Top 10 up-and-coming rivalries in college football

Nov 1, 2014; University Park, PA, USA; Penn State Nittany Lions running back Akeel Lynch (22) runs with the ball against the Maryland Terrapins during the second quarter at Beaver Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Rich Barnes-USA TODAY Sports

5. Maryland Terrapins vs. Penn State Nittany Lions vs. Rutgers Scarlet Knights

Our first three-way rivalry hinges on a lot of things, but it is something we believe can really happen if things break the way they should. This could be the battle for Mid-Atlantic supremacy, although it would be better if West Virginia and Pitt were somehow able to get involved.

Anyway, the Maryland Terrapins and Rutgers Scarlet Knights both built lots of momentum by making a bowl game their first year in the Big Ten. The only catch is whether they can keep up the success because Penn State is about to explode back into a powerhouse under James Franklin.

Maryland has recruited very well under Randy Edsall recently for 2016 to be able to run the perfect system to compete. The same cannot be said for Rutgers, but Kyle Flood is an excellent coach who can overcome that.

There is a chance this becomes a two-way rivalry between just Maryland and Rutgers or Penn State and one of the two schools, but the unknown is why we put all three in together. And given that all three teams are in the Big Ten East, there could be a lot of meaning during these games.

The regional implications are huge along with the divisional implications, and let’s not pretend these teams will not grow to hate each other.

Next: #4: Arkansas-Missouri