College football, a sport that once thrived on the intensity of annual rivalries, is now facing a crisis of identity. The once-vibrant competitions that defined the sport for generations are fading, leaving behind a shell of their former selves. The blame lies not only with conference realignment but also with the expansion of the College Football Playoff (CFP). These factors have contributed to the demise of some of the most iconic rivalries in college football history, and it's high time we take a closer look at what's happening and why.
One of the most notable casualties is the Oklahoma-Nebraska rivalry. Once a staple of the Big 12, these two teams dominated the national championship conversation for decades. Their annual matchups were always high-stakes affairs, with both teams vying for bragging rights and a spot in the title hunt. However, since Nebraska's departure for the Big Ten and Oklahoma's move to the SEC, the rivalry has been put on ice. The two teams are set to meet again in 2029, but with the incentive to soften schedules and the CFP expansion, it's anyone's guess if that game will ever happen.
Another rivalry that has fallen victim to conference realignment is the Pitt-West Virginia Backyard Brawl. Once a fierce annual competition, the two teams' proximity and shared history made for an intense and passionate rivalry. However, after Pitt joined the ACC and West Virginia moved to the Big 12, the two teams have only met a handful of times since 2011. The rivalry remains dormant, with no clear path to revival.
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