What about Akron-OSU?

[UAZipster0305]

http://www.collegesoccernews.com/index_files/Page1719.htm

I think we got ripped off here. If anything, we are too dominant in the all-time series. However, in the last decade, both programs have been at the top nationally and the matches are very well attended and are meaningful. Afterall, OSU did spoil our consecutive win streak this past season.

I'd love to see South Carolina or Clemson on our schedule in the future.

[Captain Kangaroo]

http://www.collegesoccernews.com/index_files/Page1719.htm

I think we got ripped off here. If anything, we are too dominant in the all-time series. However, in the last decade, both programs have been at the top nationally and the matches are very well attended and are meaningful. Afterall, OSU did spoil our consecutive win streak this past season.

I'd love to see South Carolina or Clemson on our schedule in the future.

CSU is more a rival than Ohio State. At least they beat us.

[fknbuflobo]

http://www.collegesoccernews.com/index_files/Page1719.htm

I think we got ripped off here. If anything, we are too dominant in the all-time series. However, in the last decade, both programs have been at the top nationally and the matches are very well attended and are meaningful. Afterall, OSU did spoil our consecutive win streak this past season.

I'd love to see South Carolina or Clemson on our schedule in the future.

On the bottom is my email to the editor of College Soccer News regarding their list of 14 top collegiate soccer rivalries.

On the top is CSN’s same day reply to my email.

Thank you for taking the time to write us and for the opportunity to respond. Thank you also for the ticket offer. That would be a great match-up to attend but we are already committed to be elsewhere that week.

We plead guilty to never having seen in-person the Akron - Ohio State contest but we did do a lot of research including direct communication with a lot of people including folks from Akron before making the selections we made. It was on our short list (at least give us that) but was left off in large part as you have pointed out because Akron has so dominated the series.

Your description and the information you provided makes a good case for it being included so maybe we missed one by not including it. Sounds like we might have gotten a different response if we had talked to the people from Ohio State.

Akron is a great program with so many good things happening that are also great for college soccer. Thanks again for the information you provided and the opportunity to respond. Bob Bradner, Editor, College Soccer News

-----Original Message-----

Sent: Tuesday, May 10, 2011 1:21 PM

To: editor@collegesoccernews.com

Subject: The Top 14 Rivalries In College Soccer

Importance: High

Time permitting in my life; I would like to attend each of the rivalries listed in your entertaining article.

However, it is profoundly inexcusable that you would entirely omit Akron/Ohio State from you arbitrary 14 top collegiate soccer rivalries. I do not know what your criteria for this list are, but it would be difficult to believe that you have personally witnessed the Ohio Derby before, and yet excluded it from your list.

Akron has commanded the series all-time for 50+ years. Still, the series has tightened considerably during the last decade, with many draws and a few OSU victories. The Buckeyes rightly believe they should reign preeminent within the state of Ohio, regardless of the sport. It galls them that a MAC school like Akron routinely beats them.

Recent highlight is the 2008 rematch tilt during the NCAA tourney, won by Akron 2-1 in double OT. See 2010 draw in Columbus before record setting crowd of 8,000 fans. Match ended Zips consecutive streak of not surrendering a goal.

These are all hotly contested, if not downright dirty, matches, with enough cardings to fill the book. On the line is future recruitment of exact same high school prospects within the state of Ohio. OSU coach Bluem earned his Master's degree @ Akron in 1984. There are innumerable ties.

Hence, the Ohio State match is arguably the most important on Akron's schedule each year.

As a Zips season ticket holder, I have your ticket should you choose to attend W/9/28/2011 for the latest installment of the Ohio Derby. Newly anointed Cub Cadet Field will be hopping! Please advise soon.

[Captain Kangaroo]

It was on our short list (at least give us that) but was left off in large part as you have pointed out because Akron has so dominated the series.

True. If the other team isn't winning anything, it ain't much of a "rivalry." It's a ton of fun to beating Ohio State, don't get me wrong. But they haven't stepped up to the plate and made it a "rivalry." I think next year's CSU match could be equally as intriguing/heated/crazy as Ohio State. Only because CSU manned-up and beat the Zips.

Ohio State wants to be our rival. But they aren't. They're Robin. We're Batman.

[TheTank123]

It was on our short list (at least give us that) but was left off in large part as you have pointed out because Akron has so dominated the series.

