August 30, 2009

Preview of 100+ game series

I am ready for football. The final weekend without real college football is now behind us! Can we please fast forward to Thursday? Until then I thought it would be fun to look at the most played series in college football. These 36 pairings will be playing their 100 or more game in 2009. They are listed in order of the number of games played followed by how close the series is all time. Predictions based on the preseason Sagarin Rankings are listed as well.

119th meeting
Minnesota vs. Wisconsin, October 3, 59-51-8, Minnesota by 0.72

This storied rivalry, dating back to 1890, has been celebrated with two trophies, the slab of bacon and the current Paul Bunyan's Axe.

Minnesota's glory days are far in the past but Wisconsin has struggled of late. Wisconsin has been gaining on Minnesota and likely will have a better season again this year. The gap does not overcome the home field advantage in Sagarin's rankings, giving Minnesota a very slight edge.

118th meeting
Kansas at Missouri, November 28, 55-53-9 or 54-54-9, Missouri by 6.12

This rivalry dates back before the football game to an intense rift dating back to Civil War era disputes. The Border War started on Halloween in 1891. It is not even agreed who deserves the win in 1960. The controversy revolves around the fact that Kansas won 23-7 but was found to have used an ineligible player. The Big 8 officially declared a forfeit, which the NCAA was no part of. The Big 12 lists the series as 54-54-9.

Missouri has the slight edge in Sagarin's rankings and the home field. Both teams should be in the running for the Big 12 north and this game should be expected to have major implications for the Big 12 championship game.

116th game
Texas at Texas A&M, November 26th, 74-36-5, Texas by 15.22

Texas dominates the Lone Star Showdown in football in recent years, but Texas A&M holds their own in other sports and currently holds the crown.

Texas is a strong favorite this year despite being on the road.

Nebraska at. Kansas, November 14st, 89-23-3, Kansas by 3.78

Due to Nebraska's dominance this is not viewed as much of a rivalry.

Kansas has a slight edge in Sagarin's to start the season and a home field. If they can get a few wins at this low point in Nebraska history this old traditional game may begin to thaw.

114th games
North Carolina at Virginia, October 3rd, 57-52-4, Virginia by 5.27

The South's Oldest Rivalry started in 1892. North Carolina leads the series but Virginia has been dominant for the past 2 decades.

This game is expected to be close as North Carolina is beginning to restore some of their old glory. The home field and a slightly better ranking give Virginia the edge to close the gap further.

Miami(OH) vs. Cincinnati, October 3rd, 59-47-7, Cincinnati by 15.83

The victory bell is the oldest non conference rivalry in college football, with the first meeting in 1888. Miami (OH) has a deep and undervalued history, arguably better than Miami (FL)'s flash in the pan success in the late 80's and early 90's. Cincinnati has been the lead for recent history.

This is likely to continue as Cincinnati is strong road favorites to close the historic gap further.

113th game
Auburn at Georgia, November 14th, 53-51-8, Georgia by 9.13

The Deep South's Oldest Rivalry has been played very closely since 1892, with breaks for the 2 world wars.

Georgia has a slightly better ranking and a home field for a moderate edge. This has a history of being meaningless in the outcome of this game.

Oregon vs. Oregon State, December 3rd, 56-46-10, Oregon by 4.89

Somehow the Ducks vs. the Beavers in the Civil War for the Platypus Trophy could make one suspect Oregon does not take football as seriously as other parts of the country.

Last year's game cost Oregon State a Rose Bowl berth and if either team can beat USC again this year this game might have Rose Bowl implications again this year. Oregon's home field and slight ranking advantage give them the edge to expand their lead.

112th game
Purdue vs. Indiana, November 21st, 69-36-6, Purdue by 12.25

In games played for the Old Oaken Bucket Purdue leads 55-26-3. No change is expected this year.

110th game
Navy vs. Army, December 12th, 53-49-7, Navy by 16.81

This rivalry that needs no other discussion will be played after the BCS bowl selections in 2009. Army is still looking to find a way to become significant in the commander in chiefs trophy again, and this should not change this year.

109th game
Utah vs. Utah State, September 3rd, 76-28-4, Utah by 30.40

This rivalry, first played in 1892, looked to be thawing a few years back as Utah State pulled of a couple of upsets. It has refroze to the point that it will not be played in 2010 and 2011, without much objection from the alumni of either school. With Utah favored by 9.56 points more than any other game on this list it is not hard to see why.

