The ultimate heroes of college football’s Rivalry Week

The Ultimate Heroes of College Football’s Rivalry Week

Winning a rivalry game isn’t just about the scoreboard—it’s about legacy. These games have a way of turning players into legends, creating moments that live on in the annals of college football history. Whether it’s a backup quarterback stepping up, an underdog delivering the performance of a lifetime, or a star player cementing their dominance, Rivalry Week is where heroes are made.

From the Iron Bowl to the Territorial Cup, from Michigan-Ohio State to the Egg Bowl, every rivalry has “that guy.” The player whose name will forever be etched in the memories of fans. The one who gets stopped for autographs decades later, never pays for a meal in their college town, and whose highlight reel is immortalized on YouTube. It’s all because of what they did during Rivalry Week.

Let’s dive into some of the most unforgettable rivalry heroes, as chosen by our reporters:

Egg Bowl: Mississippi State Bulldogs vs. Ole Miss Rebels

Record: Ole Miss leads 65-47-6

Mississippi State DBs Robert Bean and Eugene Clinton, 1999

The 1999 Egg Bowl, known as “The Kick, Pick, Kick,” is legendary in Starkville. Mississippi State rallied from a 20-6 deficit to tie the game with just 27 seconds left. Ole Miss, instead of playing for a tie, went for a deep pass. That’s when Robert Bean and Eugene Clinton made history. Bean leaped to intercept the pass, but it bounced off his hands and into the air. Clinton snagged it, returning it 27 yards to set up Scott Westerfield’s game-winning 44-yard field goal. Mississippi State won 23-20.

“We talk about the excitement from that one game and what it meant to us as individuals, to those seniors, and to Mississippi State University,” Clinton said years later. “That game holds a special place in my heart.”

Ole Miss WR Cory Peterson, 1997

In 1997, Ole Miss coach Tommy Tuberville made a gutsy call to go for a two-point conversion instead of settling for a tie. Quarterback Stewart Patridge found Cory Peterson for the game-winning pass, giving Ole Miss a 15-14 victory over No. 22 Mississippi State. Peterson, whose father and uncle played for Mississippi State, became a Rebel legend. “That play would’ve been batted away if not for our center Matt Luke knocking the defender down,” Peterson recalled.

Clean, Old-Fashioned Hate: Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets vs. Georgia Bulldogs

Record: Georgia leads 71-41-5

Georgia Tech RB Roddy Jones, 2008

Georgia Tech’s Roddy Jones had a career-defining game in 2008, rushing for 214 yards and two touchdowns in a 45-42 win over Georgia. “That game changed the path of my life,” Jones said. “Sixteen years later, it’s still the first thing Georgia Tech fans want to talk to me about.”

Georgia RB Theron Sapp, 1957

Known as the “Drought Breaker,” Theron Sapp led Georgia to a 7-0 victory over Georgia Tech in 1957, ending an eight-game losing streak. Sapp’s bruising runs and game-winning touchdown made him a Bulldog legend. His No. 40 jersey was retired shortly after.

Paul Bunyan’s Axe: Minnesota Golden Gophers vs. Wisconsin Badgers

Record: Wisconsin leads 63-62-8

Gophers Safety Jeff Rosga, 1993

Jeff Rosga’s 55-yard pick-six helped Minnesota upset Wisconsin 28-21 in 1993, ending the Badgers’ national championship hopes. “We bent, but we never broke,” Rosga said. “That game is still special, even 30 years later.”

Wisconsin RB Billy Marek, 1974

In a foggy 1974 game, Billy Marek rushed for 304 yards and five touchdowns, leading Wisconsin to a 49-14 win over Minnesota. “They couldn’t find me in the fog,” Marek joked. His performance remains one of the greatest in the rivalry’s history.

The Game: Michigan Wolverines vs. Ohio State Buckeyes

Record: Michigan leads 61-51-6

Michigan WR John Kolesar, 1988

John Kolesar’s 41-yard touchdown catch in the final minutes gave Michigan a 34-31 win over Ohio State in 1988. “Kolesar won the game for us,” said legendary coach Bo Schembechler.

Ohio State QB Troy Smith, 2006

Troy Smith became the second Ohio State quarterback to beat Michigan three years in a row, clinching the Heisman Trophy in 2006 with a four-touchdown performance in a 42-39 win. Over three games, Smith accounted for nine touchdowns and 857 passing yards.

Florida Gators vs. Florida State Seminoles

Record: Florida leads 37-28-2

Florida QB Noah Brindise, 1997

Steve Spurrier’s decision to rotate quarterbacks every play paid off in a 32-29 win over No. 1 Florida State. “It was one of those magical nights,” Brindise said.

FSU QB Marcus Outzen, 1998

Marcus Outzen, a backup quarterback, led Florida State to a 23-12 win over Florida, securing a spot in the national championship game. “It’s a dream come true,” Outzen said after the game.

The Iron Bowl: Auburn Tigers vs. Alabama Crimson Tide

Record: Alabama leads 50-37-1

Auburn DB David Langner, 1972

David Langner returned two blocked punts for touchdowns in Auburn’s 17-16 win over Alabama, a game forever known as “Punt Bama Punt.”

Alabama DB Rory Turner, 1984

Rory Turner’s game-saving tackle in the “Wrong Way Bo” game helped Alabama upset No. 11 Auburn 17-15.

More Rivalry Heroes

• Texas DB Mark Berry, 1990: Made a game-saving tackle to end Texas’ six-game losing streak to Texas A&M.
• Arizona State DL James Brooks, 2010: Blocked two PATs to secure a double-overtime win over Arizona.
• UNC RB Giovani Bernard, 2012: Returned a punt 74 yards for a game-winning touchdown against NC State.

Rivalry Week is where legends are born, and these players have cemented their place in college football history. Who will be the next hero to rise to the occasion?