In college football, some games are more than just games. The rivalry between teams turns a simple Saturday into a legendary event. It creates moments that fans will remember forever.
These moments are thanks to the people who made them happen. Their names are etched in the history of rivalries. Take Auburn’s Chris Davis and his famous “Kick Six” return.
Who can forget Rod Bramblett’s epic call? Coaches like Steve Spurrier and Bobby Bowden also left their mark. They defined the intense rivalry between Florida and FSU.
Even players like Ole Miss’s Elijah Moore made their mark in fierce games. These individuals are forever remembered. They are part of a special hall of fame.
Their legacies are built on passion, pressure, and drama. This article celebrates those iconic individuals and the games that made them legends. We’ll explore famous clashes, including the greatest battles ever fought between LSU and Alabama.
Get ready for a journey through the most legendary rivalries in the sport.
Classic Game Write-Ups
Some rivalry games are remembered for more than just who won. They are known for the drama or controversy that happened. These accounts look at three classics where a single play changed rivalry lore.
The 2013 Iron Bowl between #1 Alabama and #4 Auburn was intense. The winner would get the SEC West and a spot in the conference championship. Alabama tried a 57-yard field goal with one second left.
The kick missed, and Auburn’s Chris Davis caught it in the end zone. He then ran 109 yards for a touchdown as time ran out. This heart-stopping sequence, known as the “Kick Six,” gave Auburn a 34-28 win.
In 2005, #1 USC faced #9 Notre Dame in South Bend. The game was back and forth in the final minutes. USC’s Matt Leinart tried a quarterback sneak from the one-yard line but was stopped.
The game seemed over. But USC’s Reggie Bush pushed Leinart forward for a second try. This “Bush Push” was illegal, but no penalty was called. The touchdown counted, and USC won 34-31, keeping its perfect season alive.
The 2019 Egg Bowl between Ole Miss and Mississippi State ended strangely. Ole Miss was down 21-14 with four seconds left. Quarterback Matt Corral threw a touchdown to Elijah Moore.
Moore then crawled to the end zone and mimicked a dog urinating. He was flagged for unsportsmanlike conduct. The penalty cost Ole Miss the extra point, and they lost 21-20.
| Year | Rivalry Game | Nickname | Deciding Moment | Final Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2013 | Auburn vs. Alabama (Iron Bowl) | “Kick Six” | 109-yard missed FG return as time expired | Auburn 34, Alabama 28 |
| 2005 | Notre Dame vs. USC | “Bush Push” | Controversial, illegal push on game-winning QB sneak | USC 34, Notre Dame 31 |
| 2019 | Ole Miss vs. Mississippi State (Egg Bowl) | “Celebration Penalty” | TD celebration penalty leads to missed extended PAT | Mississippi State 21, Ole Miss 20 |
These games show how close victory and defeat can be in rivalry games. A single play can change history. They remind us why we watch sports—for the unforgettable moments that become stories for years.
Lasting Impact on Rivalries
The most intense rivalries are more than just the score of a game. They are built on history and emotion that lasts long after the season ends.
“Bad Blood” sets the stage for animosity. Events like pre-game fights between Florida and Florida State coaches, or Alabama fans poisoning Auburn’s Toomer’s Corner trees, are never forgotten. These acts fuel every game that follows. A taunt like South Carolina’s Steve Taneyhill signing the Clemson field is etched in rivalry history.
“Tradition” adds a timeless element. The long-standing series between Minnesota and Wisconsin, the spotlight on Notre Dame-USC, and Georgia Tech players damaging the Sanford Stadium hedges are rituals. They connect fans and players across generations with a shared story.
This mix of conflict and tradition creates a Hall of Fame rivalry. Memorable big games come and go. But the deep-seated resentment and tradition keep the rivalry intense for years. This legacy is seen in professional sports, where history shapes the rivalry. Future games are charged with this past, making them more than just another big game.