107th game
Clemson at South Carolina, November 28th, 65-37-4, South Carolina by 0.24

This rivalry is steeped in political state infighting as much as football tradition. Interestingly a player, Cary Cox, managed to become a team captain for both teams thanks to World War 2 politics. This is one of several premier SEC vs. ACC rivalries that end the regular season each year.

This game should be close, with South Carolina's home field making up for Clemsons slightly better ranking.

Kansas at Kansas State, November 7th, 65-36-5 or 64-37-5, Kansas by 3.76

Once again Kansas has a dispute involving a forfeit due to an ineligible player, this time in 1980. Kansas State is in troubled times but their home field should make the game interesting.

106th game
Michigan vs. Ohio State, November 21st, 57-42-6, Ohio State by 8.49

This game is one of the most legendary rivalries in college football. Usually Big 10 title implications are at play and often this game is for the conference title. Usually at least one team has an opportunity at the BCS national championship game, if not both (2006-almost.)

While Ohio State might be able to run with the potential champions, Michigan is not ready for the big time yet. Look for Ohio State to gain on the all time record in this one.

Mississippi at Mississippi State, November 28th, 60-39-6, Mississippi by 5.53

The Egg Bowl has the distinction of traditionally playing at a neutral field that is now inferior to the fields of both teams. Often both teams have been far from being in the running for the SEC title picture, so this game has been a major goal for both teams.

Ole' Miss is expected to be in the SEC chase this year and Mississippi State is not. Look for Mississippi to extend the lead in 2009, over the objections of many cow bells.

Texas A&M vs. Baylor, November 21st, 65-31-9, Texas A&M by 8.63

The Battle of the Brazos has the dubious distinction of a fatality attributed to a half time brawl in 1926. This lead to the schools ending competition in all sports for 4 years and in football until 1931.

I really don't know on this one. This should be a close game and might be for a bowl berth.

105 games
TCU vs. Baylor, Next game in 2010, 49-49-7, N/A

This series has been tied since 2007.

105th game
Tennessee at Kentucky, November 28th, 72-23-9, Tennessee by 1.01

This rivalry features domination by Tennessee in football, and the other team in another sport I can not bring myself to mention (As a Utah fan). An annual blood drive aimed to see which school can donate the most is the most competitive aspects of this rivalry.

Tennessee is in transition at head coach and is coming off one of their worst seasons in the history of the program. This should be a year for Kentucky to make some headway at evening the score.

104th game
Texas vs. Oklahoma at Dallas, October 17th, 58-40-5, Oklahoma by 1.67

The Red River Shootout has become one of the most anticipated annual games in college football. This game often decides the Big 12 South and the winner usually has a clear chance at the national championship game.

this year should be no exception, except the Big 12 south will not be as much of a given for the winner as they have previously experienced.

Georgia vs. Georgia Tech, November 28th, 59-39-5, Georgia by 12.8

This game is another quality season ending SEC vs. ACC game with deep roots and Clean, Old-fashioned Hate. The Nats and U(sic)GA fans simply despise each other.

This game should be very high quality and has the potential to be for a BCS at large spot for at least one of these teams this year. It is certainly a strong contender for a top 25 games to watch.

Michigan at Michigan State, October 3rd, 69-29-5, Michigan State by 1.84

Apparently the Big 10 is a Paul Bunyan fan, with his axe awarded for Minnesota and Wisconsin and a trophy awarded here.

Michigan is still adjusting to their new coach and Michigan State is coming off a successful year with confidence and has the home field. I look for this lopsided battle to get one step closer to even.

Oklahoma vs. Oklahoma State, November 28th, 79-17-7, Oklahoma by 15.25

This rivalry (though in track and field) features a trophy that was retired, stolen, reclaimed and buried, found in an excavation and put on display.

Oklahoma State should be tougher than years past, but not enough to vault them over the Sooners.

Nebraska vs. Iowa State, October 24th, 85-16-2, Nebraska by 17.22

This game might be close only because Nebraska is not anything like the team they once were.

103 games
North Carolina vs. Wake Forest, Next meeting in 2010, 67-34-2, N/A

This game is one of the unfortunate casualties of the current ACC alignment in 2009.

