For me, the rivalry games are what separates the Big Ten from its Power Five peers with Ohio State vs. Michigan leading the way. But there are trophy games between long time rivals that are extremely important to the teams involved.
These games are weaved into its DNA. Each one has its own peculiar lore filled with controversy and exuberance.
Here are the top five:
Paul Bunyan Axe
Awarded annually to the winner of the Wisconsin-Minnesota game.
Originally the trophy was called the Slab of Bacon Trophy, but it was lost after the 1943 game.