Rivalries are the heartbeat of college football. They spark emotion, fuel passion, and bring fans to their feet. But what happens when one team always comes out on top? Can it still be called a rivalry? The CFB community often refers to these as lopsided rivalries.
When one team wins for decades or dominates with big scores, you start to wonder—where’s the rivalry if most matchups feel like one side is surrendering to the other? Still, the emotions stay strong because of deep history and intense traditions. Let’s explore college football’s most unbalanced rivalries.
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UNC vs. NC State
The rivalry between UNC and NC State has mostly gone North Carolina’s way. The Tar Heels lead the all-time series 68-40-6 and have scored 28 more total points.
But NC State has had its moments. During the 1970s and early 1980s, the Wolfpack won six of eight matchups. And recently, they’ve kept things competitive, winning four of the last seven games.
Clemson vs. South Carolina
Clemson holds the upper hand in this in-state rivalry. The Tigers lead 73-44-4 and have scored 29 more total points.
However, South Carolina had its own golden run from 2009 to 2013. Under Steve Spurrier, the Gamecocks won five straight, powered by stars like Connor Shaw and Jadeveon Clowney.
Alabama vs. LSU
The Alabama vs. LSU rivalry is one of the most high-profile matchups in college football, with Alabama leading the all-time series 57-27-5. They also hold a +30 lead in total points scored throughout their matchups.
Still, LSU has had several game-changing victories, including its 2019 triumph, when Joe Burrow led the Tigers to a 46-41 win over the Crimson Tide. They also dominated in 2011, winning 9-6 in a defensive battle that helped them reach the BCS title game.
Georgia vs. Georgia Tech
“Clean, Old-Fashioned Hate” has mostly gone Georgia’s way. The Bulldogs lead the series 72-41-5 and hold a 31-point edge in scoring. However, Georgia Tech stunned Georgia in 2014 with a thrilling 30-24 overtime victory and followed it up with back-to-back wins in 2016 and 2017, making the rivalry interesting at times.
Washington vs. Washington State
The Apple Cup has been ruled by Washington, with the Huskies leading 76-34-6 and holding a 32-point lead overall. Occasionally, Washington State has made some noise too. In 1997, Ryan Leaf led WSU to a 31-14 win and their first Rose Bowl trip in 67 years. The Cougars also had big wins in 2017 and 2018.
Purdue vs. Indiana
Purdue vs. Indiana, the Indiana rivalry, aka “the Old Oaken Bucket,” has been largely controlled by Purdue, which leads 77-43-6. Purdue also holds a +34 lead in total points scored throughout their matchups.
However, Indiana shocked Purdue in 2019, winning 44-41 in double overtime, one of the most thrilling games in rivalry history. The Hoosiers also went back-to-back in 2016 and 2017.
Michigan vs. Michigan State
Michigan dominates the one-sided history books with a 74-38-5 record and a +36 point margin. Still, Michigan State fans will never forget the “Miracle at the Big House” in 2015. A muffed punt led to a last-second touchdown, giving the Spartans a 27-23 win.
They also won eight of ten meetings from 2008 to 2017, making it one of the few rivalries where the underdog has put together dominant stretches.
Texas vs. Texas A&M
The Texas vs. Texas A&M rivalry has been historically dominated by Texas, leading 77-37-5 with a 40-point advantage. Yet, Texas A&M has had explosive victories, including its 2011 triumph—the last matchup before A&M moved to the SEC. Fans also won’t forget when they upset the Longhorns with a 23-20 victory in 2006.
Tennessee vs. Vanderbilt
This series heavily favors Tennessee. With an 81-33-5 record and a 48-point lead, it’s one of the most one-sided rivalries in college football.
But Vanderbilt made history in 2016 by securing a 45-34 win that kept Tennessee out of a New Year’s Six bowl. Vandy also pulled off wins in 2012, 2013, and 2018, proving it can disrupt Tennessee’s dominance every few years.
Oklahoma vs. Oklahoma State
The Oklahoma vs. Oklahoma State rivalry, known as the Bedlam Series, has been one of the most lopsided rivalries in college football. Oklahoma dominates this rivalry, leading 91-20-7 with a +71 point advantage.
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But that doesn’t mean Oklahoma State hasn’t had its moments. In 2021, the Cowboys pulled off a thrilling 37-33 win that helped them punch a ticket to the Big 12 Championship. And back in 2011, another big Bedlam victory nearly launched OSU into the BCS National Championship.
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