Rivalry weekend is one of the most exciting weekends in the college football season. To name a few incredible rivalry games, Alabama takes on Auburn, Michigan takes on Ohio State, Washington plays Oregon, Texas is up against Texas A+M, and Arizona plays Arizona State. All these games are long-lasting rivalries between schools and make these more than just a game. Wins in some of these rivalries are sought after as much, and sometimes more than a bowl game. One example of this is seen in the rivalry between Ohio State and Michigan where fans of both schools hype up the game all year, waiting to see if this is the year that they can win the rivalry. Some rivalries even have trophies, like Illinois vs Northwestern, which is also happening this weekend.
One thing that all rivalries this weekend have in common is that they have lasted for an incredibly long time. Many of the rivalries have lasted over 100 years. Alabama vs Auburn, also known as the Iron Bowl, has lasted since 1893. These rivalries have outlasted the NFL and have been around since the sport’s creation in 1869.
Some of the most incredible plays in college football history have been seen in the rivalries taking place throughout this weekend. One of these plays was in the 2013 Iron Bowl, on the last play of the game. The game was tied, and Alabama took a 57-yard field goal for the win. It was a massive miss and an Auburn player, named Chris Davis, returned the Field goal for a touchdown. Another incredible play was seen in the 1991 Michigan vs Ohio State game. In this play, Desmond Howard returned a punt 99 yards for a touchdown, celebrating with a Heisman pose, helping Michigan win in a commanding fashion against their rivals.
This incredible weekend always has strong playoff implications. Just last year, two of the four playoff teams were decided during these rivalries. The Oregon vs. Washington game awarded Oregon with its only two losses last season, completely taking them out of the playoff race. Michigan’s win against Ohio State also allowed Michigan to win the National Championship last year while simultaneously knocking Ohio State out of the race. This year it is no different, with one seeded, and undefeated, Oregon facing Washington. If they lose like they have been doing for years, this could completely change Oregon’s incredible season. Ohio State is also the two seed, only suffering one loss. If they lose, it may cause them to be out of the playoff picture and would really hurt their chances at a National Championship. The 3rd seeded Texas Longhorns are playing their state rivals Texas A+M as well, in a game that could change the course of either team’s seasons.
Some of the non-rivalry games this weekend could be the deciding factor in the Heisman trophy race. Even though many of the Heisman candidates are not playing in rivalry games, how they play will be especially important. Ashton Jeanty from Boise State has had the best season as a running back in recent history, with 2,288 rushing yards and 29 touchdowns. Colorado’s Travis hunter is also a candidate due to having an incredible season at both wide receiver and cornerback. The last person in the race is Cam Ward, from Miami. He has had an incredible season, leading the Hurricanes to only one loss. This weekend will show who stands out the most out of these three.
These games will be incredibly positive for college football and many people at Hingham High school are excited. HHS Junior, Troy Leibovici said, “This weekend is unlike any other in college football, and I am excited to see how it will turn out.” People are also very adamant about the Heisman race. Sharing his opinion, John Leone, also a Junior at HHS, said, “I think Ashton Jeanty would be Heisman because of his stellar season.” Every aspect of this weekend of college football is important in some way or another and all college football fans are excited to see how it will turn out.