True. If the other team isn't winning anything, it ain't much of a "rivalry." It's a ton of fun to beating Ohio State, don't get me wrong. But they haven't stepped up to the plate and made it a "rivalry." I think next year's CSU match could be equally as intriguing/heated/crazy as Ohio State. Only because CSU manned-up and beat the Zips.

Ohio State wants to be our rival. But they aren't. They're Robin. We're Batman.

I've emailed CSN a couple times and always got prompt and pleasant responses. Good group of people over there it seems.

[UAZipster0305]

http://www.collegesoccernews.com/index_files/Page1719.htm

I think we got ripped off here. If anything, we are too dominant in the all-time series. However, in the last decade, both programs have been at the top nationally and the matches are very well attended and are meaningful. Afterall, OSU did spoil our consecutive win streak this past season.

I'd love to see South Carolina or Clemson on our schedule in the future.

On the bottom is my email to the editor of College Soccer News regarding their list of 14 top collegiate soccer rivalries.

On the top is CSN’s same day reply to my email.

Thank you for taking the time to write us and for the opportunity to respond. Thank you also for the ticket offer. That would be a great match-up to attend but we are already committed to be elsewhere that week.

We plead guilty to never having seen in-person the Akron - Ohio State contest but we did do a lot of research including direct communication with a lot of people including folks from Akron before making the selections we made. It was on our short list (at least give us that) but was left off in large part as you have pointed out because Akron has so dominated the series.

Your description and the information you provided makes a good case for it being included so maybe we missed one by not including it. Sounds like we might have gotten a different response if we had talked to the people from Ohio State.

Akron is a great program with so many good things happening that are also great for college soccer. Thanks again for the information you provided and the opportunity to respond. Bob Bradner, Editor, College Soccer News

-----Original Message-----

Sent: Tuesday, May 10, 2011 1:21 PM

To: editor@collegesoccernews.com

Subject: The Top 14 Rivalries In College Soccer

Importance: High

Time permitting in my life; I would like to attend each of the rivalries listed in your entertaining article.

However, it is profoundly inexcusable that you would entirely omit Akron/Ohio State from you arbitrary 14 top collegiate soccer rivalries. I do not know what your criteria for this list are, but it would be difficult to believe that you have personally witnessed the Ohio Derby before, and yet excluded it from your list.

Akron has commanded the series all-time for 50+ years. Still, the series has tightened considerably during the last decade, with many draws and a few OSU victories. The Buckeyes rightly believe they should reign preeminent within the state of Ohio, regardless of the sport. It galls them that a MAC school like Akron routinely beats them.

Recent highlight is the 2008 rematch tilt during the NCAA tourney, won by Akron 2-1 in double OT. See 2010 draw in Columbus before record setting crowd of 8,000 fans. Match ended Zips consecutive streak of not surrendering a goal.

These are all hotly contested, if not downright dirty, matches, with enough cardings to fill the book. On the line is future recruitment of exact same high school prospects within the state of Ohio. OSU coach Bluem earned his Master's degree @ Akron in 1984. There are innumerable ties.

Hence, the Ohio State match is arguably the most important on Akron's schedule each year.

As a Zips season ticket holder, I have your ticket should you choose to attend W/9/28/2011 for the latest installment of the Ohio Derby. Newly anointed Cub Cadet Field will be hopping! Please advise soon.

Kudos for taking this on, fknbuflobo. I have wanted to do so, but just don't have time.

I'd add that outside the soccer realm, we are the red-headed step-child compared to OSU. They are the flagship university and we compete with them for academic programs and state resources as well. The soccer rivalry is one of the few situations where we clearly have the upper-hand.

Also, the 2008 NCAA Tournament double OT victory over OSU and the game being played at St.V was a huge factor in one of the biggest injustices in NCAA history when our following "home" game against Northwestern was moved to their field.

Overall dominance or not, these things justify a major rivalry, especially of late with both programs on the national stage.

[UAZipster0305]

It was on our short list (at least give us that) but was left off in large part as you have pointed out because Akron has so dominated the series.

True. If the other team isn't winning anything, it ain't much of a "rivalry." It's a ton of fun to beating Ohio State, don't get me wrong. But they haven't stepped up to the plate and made it a "rivalry." I think next year's CSU match could be equally as intriguing/heated/crazy as Ohio State. Only because CSU manned-up and beat the Zips.

