So, like everyone, it's Wisconsin, Iowa, and then everything else. But, I had some more thoughts to share.
1. Wisconsin. Hands down. I want the Gophers to beat them in basketball and hockey, too. I rooted for Duke, Duke, in the national title game a few years back so Wisconsin wouldn't win. It goes beyond just college, I want the Vikings to beat the Packers, the Twins to beat the Brewers and the Wolves to beat the Bucks.
2. Iowa. Wisconsin is still the biggest rival but that whole 2002 situation with the goal posts really drives Iowa up near the top for me. I hate the Hawkeyes so much that I just love seeing them lose. That win Penn State had against them as time expired was a thing of beauty.
3. Nebraska. The Huskers battered the Gophers pretty bad in the 70s and 80s, so seeing their current struggles has been pretty damn great to see. I don't have the same level of dislike toward them as I do with Wisconsin or Iowa, but the history against them and the last decade has made it a team to want to win against every time.
4. Purdue. I wouldn't say I particularly dislike Purdue, but I certainly don't like playing them in football or basketball. The match-ups just feel like they're going to be a grudge match, especially in football with the last three games coming down to the wire, the loss in 2017 and even the close victory back in 2014. I think the fact that there's animosity between Brohm and Fleck has amped this up, too.
5. Penn State. The Bell isn't one of the great trophies in college football, but considering the importance of some of these games and how hard fought they've been, it makes playing the Lions a big deal. Plus, their whole "unrivaled" slogan is annoying. The dislike and bad blood has also increased because of the hockey rivalry that's brewing on the ice.
6. Illinois. My dislike of Illinois is more region-driven. I want the Vikings to beat the Bears, the Twins to beat the Cubs and White Sox, the Loons to beat the Fire and the Wild to Beat the Blackhawks. It's the same story with the Illini, I want the Gophers to defeat Illinois on the hardwood and the gridiron, and my Midwest pride takes a hit when they don't.
7. Maryland. Speaking of the Midwest, I mainly dislike Maryland because they just don't feel like a Big Ten team.
8. Rutgers. Same with Maryland, these are basically tied. Playing either Rutgers or Maryland feels like being dragged to an event by your SO that you don't want to go to, but are obliged to show up.
9. Indiana. I'm kind of indifferent toward Indiana, but it's frustrating how close some of the games have been against them on the football field. Both 2013 and 2018 were way too close for comfort, and it's made me kind of lessened my view of the Hoosiers.
10. Ohio State. I don't hate Ohio State for the same reason I don't hate the New England Patriots, there's simply not much history there. I get they're good, but it's just not enough of a reason to despise them. Do I want the Gophers to win? Sure, but do I want the Buckeyes to lose in bowl season? No.
11. Northwestern. Kind of similar to what I said about Illinois, but I'm mostly just indifferent toward the Wildcats.
12. Michigan. Yes the 2003 and 2015 losses still sting bad. Yes there's a good rivalry on the ice, too. But I feel like this one is more of a friendly rivalry? Maybe it's because Minnesota has the Hawkeyes and Badgers while Michigan has the Buckeyes and Spartans, so there's not much hate left over. There's also a bit more respect, on the ice and the field, because both university's have plenty of national championships in either sport. To be honest, I root for the Wolverines when they're not playing Minnesota.
13. Michigan State. I actually like the Spartans quite a bit, I think their Hail Mary win Vs. Wisconsin has a lot to do with that. I know the Gophers haven't won against them since 2009, but the Spartans been a fun team to watch when not playing Minnesota. Their Outback Bowl Vs. Georgia, the Rose Bowl they played against Stanford and their comeback win against Baylor were entertaining as hell.