103rd game
Illinois vs. Northwestern, November 14th, 52-45-5, Illinois by 2.77

This year will break in the Land of Lincoln Trophy for this contest, replacing the Sweet Sioux Tomahawk used since 1945. The home field gives Illinois the edge over a recently improved Northwestern team.

Stanford vs. California, November 21st, 50-42-10, California by 8.82

The Big Game was christened in 1900, a game that also tragically demonstrated that if you are watching the game from the roof of an industrial site that overlooks the stadium, make sure it is rated to hold the weight. The 1982 game featured a final kickoff with 5 laterals ending with a TD scored through the opposing teams band, which began marching onto the field a few seconds early.

California expects to make a bid for USC's PAC 20 crown and should extend their lead again. Please keep the bands off the field until the end of the game.

Minnesota at Iowa, November 21st, 59-41-2, Iowa by 12.7

The trophy for this game was formed in an attempt by the governors of Minnesota and Iowa attempting to diffuse hostilities caused by extremely rough treatment of a black Iowa running back by Minnesota in 1934. The live pig exchanged died a few years latter and was replaced with a bronze replica.

I am not sure I am biting into the Iowa hype. That said, Minnesota is far from their legendary tradition. Iowa should close the gap, but I suspect it will be closer than the line above.

NC State at Wake Forest, October 3rd, 61-35-6, Wake Forest by 9.05

If I were talking Basketball I'd be talking about something called "The Chair." I'm not, and their is not much to talk about.

Apparently NC State was once the dominant team. This has not recently been the case, though both could be a dark horse for the wide open ACC.

Nebraska at Missouri, October 8th, 63-36-3, Missouri by 6.76

This series started with a forfeit in 1892 because Missouri had a policy prohibiting playing a team that allowed black players. It was close until the mid 70's when Nebraska began to dominate.

Nebraska has fallen on hard times and Missouri has found a solid footing. Look for this series to begin to become relevant again, with Missouri closing the gap over the next few years.

LSU at Mississippi State, September 26th, 66-33-3, LSU by 17.53

Nothing new here. LSU wins again, and again.

Tennessee vs. Vanderbilt, November 21st, 70-27-5, Tennessee by 9.04

Nothing like piling on a team when they are down. Tennessee will be playing down to Vanderbilt's level again in 2009.
Bowl game anyone? This game might put one team over the 6 wins needed.

102nd game
Washington vs. Oregon, October 24th, 58-38-5, Oregon by 14.60

This heated rivalry features one team lobbying with conference member, Montana, for the 1948 PCC Rose Bowl berth.

Will Washington win a game in 2009? Not this one.

Missouri vs. Iowa State, November 14th, 58-34-9, Missouri by 20.84

Apparently in 1959 it was possible to accidentally wire up the coaches boxes so that both sides could hear the other, and this was discovered to have been done for this game. The problem was fixed, but no one told the coaches. The Telephone Trophy commemorates this event.

Missouri looks to extend their lead again with little difficulty.

Pittsburgh at West Virginia, November 27th, 61-37-3, West Virginia by 10.70

The first ever radio college football broadcast covered this "Backyard Brawl" in 1921. Pittsburgh has lead this series since taking a 6-5-1 lead in 1910, though West Virginia has had the edge recently. Who can forget the 2007 game where Pittsburgh came out and beat West Virginia and the refs?

Both teams should be in the race for the wide open Big East title and this game will have implications in that race and its automatic BCS slot.

Washington vs. WSU, November 28th, 64-31-6, Washington by 3.89

Sorry. The fact that last year these teams combined to win a single game, the one they both played, is distracting me from the history of this rivalry.

It should be close this year for the same reasons.

101st game
CSU vs. Wyoming, November 27th, 55-40-5, CSU by 7.22

This is one of two games the mtn. has contractual guarantees to cover (Utah vs. BYU being the other), all other games may be selected by the MWC's other TV sponsors prior to selections by the mtn.

Both teams are rebuilding and experiencing recent coaching changes. Both are looking to becoming relevant in the top heavy MWC. This game could go either way and might be for a bowl berth.

100th game
New Mexico vs. New Mexico State, September 26th, 66-28-5, New Mexico by 18.82
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This series was played 6 times prior to New Mexico gaining statehood in 1912, the first time in 1894. This rivalry is far more heated than the record would suggest.

