College Football Rivarly Week ideally promises more hits than misses as teams sharing the same region and/or history play each other during the last week of the regular season regardless of present standings. Rivalry is supposed to at least somewhat trump current season performance so that matchups like #2 Florida State (11-0) vs. Florida (4-7) are more competitive than they otherwise would be, but that isn't always the case; most likely Florida State will win by the 30 points or more predicted by linemakers.

In some cases the true significance of rivalry week can only be measured after the fact. If Florida does play Florida State close (and maybe even win) the performance takes on greater meaning because of the two's history and regional proximity. At the same time, rivalries inspire immense pregame hype and probably some great tailgates. Only during the game, perhaps, is rivarly week most like every other week.

History and tradition was one of the main factors of University Herald's top 5 rivalry games this week, but it wasn't the only factor. We also looked at the quality of the teams, the presence of big time players, the implications of the game, and the likelihood of a close, fan-friendly affair. No surprise, Auburn-Alabama took the top spot, mostly for its history and implications. We were only slightly worried that Alabama may blow out Auburn, given the Tigers' string of close victories this season and their hail mary win last week against Georgia.

South Carolina-Clemson took the two spot largely because of the teams' top ten rankings, but also because of its mystery and chances for an exciting game; the two don't even play in the same conference and the jury is still out on Clemson, who's ranked sixth despite getting crushed by Florida State for its only loss. South Carolina has won a lot of tough games in the SEC, but has also lost one more game than Clemson.

The rivalry factor plays its largest role in the Florida State-Florida game at number three. Florida is one of the worst teams in the SEC and is at the end of its first losing season since the 1970s. But both programs have a rich football history and Florida State is a juggernaut and championship-contender this year. A close game or potential upset by Florida means this one has more potential than maybe any other on Saturday. FSU also has a Heisman candidate at QB who also happens to be facing rape accusations.

Number 4 goes to a west coast matchup between UCLA and USC. Both teams are enjoying successful seasons in the PAC 12. Speaking from an east coaster's perspective, west coast games always seem to end in spectacular fashion. This is also perhaps the second biggest rivalry in our top 5; both teams are wearing their home jerseys because the campuses are just 12 miles apart. The game will be played at USC.

Number 5, Texas A&M-Missouri, has almost no rivalry factor, but huge BCS implications and the game's most exciting player: Johnny Manziel.

The top 5 and links to their previews and live radio broadcasts:

1. Auburn-Alabama... by Russell Westerholm

2. South Carolina-Clemson... by Russell Westerholm

3. Florida-Florida State... by Scott Bickard

4. UCLA-USC... by Russell Westerholm

5. Texas A&M-Missouri... by Scott Bickard