What separates college athletics from the professional ranks is, for me, the rivalries. Sure, there are some intense rivalries in any professional sport (Yankees v. Red Sox, Flyers v. Penguins, Lakers v. Celtics, Patriots v. Anybody in the NFL) but virtually every team in college athletics has somebody they call a rival and, for my money, the clashes between the players and fans tends to be more intense.
When it comes to this topic, the obvious answer is the easy way out. Of course I don’t like it when the Cougs lose to the Huskies. History says it happens much more often than not but it still stings every time it does.