New Mexico is in an upswing and should win the only series to be having its 100th meeting this season.

Comments:

Preview of 100+ game series
I am ready for football. The final weekend without real college football is now behind us! Can we please fast forward to Thursday? Until then I thought it would be fun to look at the most played series in college football. These 36 pairings will be playing their 100 or more game in 2009. They are listed in order of the number of games played followed by how close the series is all time. Predictions based on the preseason Sagarin Rankings are listed as well. 119th meeting Minnesota vs. Wisconsin, October 3, 59-51-8, Minnesota by 0.72 This storied rivalry, dating back to 1890, has been celebrated with two trophies, the slab of bacon and the current Paul Bunyan's Axe. Minnesota's glory days are far in the past but Wisconsin has struggled of late. Wisconsin has been gaining on Minnesota and likely will have a better season again this year. The gap does not overcome the home field advantage in Sagarin's rankings, giving Minnesota a very slight edge. 118th meeting Kansas at Missouri, November 28, 55-53-9 or 54-54-9, Missouri by 6.12 This rivalry dates back before the football game to an intense rift dating back to Civil War era disputes. The Border War started on Halloween in 1891. It is not even agreed who deserves the win in 1960. The controversy revolves around the fact that Kansas won 23-7 but was found to have used an ineligible player. The Big 8 officially declared a forfeit, which the NCAA was no part of. The Big 12 lists the series as 54-54-9. Missouri has the slight edge in Sagarin's rankings and the home field. Both teams should be in the running for the Big 12 north and this game should be expected to have major implications for the Big 12 championship game. 116th game Texas at Texas A&M, November 26th, 74-36-5, Texas by 15.22 Texas dominates the Lone Star Showdown in football in recent years, but Texas A&M holds their own in other sports and currently holds the crown. Texas is a strong favorite this year despite being on the road. Nebraska at. Kansas, November 14st, 89-23-3, Kansas by 3.78 Due to Nebraska's dominance this is not viewed as much of a rivalry. Kansas has a slight edge in Sagarin's to start the season and a home field. If they can get a few wins at this low point in Nebraska history this old traditional game may begin to thaw. 114th games North Carolina at Virginia, October 3rd, 57-52-4, Virginia by 5.27 The South's Oldest Rivalry started in 1892. North Carolina leads the series but Virginia has been dominant for the past 2 decades. This game is expected to be close as North Carolina is beginning to restore some of their old glory. The home field and a slightly better ranking give Virginia the edge to close the gap further. Miami(OH) vs. Cincinnati, October 3rd, 59-47-7, Cincinnati by 15.83 The victory bell is the oldest non conference rivalry in college football, with the first meeting in 1888. Miami (OH) has a deep and undervalued history, arguably better than Miami (FL)'s flash in the pan success in the late 80's and early 90's. Cincinnati has been the lead for recent history. This is likely to continue as Cincinnati is strong road favorites to close the historic gap further. 113th game Auburn at Georgia, November 14th, 53-51-8, Georgia by 9.13 The Deep South's Oldest Rivalry has been played very closely since 1892, with breaks for the 2 world wars. Georgia has a slightly better ranking and a home field for a moderate edge. This has a history of being meaningless in the outcome of this game. Oregon vs. Oregon State, December 3rd, 56-46-10, Oregon by 4.89 Somehow the Ducks vs. the Beavers in the Civil War for the Platypus Trophy could make one suspect Oregon does not take football as seriously as other parts of the country. Last year's game cost Oregon State a Rose Bowl berth and if either team can beat USC again this year this game might have Rose Bowl implications again this year. Oregon's home field and slight ranking advantage give them the edge to expand their lead. 112th game Purdue vs. Indiana, November 21st, 69-36-6, Purdue by 12.25 In games played for the Old Oaken Bucket Purdue leads 55-26-3. No change is expected this year. 110th game Navy vs. Army, December 12th, 53-49-7, Navy by 16.81 This rivalry that needs no other discussion will be played after the BCS bowl selections in 2009. Army is still looking to find a way to become significant in the commander in chiefs trophy again, and this should not change this year. 109th game Utah vs. Utah State, September 3rd, 76-28-4, Utah by 30.40 This rivalry, first played in 1892, looked to be thawing a few years back as Utah State pulled of a couple of upsets. It has refroze to the point that it will not be played in 2010 