School Sport

Just like professional sports, college athletics have their share of rivalries. However, college rivalries have an added twist, as even the non-athletes can get into the spirit of things by knocking the socks off of their rivals academically. Here’s a rundown of some of the most ferocious and long-lasting rivalries in the Atlantic Coast Conference.Carolina-Duke: This rivalry is also known as “The Battle of Tobacco Road” or “The Battle of the Blues.” It’s often ranked as one of the greatest rivalries of all time, which is probably due to the fact that the schools are only separated by an eight-mile stretch of highway. The rivalry intensified in the early 1960s with a brawl on the basketball court between Duke’s Art Heyman and UNC’s Larry Brown.Virginia-Virginia Tech: The Virginia-Virginia Tech is non-sport-specific as well. Historically, the rivalry was quite bitter, but it’s mellowed in recent years following the tragedy of the Virginia Tech massacre, when both teams (and schools) came together in a show of solidarity. The football rivalry game between the Cavaliers and Hokies is known as the Commonwealth Cup.NC State-Carolina: In both basketball and football, NC State and UNC-Chapel Hill have a long-acknowledged rivalry. Wearing one team’s colors on the other’s campus is considered highly rudeand a little insane.Maryland-Duke: The clash between the Maryland Terrapins and the Duke Blue Devils is always one to watch for basketball fans.North Carolina-Virginia: UNC just can’t seem to make friends. The annual game between the Tar Heels and Cavaliers is known as the “South’s Oldest Rivalry,” and has been played continuously since 1919.Georgia Tech-Clemson: Interestingly, both schools enjoyed a period where they were coached by legend John Heisman (not at the same time, of course). Perhaps it’s that early branching-off point that gives this rivalry its staying power.Georgia Tech-Georgia: This rivalry is known colloquially as “Clean, Old-Fashioned Hate.” The rivalry dates back to 1893, when the Georgia fans threw stones at the Tech players during the gameand after Tech defeated Georgia 28-6.Clemson-NC State: The annual competition between these two teams is known as the Textile Bowl.Florida State-Miami: What are they so worked-up about? If we lived in Florida, we’d be happy all the time. Anyway, the Seminoles and the Hurricanes also have a long-standing competitive streak.