rivalry games
Historic opponent contests
Rivalry games are sporting contests between teams with a history of intense competition, often based on geographic proximity, conference membership, or memorable past matchups.
The stakes feel higher than ordinary games: The Ohio State–Michigan rivalry game draws over 100,000 fans annually.
College football and basketball rivalries are especially prominent in American sports culture.
- match-upScheduled competitive encounter
- derbyOpen-entry competition
- grudge matchContest to settle scores
- showdownDecisive final confrontation
- upsetDisturb, topple, or shock
homecoming · crosstown · adrenaline · home field advantage · classic · animosity · underdog · tournament · blood feud · scrims · esports · redemption · Red River · clans · ticket sales · pep rallies · sold out crowd · overtime
- College Footballfootball, college football, Clemson Tigers, BCS, Georgia Bulldogs
- athleticsrunning, basketball, jumping, football, sprinting
- footballfootball, touchdown, field goal, quarterback, end zone
- sporting eventsrace, match, final, cup, league
- college activitiesbasketball, clubs, football, sports, baseball
- sports traditionstailgating, huddle, seventh inning stretch, awards banquet, team cheer
rivalry gamesexhibition matches
Contests without ranking consequences
friendly matches · friendlies · scrimmages · garbage time · all-star games