Ohio State wants to be our rival. But they aren't. They're Robin. We're Batman.

Yes, CSU beat us, but I wouldn't say they "manned-up". More like they played better than normal and we over looked the game and played down to them. It was a total fluke.

A single game does not justify a rivalry. CSU is not our strongest rival, OSU is!

[Captain Kangaroo]

It was on our short list (at least give us that) but was left off in large part as you have pointed out because Akron has so dominated the series.

True. If the other team isn't winning anything, it ain't much of a "rivalry." It's a ton of fun to beating Ohio State, don't get me wrong. But they haven't stepped up to the plate and made it a "rivalry." I think next year's CSU match could be equally as intriguing/heated/crazy as Ohio State. Only because CSU manned-up and beat the Zips.

Ohio State wants to be our rival. But they aren't. They're Robin. We're Batman.

Yes, CSU beat us, but I wouldn't say they "manned-up". More like they played better than normal and we over looked the game and played down to them. It was a total fluke.

A single game does not justify a rivalry. CSU is not our strongest rival, OSU is!

I think OSU may be our strongest in-state opponent. But with an all time series record of something like 6-24-3 (off the top of my head, but I believe that's close) they just don't seem like a rival to me. It's giving their program too much credit.

I think Penn State/UA is a better rivalry. But that's just me. I enjoy whipping both.

[yazan07]

It was on our short list (at least give us that) but was left off in large part as you have pointed out because Akron has so dominated the series.

True. If the other team isn't winning anything, it ain't much of a "rivalry." It's a ton of fun to beating Ohio State, don't get me wrong. But they haven't stepped up to the plate and made it a "rivalry." I think next year's CSU match could be equally as intriguing/heated/crazy as Ohio State. Only because CSU manned-up and beat the Zips.

Ohio State wants to be our rival. But they aren't. They're Robin. We're Batman.

Yes, CSU beat us, but I wouldn't say they "manned-up". More like they played better than normal and we over looked the game and played down to them. It was a total fluke.

A single game does not justify a rivalry. CSU is not our strongest rival, OSU is!

I think OSU may be our strongest in-state opponent. But with an all time series record of something like 6-24-3 (off the top of my head, but I believe that's close) they just don't seem like a rival to me. It's giving their program too much credit.

I think Penn State/UA is a better rivalry. But that's just me. I enjoy whipping both.

If we're gonna go with an out of state rival, I'd say Indiana

[fknbuflobo]

It was on our short list (at least give us that) but was left off in large part as you have pointed out because Akron has so dominated the series.

True. If the other team isn't winning anything, it ain't much of a "rivalry." It's a ton of fun to beating Ohio State, don't get me wrong. But they haven't stepped up to the plate and made it a "rivalry." I think next year's CSU match could be equally as intriguing/heated/crazy as Ohio State. Only because CSU manned-up and beat the Zips.

Ohio State wants to be our rival. But they aren't. They're Robin. We're Batman.

Yes, CSU beat us, but I wouldn't say they "manned-up". More like they played better than normal and we over looked the game and played down to them. It was a total fluke.

A single game does not justify a rivalry. CSU is not our strongest rival, OSU is!

Remember that day 10/30/2010 was extremely windy with strong gusts.

[fknbuflobo]

It was on our short list (at least give us that) but was left off in large part as you have pointed out because Akron has so dominated the series.

True. If the other team isn't winning anything, it ain't much of a "rivalry." It's a ton of fun to beating Ohio State, don't get me wrong. But they haven't stepped up to the plate and made it a "rivalry." I think next year's CSU match could be equally as intriguing/heated/crazy as Ohio State. Only because CSU manned-up and beat the Zips.

Ohio State wants to be our rival. But they aren't. They're Robin. We're Batman.

Yes, CSU beat us, but I wouldn't say they "manned-up". More like they played better than normal and we over looked the game and played down to them. It was a total fluke.

A single game does not justify a rivalry. CSU is not our strongest rival, OSU is!

I think OSU may be our strongest in-state opponent. But with an all time series record of something like 6-24-3 (off the top of my head, but I believe that's close) they just don't seem like a rival to me. It's giving their program too much credit.

I think Penn State/UA is a better rivalry. But that's just me. I enjoy whipping both.

