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Barstool Sports: Top 10 Bitter In-State Rivalry Games in College Football

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  Published in Sports and Competition on Saturday, September 6th 2025 at 20:30 GMT by Fox Sports
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Barstool Sports Reveals the 10 Most Bitter In‑State Rivalries in College Football

When the long‑standing traditions of college football collide with the fiercest state‑to‑state grudges, the result is a series of games that are more than just a Saturday night of football—they’re a clash of regional identity, bragging rights, and, at times, personal vendettas. Barstool Sports recently published a tongue‑in‑cheek rundown of the “Top 10 Bitter In‑State Rivalry Games” in college football, spotlighting the matchups that consistently deliver drama, controversy, and a healthy dose of state‑wide tension.

Below is a fresh take on Barstool’s list, paired with the historical and cultural forces that make each rivalry uniquely “bitter.” (The original Barstool article can be found on FoxSports, and the links within the piece point to further coverage, including game recaps, player interviews, and archival footage that deepen the story.)

10. Texas vs. Texas A&M – The Lone Star Showdown

Texas and Texas A&M have been at odds for more than a century, but the 2011 “Rivalry in the Dust” game gave the matchup a new intensity. What started as a battle for state bragging rights turned into a nationally televised showcase of strategic play‑calling, memorable plays (such as the “A‑A‑M” touchdown run), and a back‑and‑forth history that is as much about football as it is about Texas identity. The “Lone Star Showdown” is often the most watched college football game of the season, and it never fails to deliver the emotional rollercoaster fans expect.

9. Oregon vs. Oregon State – The Oregon State vs. Oregon Duel

The “Beaver Bowl” is a classic “turf war” for the Pacific Northwest, with the Ducks and the Beavers battling not only for conference prestige but for the right to claim the best football culture in the state. Oregon’s recent dominance in the early 2010s—led by the “Deschutes Dynasty”—has fueled an undercurrent of bitterness, especially after a 2018 game where Oregon was held to a mere 10 points, giving Oregon State a rare, heart‑breaking win.

8. Colorado vs. Colorado State – The Colorado Classic

This rivalry dates back to 1895, but it’s the 2009 showdown that left an indelible mark: a 58‑0 shutout that still sits in the record books. Colorado’s perennial powerhouse status clashed with the “Rams” from the state’s “other” side of the Rockies. The game frequently highlights the stark contrasts between the University of Colorado’s suburban campus and Colorado State’s more modest, but equally passionate, student body.

7. Alabama vs. Auburn – The Iron Bowl

The “Iron Bowl” is arguably the most iconic in‑state rivalry in college football. Alabama’s “Bama” tradition is almost religious, and Auburn’s “Auburn” pride is the stuff of folklore. The rivalry’s bitter edge has sharpened over the decades, fueled by coaching disputes, a controversial 2013 overtime game, and the infamous “Harris 30” play. The 2021 game saw a dramatic 35‑24 win by Auburn that stoked a new generation of Alabama fans to question everything.

6. Kentucky vs. Louisville – The Ragin’ Cajun Showdown

Kentucky and Louisville’s rivalry is as much about football as it is about state politics. The “Ragin’ Cajun” name is a misnomer that has caused decades of confusion among fans, but the on‑field rivalry remains hot. The 2017 game, where Louisville’s “Boo” team stunned the “Wildcat” defense, remains a reference point for fans when discussing the bitterness of the rivalry.

5. Michigan vs. Michigan State – The Michigan–Michigan State Game

While the “Michigan–Michigan State” rivalry is not strictly an in‑state clash (both teams are in the same state), the emotional intensity is undeniable. The game has produced some of the most controversial moments in college football, such as the 2015 “No‑No” tackle, where a player was ejected for a brutal hit. The rivalry also underscores the cultural divide between the University of Michigan’s “Yale‑style” traditions and Michigan State’s “Beltway” heritage.

4. Kansas vs. Kansas State – The Sunflower Showdown

Kansas vs. Kansas State, known as the “Sunflower Showdown,” reflects a rivalry steeped in state pride. The 2016 game featured a last‑second field goal that sealed a 33‑28 victory for Kansas, sparking a wave of outrage that still reverberates among fans. The teams have also exchanged heated coaching interviews over the years, adding an extra layer of bitterness to the on‑field battles.

3. Nebraska vs. Missouri – The Border War

Although the Border War has officially ended, its legacy still stains every game between the Cornhuskers and the Tigers. The 1987 game remains a watershed moment for Nebraska fans: a 54‑0 victory that seemed to end Missouri’s hopes for a comeback. The bitterness lies not just in the scorelines but in the lingering resentment that continues to color the fanbase.

2. Florida vs. Florida State – The “Florida Showdown”

Florida’s rivalry with Florida State is an electrifying battle for the Sunshine State’s dominance. The 2006 game saw the “Seminoles” win in a blowout, sparking an intense rivalry that’s seen several heartbreaking moments for the “Gators.” The bitterness is fueled by a shared desire to out‑prove the other in a state that sees football as a cultural identity.

1. Alabama vs. Auburn – The Iron Bowl (Again)

Barstool Sports placed the Iron Bowl at both the top and the bottom of the list, reflecting how deeply ingrained it is in the college football psyche. The 2021 “Hail Mary” that left Auburn’s fans on their feet and Alabama’s fans stunned is a textbook example of why the Iron Bowl remains the pinnacle of in‑state rivalry bitterness.

Final Thoughts

The Barstool list offers more than a simple countdown—it’s a reminder that in‑state rivalries are the purest expressions of regional pride, the most heated arguments over who’s superior, and the places where football becomes an extension of local culture. From the “Lone Star Showdown” to the “Iron Bowl,” these matchups are defined by legendary plays, historic controversies, and a shared desire to outshine the other side of the state. Whether you’re a die‑hard fan or a casual observer, the bitterness in these games is a reminder that football is, at its core, a battle of identity, pride, and pure, unfiltered competition.