In college football, rivalries go beyond being just games—they’re tests of sportsmanship and sources of intense pride. According to student Ben Peterson, facing a rival brings higher stakes and more electrifying energy. He shared, “Those games mean the most to me; I mark them on my calendar.” At the University of Minnesota, our passionate fan base echoes these sentiments.
Game day becomes a bit more special when the goal is to outshine our rivals. Postgame celebrations take on an extra layer of satisfaction when they follow a victory against a historic foe. In this article, we’ll rank the top 3 football rivals for Gopher football today, delving into the specific details that make each rivalry crucial to the University of Minnesota’s football story. These rankings are based on a poll of actual University of Minnesota students, offering a glimpse into the emotions and history that make each rivalry integral to our football narrative. So, let’s dive into the stories that resonate within our community, emphasizing the significance of every kickoff.
#3 – Nebraska: Big Red Bums
In the ongoing Minnesota-Nebraska football saga, Minnesota currently holds the upper hand with a 37-25-2 record in their 64 encounters. The rivalry has seen distinct phases, with Minnesota dominating early on and Nebraska making a comeback in recent decades. A pivotal moment came in 2011 when Nebraska joined the Big Ten Conference, sparking a new era as conference rivals in the West Division.
Initially non-conference rivals from 1900 to 1974, the teams met sporadically until 1990. The competition intensified when they became conference foes, setting the stage for the gripping matchups we witness today. Adding a unique twist to this rivalry is the $5 Bits of Broken Chair Trophy, born from banter on Twitter in 2014 between Minnesota’s Goldy Gopher and “Faux Pelini,” a parody account of then-Nebraska head coach Bo Pelini.
Despite Minnesota’s current five-game win streak against the Cornhuskers, the rivalry is far from one-sided for today’s students. The influx of Husker fans to Minneapolis, eager yet often disappointed spectators of their team’s lackluster performances, adds another layer to the rivalry experience. What fuels the animosity for many students is the disruptive and overbearing behavior of Nebraska fans – crashing tailgates, obnoxious screams, and excessive trash talk have become trademarks of their visit.
For students, triumphing over Nebraska is more than a statistic; it’s a passionate desire to silence the immature and annoying contingent that still clings to the glory days of a bygone powerhouse. The ongoing hope is that, as Minnesota maintains its on-field dominance, the reality check for these delusional Cornhuskers becomes increasingly evident.
The rivalry, marked by passion, history, and the grassroots essence of the $5 Bits of Broken Chair Trophy, stands as a unique spectacle in the world of college football.
#2 – Iowa: We Hate ‘Em
In the extensive history of college football rivalries, the showdowns between the University of Minnesota Golden Gophers and the University of Iowa Hawkeyes stand out. With 117 meetings to their name and Minnesota leading with a 63-52-2 record, this rivalry is not just about numbers; it’s a tale marked by unforgettable moments and the sought-after Floyd of Rosedale Trophy, a bronze pig-shaped prize initiated in 1935, awarded to the victor of their annual clash. The rivalry’s roots delve into a heated 1934 game, marred by controversy over the treatment of Iowa star halfback Ozzie Simmons. The rough hits by the Gophers during Minnesota’s 48–12 victory sparked tensions, setting the stage for a historic rematch the following year. Governor Clyde L. Herring of Iowa issued a stern warning, leading to a Minnesota win of 13–6, and the wager of a prize hog between the governors birthed the Floyd of Rosedale Trophy. Governor Floyd Olson of Minnesota diffused tensions with humor, and despite legal challenges, the tradition continued.
The fate of the live pig, Floyd, took a tragic turn when he succumbed to cholera. To keep the tradition alive, Governor Olson commissioned a bronze sculpture of Floyd, leading to the enduring Floyd of Rosedale Trophy. Iowa and Minnesota have contested for the trophy every year since, with the victor holding it until the next clash. A pivotal moment in the rivalry occurred in the 1960 NCAA University Division football season, where undefeated #3 Minnesota faced undefeated #1 Iowa in Minneapolis. In a historic 27–10 victory, Minnesota secured the Big Ten Championship, the 1961 Rose Bowl berth, and the coveted #1 ranking.
Until this year, Iowa boasted an eight-game win streak over the Gophers, but that streak ended at just the right time. The Gophers’ recent win not only challenged Iowa’s growing comfort in the rivalry but also affirmed that competitive football remains a constant in their matchups. Iowa fans, clad in black and gold, love making their presence felt in Minneapolis, even when the Gophers aren’t playing Iowa that week. This behavior has fueled the adoption of the resonant “Who hates Iowa? WE HATE IOWA!” chant that echoes across campus whenever the opportunity arises. The Floyd of Rosedale is back in Minnesota for now, and as the historic rivalry unfolds, it will be intriguing to see what else it has in store for both programs in the future.
#1 – Wisconsin: “Better Dead Than Red”
The Minnesota–Wisconsin football rivalry, with an impressive 133 meetings between the Golden Gophers and the Badgers, stands as the most-played in the NCAA Division I Football Bowl Subdivision. Originating in 1890, this annual clash features the coveted Paul Bunyan’s Axe, taking over from the original “Slab of Bacon” trophy in 1948. The rivalry began with a resounding 63–0 victory for the Golden Gophers on Minnesota’s campus, evolving into a conference rivalry with the establishment of the Western Conference in 1896. Notably, the only interruption occurred in 1906 due to safety concerns under President Theodore Roosevelt. Traditionally the final regular-season (“Rivalry Week”) matchup for both schools, the game regained this status in 2014. Recent years saw it play a crucial role in determining the Big Ten West champion, with Wisconsin clinching victories in 2014 and 2019. The last time it decided a Big Ten Conference champion was in 1962, with #3 Wisconsin earning a Rose Bowl berth by defeating #5 Minnesota.
The original trophy, the quirky “Slab of Bacon,” symbolized victory from 1930 to 1943. Its unique design featured a football at the center, forming an “M” or “W” depending on the orientation. Despite its whimsy, the trophy mysteriously disappeared after Minnesota’s 1943 win and remained lost for over 50 years until rediscovered in 1994. In 1948, “Paul Bunyan’s Axe” emerged as the new trophy, displaying scores on the handle. The tradition of wielding the axe on the field persisted until 2014, with changes made to prevent potential conflicts. The trophy record through 2023 favors Wisconsin at 46–27–3.
Beyond the field, the rivalry extends to campus life, embodying the Minnesota-Wisconsin tradition. Students engage in spirited banter, with Wisconsin fans sometimes trekking in numbers when the game is hosted in Minneapolis, and vice versa when it is in Madison. Wisconsin fans often tout their school as more prestigious, an opinion that could not be more far from true. This is an example of the “little-man syndrome” many U of M students accuse them of having. Minnesota student Miles Smith told me his dislike of Wisconsin is due to the fact that “They think they’re better than everybody. Better than us. They think they’re the best party school in the country. I’ve visited there and they aren’t even close. Try somewhere down south. It made me feel warm inside when we beat them my freshman year”. This is just a taste of the genuine dislike each of the schools have for each other. This rivalry transcends football, deeply ingrained in the state’s identity and the fabric of student life at both institutions. When the Gophers won, the campus has had an uproar with parties on every street and lines at every bar. This year, Wisconsin was victorious, and the pain stings Gopher fans like a deep cut. This enduring competition, akin to legendary pairs like Vader and Kenobi or Batman and Joker, represents one of the strongest and most celebrated rivalries in college football. As the Battle for Paul Bunyan’s Axe continues, it serves as a symbol of pride, tradition, and the unwavering pursuit of victory in this storied collegiate football clash.
