Omar’s Top Ten Rivalries in Sports
Omar’s Top Ten Rivalries in Sports:
10) Cubs vs. Cardinals – I’ve been to a Cubbies-Cards game. Just seemed like another game at the new Busch.
9) Lakers vs. Celtics – It’s hard to sustain a rivalry when only twice do the teams play in an 82 game season. This finals appearance certainly helps, but it’ll take some bad blood to boil over to move up this list.
8) Army vs. Navy – These two are essentially on the same team, so really, how much animosity can there be? Nevertheless, great tradition.
7) Auburn vs. Alabama – I’d imagine this is like OSU-Michigan without the border. I’ve never experienced this one first hand, hopefully one day I will.
6) Steelers vs. Browns – I was once at a Blink 182 concert at Heinz Field when the crowd starts chanting, “Cleveland sucks, Cleveland sucks!” When fans are shouting obscenities at each other at a music festival in July, you know you have something special.
5) UCLA vs. USC – This rivalry festers all year because they are in the same city and loser has to hear about it all year long. I grew up a die-hard UCLA fan, so naturally I hate USC and so does anyone else remotely associated with Bruin nation. The feeling is mutual, as SC fans tend to look down their noses at UCLA football. But we’re a whole lot better at football with much more tradition than they have at basketball. UCLA hoops and USC football cancels each other out, so the Bruins are left with the upper hand. Now, who’s looking down at whom? I hope the Bucks pummel the Trojans this fall, then the Bruins follow suit, objectionably speaking of course.
4) Yankees vs. Red Sox – This rivalry receives so much hype in the media. I’ve been in Yankee Stadium a couple times for this rivalry. It’s not as electrically charged as you may think. Maybe it’s different at Fenway. I think it gets so much attention because these two teams each have so many fans across the country, thereby earning the coverage, but in my opinion a bit overrated.
3) Duke vs. North Carolina – I’ve seen games in both Cameron and the Dean Dome. Both places rock, I can only imagine what it’s like when they play each other. You may not agree with how Dick Vitale communicates but he’s 100% justified when he hyperventilates for this one. Much like UCLA-USC, these schools are separated by a few miles and mean much more to daily life in these communities than the score alone.
2) Dodgers vs. Giants – The most underrated rivalry in sports, the Dodgers and Giants first forged their dislike while playing together in New York City. Then they moved out west in the same year and carried on with greater passion in the supposed laid-back California. They anchor the divide between NoCal and SoCal which is probably why I’ve never been to one of these games and not seen a fight or at least someone intent on starting one. When I was younger, the rivalry seemed more one-sided. Giants fans were more happy with spoiling a Dodgers season than having a good one themselves.(The Giants haven’t won a World Series since moving to San Francisco.) But the Barry Bonds era gave Dodger fans a reason to hate the Giants just as much, fueling a rivalry that will last for all time.
1) Ohio State vs. Michigan – I’m playing to the crowd a little here, but I’ve often said that the OSU-Michigan game in ’06, #1 vs. #2 was the greatest sports experience I’ve ever had and I’ve been to the Olympics, the NBA Finals, and many other incredible sporting venues. And I’m not sure any future endeavors will top it. Not to mention all the tradition and anecdotes of which you’re very aware.
Didn’t make the cut:
Otterbein vs. Capital
Blue Jackets vs. Red Wings
Crew vs. Toronto FC
Did I forget one? Let me know what you think about the list – we just might mention you on the air!!
