Fansided

College Football: 20 best rivalry games to watch in 2018

By Maitland Rutledge

SOUTH BEND, IN - OCTOBER 21: The USC Trojans face off at the line of scrimmage against the Notre Dame Fighting Irish during a game at Notre Dame Stadium on October 21, 2017 in South Bend, Indiana. Notre Dame won 49-14. (Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images) *** Local Caption ***
SOUTH BEND, IN - OCTOBER 21: The USC Trojans face off at the line of scrimmage against the Notre Dame Fighting Irish during a game at Notre Dame Stadium on October 21, 2017 in South Bend, Indiana. Notre Dame won 49-14. (Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images) *** Local Caption *** /
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LEXINGTON, KY – NOVEMBER 25: Lamar Jackson #8 of the Louisville Cardinals runs with the ball against the Kentucky Wildcats during the game at Commonwealth Stadium on November 25, 2017 in Lexington, Kentucky. (Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images)
LEXINGTON, KY – NOVEMBER 25: Lamar Jackson #8 of the Louisville Cardinals runs with the ball against the Kentucky Wildcats during the game at Commonwealth Stadium on November 25, 2017 in Lexington, Kentucky. (Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images) /

18. Louisville vs. Kentucky

The Battle for the Governor’s Cup is always filled with excitement. Louisville and Kentucky first played each other in 1912 and are still as hostile towards one another as ever. The rivalry actually ceased in 1924, not to be resumed until 1994. In the first year after the hiatus the Governor’s Cup was introduced as the game’s official trophy. Another trophy was introduced to be given to the game’s most valuable player. The Howard Schnellenberge award, named after Miami’s former head coach, was first awarded in 2010.

While there has been a 70-year gap, this is one of the most even rivalries in the country. In fact, this series is tied at 15 games apiece. However, since the rivalry has been renewed, Louisville holds a 15-9 edge since 1994.

Since the dawn of the New Millennium, this matchup has provided must-see TV. The 2005 gams was a near upset by Kentucky, who was 3-8. No. 12 Louisville escaped with a 31-24 win thanks in large part to six sacks and two forced fumble by defensive end Elvis Dumervil. In 2011, true freshman quarterback Teddy Bridgewater snapped a four-game losing streak to the Wildcats after replacing the injured Will Stein. Bridgewater threw two touchdowns in relief and the Cardinal’s won 24-17. He became the full-time starter the following season.

Last year Louisville and Lamar Jackson dominated Kentucky 44-17. Mark Stoops has led the Wildcats to back-to-back bowl appearances the past two seasons after losing records in his first three years, but being state champion matters to the Kentucky faithful. This late November matchup will be one worth checking out for fans.