What makes a great rivalry?

In lieu of all the smack talk and banter this week, I really got to wondering what makes a rivalry, a rivalry. This is just some of my finds with some editing.

Anytime we talk about rivalries we only associate them with the historical aspect. Sure some rivalries are great because of their history. The Iron Bowl had so many great battles and for years has had high stakes so nationally it's one of the best. Why though, is the Iron Bowl a given? I don't live in Alabama so I don't claim to know how much people care. But in my opinion there are other SEC rivalry games with more passion than the Iron Bowl. Also, LSU still hates their historic rival Ole Miss. But when LSU fans look at the schedule, which games are they looking forward to? Yes Florida and Auburn.

The Ole Miss/LSU rivalry has been on vacation. It's not LSU's fault. Since 2001 LSU has won the west 4 times, 3 conference championships, and 2 National titles. Where's Ole Miss? Still struggling to find its identity in my opinion. This could have been like the late 50's again.(which is the last time Ole Miss was at the top of there game.) How could a 2 time national champion and 3 time SEC champion(all in this decade) be concerned with Ole Miss? We'll they sure don't want to lose to Ole Miss.

The Ole Miss/Miss State rivalry has gained steam since being yanked from ESPN on Thankgiving. Why? The 2 teams are usually pretty awful when they play. However, when these two play it's been about a whole different kind of pride: who will suck the least.

Rivalries are at their best when both teams are very good and there's not a clear favorite. I don't think there is a clear favorite this coming weekend. LSU has not been playing very well and Ole Miss, is just Ole Miss. Which Ole Miss is going to show. The Rebs have played the Tigers pretty tough over the past few years, but that doesn't result in victories.

If Vandy and Tenn are historic rivals, but please, this is not a rivalry just because they play every year. Sure Vandy has made it interesting lately, but rivalries can't be so 1 sided. Getting beat 24 out of 25 times is not spicing things up. Although I do like when a team hasn't won against a conference foe in years so we get to witness why college football is superior: the big upset, fans pouring out of stands rushing the field and tearing down goal posts.

Rivalries don't develop though from years of getting your ass handed too you. Example: How important was the LSU-Florida rivalry when Spurrier was giving no mercy? How about Florida-Georgia from 1990 to 2003 when Florida had won 13 out of 14? So what is the best rivalry in the SEC? Not which one has always been pegged as the best, Auburn/Alabama.

Which ever game has had the highest stakes that year is the greatest rivalry? In the SEC, every game is a rivalry game. They're all important and I know everybody hates everybody.