Question of the Week: What is college football's best rivalry?

Each week during the season, members of the USA TODAY Sports college staff (Jace Evans, Paul Myerberg, George Schroeder, Erick Smith and Eddie Timanus) will provide their answers to on an intriguing question from college football. 

The penultimate weekend in college football's regular season is for rivalries. But not all rivalries are played in November. What is the best rivalry in college football?

Jace Evans

"The Game" between Michigan and Ohio State is certainly a classic, and it’s historically also one of the most tightly-contested rivalries. Even with Ohio State dominating the series in the 21st century (15-3 advantage), there have been a number of classic games - was the spot good? - that keep things compelling.

But it is not my favorite rivalry. That honor belongs to the Iron Bowl.

No, it's not the most consistent rivalry game, but the Iron Bowl provides the most incredible highs college football can offer - often at Alabama's expense. Punt 'Bama Punt, Cam Newton's comeback and the Kick-Six come to mind as games that punctuate what rivalries are all about. Alabama has had the edge practically forever, but Auburn fans can always hold these games over rival Tide fans' heads and Alabama fans, despite all the team's success, will never get over the losses. For those of us without a direct rooting interest, what makes these games great is the moments. Especially in the Nick Saban era, Alabama losses have become big events and its losses to Auburn particularly have stood out ("Auburn's going to win the football game!"). Of all rivalries the Iron Bowl seems to deliver the most memorable moments that will stand the test of time, and isn't that what we love about this sport?

Paul Myerberg

The best rivalry in college football is the one between Alabama and Clemson. Most rivalries are based on real estate. Alabama and Clemson do compete in the same general area, the Southeast, and often do cross paths on the recruiting trail. But this rivalry is born wholly out of the games themselves: Alabama and Clemson is a series that is played for national championships, not bragging rights, as the two programs have put a huge spread of space between themselves and the rest of college football. There’s currently nothing like it in the sport.

George Schroeder

Whenever someone asks this, it becomes a window into the soul. What’s “best” becomes what you like best about college football. Is it national relevance? Is it longevity? Is it – and this is where most of us default – the magnitude of sheer hatred? And then you hear about the Iron Bowl, or The Game, or any of a number of others.

But let’s take a break from the darkness. The best rivalry in college football is played in December, a week after everyone else is finished, by teams uninvolved in the Playoff chase, by players who are all-Americans in the most important ways. Here lately, it’s possible the teams might not throw a pass.

The best rivalry in college football is Army-Navy.

Erick Smith

With some many amazing options, there's really not a wrong choice here. But part of the rivalry experience is where the games are actually played. And there is no greater environment in college football than Oklahoma and Texas in the middle of the Texas State Fair.

The stands are split evenly between crimson and burnt orange. The emotions always run high. And the results of the games have had a big impact on the history of the sport. Plus, the winner gets to trot around the Cotton Bowl with a Golden Hat.

The other aspect of a rivalry is the animosity between the two sides. The Sooners created the Horns Down gesture that has become a way to troll the Longhorns across the Big 12. West Virginia was actually penalized for twice this season for using it in celebrations. 

Texas has its own way to unique way to mock Oklahoma, too. Someone will mention the time of day and follow it with "Oklahoma still sucks." Longhorns defensive lineman Breckyn Hager received a reprimand from the Big 12 doing exactly that during an interview after a win against Iowa State last week.

Just more proof the impact of the rivalry extends to way beyond when the teams meet on the field.

Eddie Timanus

I get this question frequently around this time of year, and my answer will never change. It will always be Army-Navy.

There’s a whole lot of justified cynicism associated with college football nowadays, but this rivalry remains what spirited competition is supposed to be about. These guys will pound on each other and fight like heck for 60 minutes. And when it’s over, they’ll sing each others alma maters, shake hands and know that they’re all on the same side when it comes to defending the country.