If we're gonna go with an out of state rival, I'd say Indiana

Historically, Indiana is Akron's biggest rival, making 2010 tourney victory all the more sweet.

[fknbuflobo]

http://www.collegesoccernews.com/index_files/Page1719.htm

I think we got ripped off here. If anything, we are too dominant in the all-time series. However, in the last decade, both programs have been at the top nationally and the matches are very well attended and are meaningful. Afterall, OSU did spoil our consecutive win streak this past season.

I'd love to see South Carolina or Clemson on our schedule in the future.

On the bottom is my email to the editor of College Soccer News regarding their list of 14 top collegiate soccer rivalries.

On the top is CSN’s same day reply to my email.

Thank you for taking the time to write us and for the opportunity to respond. Thank you also for the ticket offer. That would be a great match-up to attend but we are already committed to be elsewhere that week.

We plead guilty to never having seen in-person the Akron - Ohio State contest but we did do a lot of research including direct communication with a lot of people including folks from Akron before making the selections we made. It was on our short list (at least give us that) but was left off in large part as you have pointed out because Akron has so dominated the series.

Your description and the information you provided makes a good case for it being included so maybe we missed one by not including it. Sounds like we might have gotten a different response if we had talked to the people from Ohio State.

Akron is a great program with so many good things happening that are also great for college soccer. Thanks again for the information you provided and the opportunity to respond. Bob Bradner, Editor, College Soccer News

-----Original Message-----

Sent: Tuesday, May 10, 2011 1:21 PM

To: editor@collegesoccernews.com

Subject: The Top 14 Rivalries In College Soccer

Importance: High

Time permitting in my life; I would like to attend each of the rivalries listed in your entertaining article.

However, it is profoundly inexcusable that you would entirely omit Akron/Ohio State from you arbitrary 14 top collegiate soccer rivalries. I do not know what your criteria for this list are, but it would be difficult to believe that you have personally witnessed the Ohio Derby before, and yet excluded it from your list.

Akron has commanded the series all-time for 50+ years. Still, the series has tightened considerably during the last decade, with many draws and a few OSU victories. The Buckeyes rightly believe they should reign preeminent within the state of Ohio, regardless of the sport. It galls them that a MAC school like Akron routinely beats them.

Recent highlight is the 2008 rematch tilt during the NCAA tourney, won by Akron 2-1 in double OT. See 2010 draw in Columbus before record setting crowd of 8,000 fans. Match ended Zips consecutive streak of not surrendering a goal.

These are all hotly contested, if not downright dirty, matches, with enough cardings to fill the book. On the line is future recruitment of exact same high school prospects within the state of Ohio. OSU coach Bluem earned his Master's degree @ Akron in 1984. There are innumerable ties.

Hence, the Ohio State match is arguably the most important on Akron's schedule each year.

As a Zips season ticket holder, I have your ticket should you choose to attend W/9/28/2011 for the latest installment of the Ohio Derby. Newly anointed Cub Cadet Field will be hopping! Please advise soon.

Kudos for taking this on, fknbuflobo. I have wanted to do so, but just don't have time.

I'd add that outside the soccer realm, we are the red-headed step-child compared to OSU. They are the flagship university and we compete with them for academic programs and state resources as well. The soccer rivalry is one of the few situations where we clearly have the upper-hand.

Also, the 2008 NCAA Tournament double OT victory over OSU and the game being played at St.V was a huge factor in one of the biggest injustices in NCAA history when our following "home" game against Northwestern was moved to their field.

Overall dominance or not, these things justify a major rivalry, especially of late with both programs on the national stage.

That 2008 NCAA Tourney 2OT victory is unforgettable! Zemanski and Nagbe were stalwarts that match.

Please do not mention the subsequent NCAA screwing; it still makes my blood boil. On the bright side, that injustice was the beginning of my periodic and persistent harassment of the AD to upgrade Lee Jackson Field. Look what that got us!

[Captain Kangaroo]

Historically, Indiana is Akron's biggest rival, making 2010 tourney victory all the more sweet.

Agreed. Akron and Indiana are bona fide, Top 10 heavyweights.

[Blue & Gold]

I don't like giving Columbus State the satisfaction of thinking we view them as arch-rivals in soccer. We own them.

[Dave in Green]

I don't care what anyone at OSU thinks. I care about seeing UA get more credit from the media and the public for being able to compete on anything close to even terms with OSU in anything, and come away a winner more often than a loser.

