College Football: 5 intense rivalries to watch in 2021

AJ Terrell, Clemson football (Photo by Don Juan Moore/Getty Images)
AJ Terrell, Clemson football (Photo by Don Juan Moore/Getty Images) /
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SALT LAKE CITY, UT – NOVEMBER 24: Quarterback Jason Shelley #15 of the Utah Utes breaks free from Butch Pau’u #38 of the Brigham Young Cougars in the second half of a game at Rice-Eccles Stadium on November 24, 2018 in Salt Lake City, Utah. (Photo by Gene Sweeney Jr/Getty Images)
SALT LAKE CITY, UT – NOVEMBER 24: Quarterback Jason Shelley #15 of the Utah Utes breaks free from Butch Pau’u #38 of the Brigham Young Cougars in the second half of a game at Rice-Eccles Stadium on November 24, 2018 in Salt Lake City, Utah. (Photo by Gene Sweeney Jr/Getty Images) /

4. Utah at BYU

Not only is this one of the greatest rivalries in the history of college football, but it is also one of both the oldest and most hate-filled.

Nicknamed the “Holy War”, these two in-state foes go back a long way, and the rivalry’s most recent installments are typically very competitive.

The pair was not able to duke it out last year, and Utah has won the last nine affairs. Therefore, it is safe to say that the Cougs are itching for an opportunity to get some payback. They outshined the Utes in 2020, and they will be seeing them in Provo.

However, BYU’s drive has never mattered before. This year just might be the one to finally see a hiccup deep within the sea of red.

5. Vanderbilt at Tennessee

This is the most blatant example of seeing which one is worse.

Tennessee holds a decisive advantage over the Commodores from an all-time perspective, but Vandy has snuck away with a win or two before, so they can certainly do it again. This is especially considering that both had lackluster, at best, 2020 stretches and got new head coaches as a result.

The Volunteers bring in more elite recruits and will also be at home for the match. But many people were not happy with their head coaching decision, and the nation just might see why when they play Vandy.

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