Best rivalries in Uslia

[Troy Hood]

I'll have to agree with Sonny on the best rivalry currently going to CSU vs. BYU. They are always playing with something on the line.

Speaking of playing for something, I have to say that the Missouri vs. Kansas rivalry in any sport is very heated. Our fellow GRLC members have decided to make things interesting and play for "The Border War Sword". According to a report on grlc.org, the sword is a geniune Civil War sword mounted on a plaque with scores from past games. Also reported is that the trophy travels with the winner each year.

It would be very exciting to have something like this to play for. Congrats to KU and Mizzou for getting this tradition off and running. Also, congrats to Mizzou for winning the Sword this evening.

[onpoint]

The CSU/CU rivalry is also gaining steam. This year the winner of the game will be presented with a bronzed old school Bacharach helmet. Even though CSU dominated pretty heavily through 1999-2004 (CU did win once during that stretch), every game since the 2002 RMLC semifinal game has been within two goals. Even though it appears CU does not have the firepower this year, I don't see the game next weekend being decided by more than two either. But, the BYU game is always good. We knew that everything we wanted went through the Cougars back in the old days. That's why the 2001 semifinals (10-9 CSU) is probably still the best ever game in the MDIA.

[bste_lax]

Another "small" one is Iowa-Iowa State.......for the annual fall game the day of the fooball game, where else do you see a team wake up at 5:30 AM to drive to Iowa City from Ames or Ames from Iowa City just to play the game at 8 AM so there is plenty of time to tailgate afterwards. My senior year was the only time you will ever see me up at 5:30 AM wide awake pumped while stuck in traffic for an hour from the I-80/I-35 interchange. Iowa-Iowa State chess would draw some kid of a crowd.

Also, the rivalry has finally moved to the Spring the past 3 seasons in some OOC games. The spring game last year was also the first ever night game under the lights at the Rec Fields at Iowa.

[Danny Hogan]

Florida/Florida State is brutal in anything. There hasn't been any brawls since about 2001, but there is definatley no love lost.

[Dulax]

Basically any team that is in the top 25 vs. anyone...or CSU vs UCSB.
In my opinion..the best games this year have been a high seed vs a low seed, a few games have been decided by just a couple of goals.

[bgigs2]

i am surprised no one has mentioned the U of M vs. BYU game. It seems that this game is always a good match up. It has been close game everytime we play. Usually ends up in a 1 goal game.

[TexOle]

I am sure everyone knows about many of the older rivalries in other sports, but I think one that has filtered its way on to the lacrosse field is the St. Olaf/Carleton rivalry. These schools have traditionally had some heavily contested games in other sports. The schools do not play often in lacrosse, but the game is always fun. In football they play for the goat (ESPN Top Ten Trophy) and the Cereal Bowl. In basketball it is just another goat. The rivalry also extends throughout Northfield and other parts of the country. The alumns will constantly feud over which school is better. Rumor has it that Carleton from the Fresh Prince was created by an Ole in response to Rose being from St. Olaf in the Golden Girls. There schools are separated by a river. Olaf is on a hill and gets to look down at Carleton where the Carls have to look up to us. The funny part is in general there are never really any fights between the schools. If St. Olaf ever loses to Carleton we just have to point out that our women are exponentially better looking than the one's at Carleton. The sad thing is in the Carleton student manual there is a quote that each year's freshmen class the is the hottest one yet, and they are still the ugliest school.

[laxfan25]

i am surprised no one has mentioned the U of M vs. BYU game. It seems that this game is always a good match up. It has been close game everytime we play. Usually ends up in a 1 goal game.

It wouldn't fall under great rivalries because it's only in lacrosse - there is no other commonality between BYU and Michigan. You'll notice all the others listed are natural rivals across the board, which adds that intensity to the lax matchups.
A breakthrough year for Michigan State, where they beat Michigan and win the CCLA, would elevate Michigan/MSU into that great rivalry category.

[TrainerDan]

I would have to say the BYU/CSU rivalry is the most heated I've seen. The basic fact of the matter is that the 2 teams just don't like each other. Having worked closely with the Cougars I have seen it front and center. They are 2 of the best teams in the MDIA, they compete for the same conference title every year, they play every year, and familiarity breeds contempt. They are fun games to be at and be apart of.

[DoctorDru]

Florida vs. Florida State, Although there is a mutual respect for one another off the field, this war is anything but civil..

[TampaLAX]

FLORIDA - FLORIDA STATE
Just good old fashion hate.
God must be a gator cause the sun is orange and the sky is blue...

[Catlax]

I would have to go with Florida- Florida State also. The schools are "natural" rivals in all sports, not just lacrosse. The competition includes co-ed comparisons, who drives nicer cars and who lives in nicer homes. But one competition is without a doubt in FSU's pocket: No one can super size a meal like a Florida State grad!!!

[KnoxVegas]

From my college days, Tennessee vs. Auburn on a Friday night. Honorable mention: Tennessee vs. Auburn any other day of the week.

Nationally, I also have to agree that CSU vs. BYU is an amazing game to watch. The Evil Empire versus the mighty Cougars.

Division B, Augustana versus Western Illinois. The battle for US Rte. 67!

[Ravaging Beast]

I would have to agree that BYU vs CSU is one of the biggest rivalries along with Sonoma vs UCSB. The WCLL board has a long listing of the Cal Poly vs Chico rivalry.

[hoyaslax18]

ive seen BYU/Michigan play once, but that was enough to convince me this was a rivalry. the fact that there is no other commonality between the two teams and they STILL dont seem to like each other/play every game hard and close only adds to the fact that this is a hard edged, winner take all game every year.