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Ranking the top 10 best Big Ten football rivalries

By Shane Lunnen

MINNEAPOLIS, MN - NOVEMBER 25: The Wisconsin Badgers hoist Paul Bunyan's Axe after winning the game against the Minnesota Golden Gophers on November 25, 2017 at TCF Bank Stadium in Minneapolis, Minnesota. The Badgers defeated the Golden Gophers 31-0. (Photo by Hannah Foslien/Getty Images)
MINNEAPOLIS, MN - NOVEMBER 25: The Wisconsin Badgers hoist Paul Bunyan's Axe after winning the game against the Minnesota Golden Gophers on November 25, 2017 at TCF Bank Stadium in Minneapolis, Minnesota. The Badgers defeated the Golden Gophers 31-0. (Photo by Hannah Foslien/Getty Images) /
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(Photo by Dave Reginek/Getty Images)
(Photo by Dave Reginek/Getty Images) /

10. Michigan vs. Minnesota

The Wolverines and Gophers do not meet annually, due to the Big Ten’s scheduling and being in different divisions. However the rivalry is the first and oldest trophy game in the FBS.

The rivalry is not one that usually gets a lot of attention at the national level but the Little Brown Jug is one of the many cool trophies in college football. The series itself dates back to 1892, with the jug making its first appearance in 1903.

While the Wolverines have dominated the Gophers overall, holding a 75-25-3 series lead, the battle for the jug has seen its share of memorable games.

In 1940, both teams were undefeated in early November. The Gophers won 7-6, en route to the national championship. In 1977, the Gophers upset the top ranked Wolverines. It was Michigan’s only loss in the regular season, but they would later lose in the Rose Bowl to Washington. It was also the last time the Wolverines lost in Minneapolis.

The 2003 game saw both teams ranked in the top 20 and was a highly anticipated tilt. The Gophers jumped out to a 28-7 lead, but it evaporated as the Wolverines posted their largest comeback in the series and beat the Gophers 38-35.

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