The SEC stands alone as the clear top power conference in college football and the rivalries that have helped define the conference over the years are a big part of that. From the Iron Bowl to the Egg Bowl and the World’s Largest Outdoor Cocktail Party (even though it’s no longer officially referred to by that name anymore), there is no shortage of SEC showdowns with major ramifications both within the conference and on the national stage. We’re still just entering spring football but there are a number of juicy rivalries in SEC football that we’re looking forward to for next year. Here is a look at the top four rivalries in SEC football right now.
Alabama Crimson Tide vs. Auburn Tigers
From the “Kick Six” to “The Kick”, from “Punt, Bama, Punt” to the “First Time Ever” there is certainly no shortage of memorable moments and calls that have defined one of the fiercest rivalries in all of college football over the years. The winner of the Iron Bowl has won the SEC title in six of the last seven years and the lone time it didn’t was when Alabama won the national title in 2011 without having to play in the SEC Championship game. The lack of a major professional sports franchise in the state has added to the intensity and passion put in to the annual showdown between Alabama and Auburn and there is no doubt that it is the top SEC football rivalry.
Georgia Bulldogs vs. Florida Gators
The SEC East hasn’t been nearly as dominant as the SEC West over the years but that doesn’t mean the World’s Largest Outdoor Cocktail Party between Georgia and Florida isn’t among the best SEC rivalries. The game is scheduled in late October or early November in order to coincide with Georgia’s fall break, allowing for students to make their way to Jacksonville for an entire weekend of partying. The Gators have won 20 of the last 26 meetings including the last two at EverBank Field but the rivalry between the two football programs remains a fierce one. The Bulldogs will have the opportunity to strike back this season and there is no doubt it is a game that Kirby Smart has circled on his calendar with a chance to record a signature win in his first season as the head coach at Georgia.
Ole Miss Rebels vs. Mississippi State Bulldogs
The Egg Bowl has become that much more relevant over the last two seasons with Ole Miss and Mississippi State both taking a step up on the national stage. The rivalry between the Rebels and Bulldogs was already a fierce one but the fact that both teams have shown flashes of being potential national title contenders in recent years has made their matchups that much more intriguing. There is no doubt that Hugh Freeze and Dan Mullen have this game circled on their calendars once again as both teams look for an edge in 2016 after Ole Miss and Mississippi State split their last 10 meetings with five wins each.
Alabama Tigers vs. LSU Tigers
The rivalry between Florida and Tennessee deserves an honorable mention and the battle between Auburn and Georgia is the Deep South’s Oldest Rivalry, but the final spot on this list belongs to the rivalry between Alabama and LSU. The annual clash between Crimson Tide and Tigers usually takes place on the first weekend of November and sets the tone for the final month of action in the SEC. Alabama has won the last four regular season matchups and five straight dating back to the 2012 BCS National Championship Game, so it’s no surprise that Les Miles is feeling the pressure at LSU. However, while this has been a one-sided matchup recently, LSU typically gives the Tide all they can handle. We’ll see if that changes in 2016 when these teams meet again this November. Alabama could be fielding it’s weakest team in years while LSU is supposed to have a fairly strong unit.
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