The SEC is not just a high standard of college sport. It’s not just the conference of massive crowds and elite talent. There’s an extraordinary amount of history in the SEC, too, contributing to some of the biggest rivalries in college sport.
Many players who feature in college football odds this week made their name in the SEC. It’s home to some of the nation’s football powerhouses, and many of the fiercest rivalries in the country.
Auburn vs. Alabama
Now, this wasn’t a difficult choice. Auburn versus Alabama is the biggest rivalry in college sports, and by a considerable margin at that.
The catalog of previous games features classics aplenty. From ‘Bo Over The Top’ in the 1980s to high-scoring epics in 2014 and 2019, the Iron Bowl is played at a high standard and between two teams who are historically well-matched.
Alabama has the edge in the history of this rivalry, but there’s little to choose between them in the 21st century, with Auburn winning 11 of their 21 meetings.
Not only competitive and entertaining, this is often a great indicator of postseason success. The winners of this game invariably make it into the College Football Playoffs.
LSU vs. Alabama
This SEC rivalry has flourished in recent years. It’s the past decade-plus when LSU and Alabama have produced many of their greatest encounters. The Crimson Tide and Tigers have matched up 85 times as of November 3rd, 2021, and while Alabama has historically dominated,
LSU has generally been very competitive of late.
There have been four overtime games since 2005. Nick Saban’s move to the Tide in 2007 only ignited this fiery rivalry further. Five years later, Alabama beat LSU in the BCS Championship Game, provoking a string of intense games in the following seasons.
Last-gasp touchdowns and resolute red zone defense have been a staple of this contest.
Florida vs. Georgia
Florida and Georgia share one of the few remaining neutral-site rivalries in college football.
While the nickname of the ‘World’s Largest Outdoor Cocktail Party’ is no longer used officially, the experience of attending this game should still be on any football fan’s bucket list.
There have been spells of dominance for both schools, but the on-field product is only part of this rivalry. It’s got a rich history, having played each other every year since 1926 apart from during the Second World War. Words cannot do the tailgating justice.
Ole Miss vs. Mississippi State
These teams aren’t always attracting national attention like some of their SEC peers. The Egg Bowl is still an epic rivalry with no shortage of drama.
This is the 10th longest uninterrupted series in the US and one that Ole Miss holds an advantage in. It’s been a relatively level playing field over the last decade or so, however, with Mississippi State claiming nine of their 45 all-time wins in the 21st century.
LSU vs. Arkansas
The Battle For The Golden Boot was first played back in 1901, and it became a regular on the college football schedule when the Razorbacks joined the SEC in the early 1990s.
Previously played at Thanksgiving, the game was moved from its usual slot in 2014, which has taken some of the excitement out of their matchups.
These teams have a knack for producing thrilling games, though. Even when it’s an apparent mismatch on paper, we are always treated to something dramatic.
LSU has won nine of the last 12 meetings and owns a 42-22-2 all-time record.
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