and 2011, without much objection from the alumni of either school. With Utah favored by 9.56 points more than any other game on this list it is not hard to see why. 107th game Clemson at South Carolina, November 28th, 65-37-4, South Carolina by 0.24 This rivalry is steeped in political state infighting as much as football tradition. Interestingly a player, Cary Cox, managed to become a team captain for both teams thanks to World War 2 politics. This is one of several premier SEC vs. ACC rivalries that end the regular season each year. This game should be close, with South Carolina's home field making up for Clemsons slightly better ranking. Kansas at Kansas State, November 7th, 65-36-5 or 64-37-5, Kansas by 3.76 Once again Kansas has a dispute involving a forfeit due to an ineligible player, this time in 1980. Kansas State is in troubled times but their home field should make the game interesting. 106th game Michigan vs. Ohio State, November 21st, 57-42-6, Ohio State by 8.49 This game is one of the most legendary rivalries in college football. Usually Big 10 title implications are at play and often this game is for the conference title. Usually at least one team has an opportunity at the BCS national championship game, if not both (2006-almost.) While Ohio State might be able to run with the potential champions, Michigan is not ready for the big time yet. Look for Ohio State to gain on the all time record in this one. Mississippi at Mississippi State, November 28th, 60-39-6, Mississippi by 5.53 The Egg Bowl has the distinction of traditionally playing at a neutral field that is now inferior to the fields of both teams. Often both teams have been far from being in the running for the SEC title picture, so this game has been a major goal for both teams. Ole' Miss is expected to be in the SEC chase this year and Mississippi State is not. Look for Mississippi to extend the lead in 2009, over the objections of many cow bells. Texas A&M vs. Baylor, November 21st, 65-31-9, Texas A&M by 8.63 The Battle of the Brazos has the dubious distinction of a fatality attributed to a half time brawl in 1926. This lead to the schools ending competition in all sports for 4 years and in football until 1931. I really don't know on this one. This should be a close game and might be for a bowl berth. 105 games TCU vs. Baylor, Next game in 2010, 49-49-7, N/A This series has been tied since 2007. 105th game Tennessee at Kentucky, November 28th, 72-23-9, Tennessee by 1.01 This rivalry features domination by Tennessee in football, and the other team in another sport I can not bring myself to mention (As a Utah fan). An annual blood drive aimed to see which school can donate the most is the most competitive aspects of this rivalry. Tennessee is in transition at head coach and is coming off one of their worst seasons in the history of the program. This should be a year for Kentucky to make some headway at evening the score. 104th game Texas vs. Oklahoma at Dallas, October 17th, 58-40-5, Oklahoma by 1.67 The Red River Shootout has become one of the most anticipated annual games in college football. This game often decides the Big 12 South and the winner usually has a clear chance at the national championship game. this year should be no exception, except the Big 12 south will not be as much of a given for the winner as they have previously experienced. Georgia vs. Georgia Tech, November 28th, 59-39-5, Georgia by 12.8 This game is another quality season ending SEC vs. ACC game with deep roots and Clean, Old-fashioned Hate. The Nats and U(sic)GA fans simply despise each other. This game should be very high quality and has the potential to be for a BCS at large spot for at least one of these teams this year. It is certainly a strong contender for a top 25 games to watch. Michigan at Michigan State, October 3rd, 69-29-5, Michigan State by 1.84 Apparently the Big 10 is a Paul Bunyan fan, with his axe awarded for Minnesota and Wisconsin and a trophy awarded here. Michigan is still adjusting to their new coach and Michigan State is coming off a successful year with confidence and has the home field. I look for this lopsided battle to get one step closer to even. Oklahoma vs. Oklahoma State, November 28th, 79-17-7, Oklahoma by 15.25 This rivalry (though in track and field) features a trophy that was retired, stolen, reclaimed and buried, found in an excavation and put on display. Oklahoma State should be tougher than years past, but not enough to vault them over the Sooners. Nebraska vs. Iowa State, October 24th, 85-16-2, Nebraska by 17.22 This game might be close only because Nebraska is not anything like the team they once were. 103 games North Carolina vs. Wake Forest, Next meeting in 2010, 67-34-2, N/A This game is one of the unfortunate casualties of the current ACC alignment in 2009. 