What is the biggest rivalry in the SEC? Ranking the top 5 most bitter rivalries in the Southeastern Conference

The SEC is the strongest division in football, having dominated the college football playoff era. They dominate the appearances and wins in the new postseason format. It's true that the bulk of them have come from Alabama, but let's not forget that Georgia and LSU have also contributed.

Being the premier football conference now, SEC games are highly popular. Every counter among SEC schools is a fierce battle in an all-or-nothing environment. On that note, we take a look at the top five games in the history of the competitive conference.

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What is the biggest rivalry in the SEC?

Alabama vs Auburn is the biggest rivalry in the SEC. Although the conference boasts some of the top programs in the country, the rivalry between the Crimson Tide and the Tigers dates back all the way to the 1890s. The historic rivalry is commonly known as the Iron Bowl.

Here are the top five:

#5 Tennessee vs Alabama

Alabama vs Tennessee

In the last 17 years, this hasn't been much of a tough matchup, with Alabama dominating 15-1.

However, last year's Tennessee upset might change things. The 2022 game was described as the best SEC moment of the last 10 years. The emotiveness of finally beating the bitter rivals was clear through images of Tennessee fans celebrating with their team on the field.

It was a truly electric game that might revitalize things for this rivalry.

#4 Arkansas vs LSU

LSU vs Arkansas "The Boot"

In recent years this game got moved from its traditional day after Thanksgiving slot, which has decreased its popularity.

Nevertheless, this matchup between rival states produces electrifying games. When they meet, the schools play for the "Boot", a trophy shaped with the form of both states merged together.

It's always a popular encounter with the alumni of both schools.

#3 Ole Miss vs Miss State

Mississippi State vs Mississippi

An intrastate rivalry, the Rebels and the Bulldogs have met 111 times. The so-called egg is one of the fiercest rivalries in college football, only behind the Iron Bowl in levels of intensity in the SEC. It doesn't rank higher because the game rarely has national implications.

The 2014 game was one of the encounters with the most national relevance in recent memory, with the No.19 Ole Miss achieving the upset against the No. 4 Miss State.

In the process, the Rebels trashed the then Dak Prescott-led Bulldogs' dreams of a college football playoff appearance.

#2 Alabama vs LSU

Alabama vs LSU

A game that has always entailed rivalry, the bitterness of it has grown in the modern age due to Nick Saban.

Saban won his first national title in 2003 at Baton Rouge. When he moved to Tuscaloosa in 2007, he only increased the rivalry between the two schools. LSU won the last encounter 32-31 in overtime, but the Crimson Tide has the lead 55-27-5, in what some call "The Saban Bowl".

#1 Auburn vs Alabama

The 2013 Alabama vs Auburn is one of the best in the history of the game.

This is probably the biggest rivalry in college football, with only Army vs Navy or Ohio State vs Michigan being the only comparable games.

It has produced some memorable encounters, like the Cam Newton 24-point comeback in 2010 or the "Kick Six" game in 2013. Whenever these two SEC heavyweights meet, it's something to be remembered.

Alabama has won the last three encounters and leads the series 49-37-1 overall.

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Honorable Mentions

• Florida vs Georgia
• Auburn vs Georgia
• Tennessee vs Florida