Throughout the week of Thanksgiving 2024, tensions rose amongst Big 10 college campuses around the country as rivalry week began, significantly affecting the atmosphere of these schools.
Rivalry Week occurs on Week 14, the final week of the regular season, each year. Some of the earliest rivalries have been in place since 1873, such as the Yale-Princeton rivalry. This year many of the stakes were extra high and colleges were buzzing with anticipation, specifically during the Ohio State vs Michigan game.
The Ohio State-Michigan game ended with a score of 13-10, with the Michigan Wolverines winning for the fourth consecutive year. This rivalry, known as “The Game”, has been played for 127 years.
Before this game, the Buckeyes had been ranked at Number 2, with a record of 10-1.
“I think most people expected us to blow Michigan out or at least win but unfortunately that was not the case. They were unranked the majority of the season and we had absolutely every single advantage going into the game,” said Ohio State student Breanna Salovich.
After the results of this game, Ohio State dropped down four spots, now being ranked at Number 6. Salovich stated, “Honestly, when the game ended the entire stadium just silently walked out.”
Another huge rivalry is between Minnesota and Wisconsin, this year meeting for the 134th time. The game this year was played on November 29, with Minnesota beating Wisconsin 24-7.
After Wisconsin’s five-game losing streak, Minnesota fans were expecting a win, but that didn’t stop them from showing their spirit.
Minnesota student Katie Krueger shared, “I think people are really proud to go to this school and we like to show it.”
During the Minnesota vs Wisconsin game, one of their biggest traditions is passing the Paul Bunyan Axe to the winning team each year, with the winning team getting to hold it up for all of their fans. This year Minnesota received the axe from Wisconsin after their win last year, which Krueger said was the most memorable moment from the game.
According to Krueger, on game day, “People up the trash talk and definitely post more on social media about beating Wisconsin.” Rivalry games provide fans with an opportunity to support their team and show their school pride.
Krueger shares how after any successful game, “Students love talking about the wins even with people they don’t know. It’s a common thing that we’re all so invested in, that is definitely worth celebrating with friends.”