No one thinks there's a UA-OSU football rivalry because everyone assumes OSU will slaughter the Zips, so no one pays much attention whenever they play.

No one thinks there's a UA-OSU basketball rivalry because everyone assumes OSU would slaughter the Zips if they played, so no one would pay much attention if they played.

If no one thinks there's a UA-OSU soccer rivalry, no one will pay much attention when they play.

People do pay attention to rivalries. The media pays attention to rivalries because the people the media cater to pay attention.

So I'd say that any UA-OSU rivalry in any sport would pay dividends. It would focus public and media attention on UA playing OSU, and would result in more attention and more credit to UA when the Zips beat OSU.

So count my vote in favor of encouraging a UA-OSU rivalry in soccer. It's the only way I see where Ohio citizens and Ohio media, who usually consider OSU to be invincible and UA to be a gnat, will briefly focus their attention on an event where the gnat regularly wins.

Over time, it could begin to convince people that OSU is not invincible and UA is not a gnat.

But it only works if Ohio citizens and Ohio media are even aware of UA playing OSU in soccer, and that awareness would be greatly enhanced if there were a genuine rivalry to grab their attention.

[fknbuflobo]

I don't care what anyone at OSU thinks. I care about seeing UA get more credit from the media and the public for being able to compete on anything close to even terms with OSU in anything, and come away a winner more often than a loser.

No one thinks there's a UA-OSU football rivalry because everyone assumes OSU will slaughter the Zips, so no one pays much attention whenever they play.

No one thinks there's a UA-OSU basketball rivalry because everyone assumes OSU would slaughter the Zips if they played, so no one would pay much attention if they played.

If no one thinks there's a UA-OSU soccer rivalry, no one will pay much attention when they play.

People do pay attention to rivalries. The media pays attention to rivalries because the people the media cater to pay attention.

So I'd say that any UA-OSU rivalry in any sport would pay dividends. It would focus public and media attention on UA playing OSU, and would result in more attention and more credit to UA when the Zips beat OSU.

So count my vote in favor of encouraging a UA-OSU rivalry in soccer. It's the only way I see where Ohio citizens and Ohio media, who usually consider OSU to be invincible and UA to be a gnat, will briefly focus their attention on an event where the gnat regularly wins.

Over time, it could begin to convince people that OSU is not invincible and UA is not a gnat.

But it only works if Ohio citizens and Ohio media are even aware of UA playing OSU in soccer, and that awareness would be greatly enhanced if there were a genuine rivalry to grab their attention.

I love it, Dave!

Akron has always cared about the sport. It is relatively new that Ohio State does as well. The Buckeyes have come very far very fast. And OSU hates that an in-state school beats them at ANYTHING.

Make no mistake about it, OSU is UA's greatest soccer rival. For the longest time, Akron ruled Ohio State because Akron landed better players, plain and simple. That dynamic has changed in the last decade. The quality of players recruited is now comparable. In fact, it is often the very same players. That is why the annual Ohio Derby is so crucial, probably more so for Akron.

OSU badly wants to beat Akron, so much they can taste it, BUT Akron absolutely must beat OSU! It is imperative to the survival of the program. Should OSU start to win the recruiting war, Akron's dominance is over! Only gap between the two programs now is style and coaching, and (obviously) execution on the field.

[Captain Kangaroo]

I don't like giving Columbus State the satisfaction of thinking we view them as arch-rivals in soccer. We own them.

+1

Louisville would be a great rival too, if Lolla had the guts to sign on the dotted line.

[TheTank123]

I don't like giving Columbus State the satisfaction of thinking we view them as arch-rivals in soccer. We own them.

+1

Louisville would be a great rival too, if Lolla had the guts to sign on the dotted line.

Lolla's got some drug arrests to worry about right now...

[Z.I.P.]

I don't like giving Columbus State the satisfaction of thinking we view them as arch-rivals in soccer. We own them.

+1

Louisville would be a great rival too, if Lolla had the guts to sign on the dotted line.

Lolla's got some drug arrests to worry about right now...

Whoa! Now I see why Brock's lil brother didn't sign with the Cardinals. DeLeon and Granger, both returning starters. Lolla won't be easily able to handle this internally.

[RootforRoo44]

OSU/Akron and Michigan/Akron.

Those are the best two rivalry's we have going right now.