Each week of the season, US TODAY Sports College staff members (Jace Evans, Paul Myerberg, George Schroeder, Erick Smith and Eddie Timanus) will give their answers to an intriguing academic football question.

The penultimate weekend of the regular college football season is devoted to rivalry. But all rivalries are not played in November. What is the best rivalry in college football?

Jace Evans

"The game" between Michigan and the state of Ohio is certainly a classic and it is also one of the fiercest rivalries. Even with the Ohio State dominating the series in the 21st century (15-3 advantage), there have been several classic games – was the place good? – It keeps things convincing.

But this is not my favorite rivalry. This honor belongs to Iron Bowl.

No, this is not the most consistent rivalry game, but Iron Bowl provides the most incredible summits that college football can offer – often at the expense of Alabama. Punt's Bama Punt, the return of Cam Newton and Kick-Six come to mind as games that punctuate the rivalries. Alabama has practically always benefited, but Auburn fans can still hold these games in front of their rival fans. Alabama fans, despite all the success of the team, will never recover from their losses. For those of us who do not have a direct interest, what makes the richness of these games are the moments. Especially in the Nick Saban era, Alabama 's defeats have become big events and his defeats to the benefit of Auburn have stood out particularly ("Auburn will win the football game!"). Of all the rivalries, Iron Bowl seems to offer the most memorable moments that will stand the test of time, and is not that what we like in this sport?

Paul Myerberg

The best rivalry in college football is between Alabama and Clemson. Most of the rivalries are based on real estate. Alabama and Clemson compete in the same area, the southeast, and often cross each other on the recruiting trail. But this rivalry is born entirely from the games themselves: Alabama and Clemson are a series that is played for the national championships, not to boast, because the two programs have provided a huge space between them and the rest of the university football. There is currently no such thing in the sport.

George Schroeder

Whenever someone asks for it, it becomes a window on the soul. The "best" becomes what you prefer in college football. Is it the national relevance? Is it longevity? Is it – and this is where most of us are missing – the magnitude of pure hatred? And then you hear about Iron Bowl, or the game, or more.

But let's pause in the darkness. The best rivalry in college football is played in December, a week after everyone finished, with teams not involved in the playoff race, with players who are all Americans in the most important sense. Here, lately, it is possible that the teams do not launch a pass.

The best rivalry in college football is the Army.

Erick Smith

With many incredible options, there is really no wrong choice here. But part of the experience of rivalry is where the games are actually played. And in college football, there is no better environment than Oklahoma and Texas in the middle of the Texas State Fair.

The stands are evenly distributed between purple and burnt orange. Emotions are always strong. And the results of the games have had a big impact on the history of the sport. In addition, the winner can browse the Cotton Bowl with a golden hat.

The other aspect of the rivalry is the animosity between the two parties. The Sooners have created the Horns Down gesture that has become a way of dragging the Longhorns through the Big 12. West Virginia has in fact been penalized twice this season for its use during celebrations.

Texas also has its own way of making fun of Oklahoma. Someone will mention the time of day and will follow it with "Oklahoma still sucks." Longhorns defensive lineman Breckyn Hager received a Big 12 reprimand doing exactly that in an interview after a win against Iowa State last week.

Just moproof the impact of rivalry extends far beyond when teams meet in the field.

Eddie Timanus

I often get this question at this time of year and my answer will never change. It will always be the army of land.

Nowadays, university football arouses many justified cynicisms, but this rivalry is what is supposed fierce competition. These guys will fight and fight like crazy for 60 minutes. And when it's over, they'll sing to each other, shake hands and know they're all on the same side when it comes to defending the country.

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