the end of the season; meanwhile, college basketball is more about who gets hot for a 6 game stretch at the end of a season. For instance, the Tennessee men's basketball team is currently (15-9) with 7 games to go. What if they were currently (0-24), lost their last 7, finish winless, then go and win the SEC Tournament to get an automatic bid to the NCAA tournament and end up winning that as well with a record of (10-31). Does this make them the best team in all of the land? Probably not. So how does this tie in to the biggest rivalry in sports you ask? The point I am trying to get across is that no rivalry even compares to the magnitude of Auburn vs Alabama. It's just not logical to think that anything can compare when you play 10 times a year and in the end it has no relevance in your teams final standing; moreover, when Alabama and Auburn play the loser is done, their hopes of winning a SEC crown or national title are finished. Let's say Duke sweeps UNC this season, but UNC goes out and wins the ACC tournament. Does this make UNC the best team in the ACC? Probably not.
Ok I'm done ranting on this one, I want to hear your opinions because I know everyone has a different standing on this issue.