103rd game Illinois vs. Northwestern, November 14th, 52-45-5, Illinois by 2.77 This year will break in the Land of Lincoln Trophy for this contest, replacing the Sweet Sioux Tomahawk used since 1945. The home field gives Illinois the edge over a recently improved Northwestern team. Stanford vs. California, November 21st, 50-42-10, California by 8.82 The Big Game was christened in 1900, a game that also tragically demonstrated that if you are watching the game from the roof of an industrial site that overlooks the stadium, make sure it is rated to hold the weight. The 1982 game featured a final kickoff with 5 laterals ending with a TD scored through the opposing teams band, which began marching onto the field a few seconds early. California expects to make a bid for USC's PAC 20 crown and should extend their lead again. Please keep the bands off the field until the end of the game. Minnesota at Iowa, November 21st, 59-41-2, Iowa by 12.7 The trophy for this game was formed in an attempt by the governors of Minnesota and Iowa attempting to diffuse hostilities caused by extremely rough treatment of a black Iowa running back by Minnesota in 1934. The live pig exchanged died a few years latter and was replaced with a bronze replica. I am not sure I am biting into the Iowa hype. That said, Minnesota is far from their legendary tradition. Iowa should close the gap, but I suspect it will be closer than the line above. NC State at Wake Forest, October 3rd, 61-35-6, Wake Forest by 9.05 If I were talking Basketball I'd be talking about something called "The Chair." I'm not, and their is not much to talk about. Apparently NC State was once the dominant team. This has not recently been the case, though both could be a dark horse for the wide open ACC. Nebraska at Missouri, October 8th, 63-36-3, Missouri by 6.76 This series started with a forfeit in 1892 because Missouri had a policy prohibiting playing a team that allowed black players. It was close until the mid 70's when Nebraska began to dominate. Nebraska has fallen on hard times and Missouri has found a solid footing. Look for this series to begin to become relevant again, with Missouri closing the gap over the next few years. LSU at Mississippi State, September 26th, 66-33-3, LSU by 17.53 Nothing new here. LSU wins again, and again. Tennessee vs. Vanderbilt, November 21st, 70-27-5, Tennessee by 9.04 Nothing like piling on a team when they are down. Tennessee will be playing down to Vanderbilt's level again in 2009. Bowl game anyone? This game might put one team over the 6 wins needed. 102nd game Washington vs. Oregon, October 24th, 58-38-5, Oregon by 14.60 This heated rivalry features one team lobbying with conference member, Montana, for the 1948 PCC Rose Bowl berth. Will Washington win a game in 2009? Not this one. Missouri vs. Iowa State, November 14th, 58-34-9, Missouri by 20.84 Apparently in 1959 it was possible to accidentally wire up the coaches boxes so that both sides could hear the other, and this was discovered to have been done for this game. The problem was fixed, but no one told the coaches. The Telephone Trophy commemorates this event. Missouri looks to extend their lead again with little difficulty. Pittsburgh at West Virginia, November 27th, 61-37-3, West Virginia by 10.70 The first ever radio college football broadcast covered this "Backyard Brawl" in 1921. Pittsburgh has lead this series since taking a 6-5-1 lead in 1910, though West Virginia has had the edge recently. Who can forget the 2007 game where Pittsburgh came out and beat West Virginia and the refs? Both teams should be in the race for the wide open Big East title and this game will have implications in that race and its automatic BCS slot. Washington vs. WSU, November 28th, 64-31-6, Washington by 3.89 Sorry. The fact that last year these teams combined to win a single game, the one they both played, is distracting me from the history of this rivalry. It should be close this year for the same reasons. 101st game CSU vs. Wyoming, November 27th, 55-40-5, CSU by 7.22 This is one of two games the mtn. has contractual guarantees to cover (Utah vs. BYU being the other), all other games may be selected by the MWC's other TV sponsors prior to selections by the mtn. Both teams are rebuilding and experiencing recent coaching changes. Both are looking to becoming relevant in the top heavy MWC. This game could go either way and might be for a bowl berth. 100th game New Mexico vs. New Mexico State, September 26th, 66-28-5, New Mexico by 18.82 . This series was played 6 times prior to New Mexico gaining statehood in 1912, the first time in 1894. This rivalry is far more heated than the record would suggest. New Mexico is in an upswing and should win the only series to be having its 100th meeting this season.