Final Week

[unipanther99]

There are hated rivalries and just rivalries. I don't see UNI/WSU ever being the former.

The overall series is very even, with UNI leading 27-25. WSU has won 6 of the last 10. UNI has won 11 of the last 20. Both teams rose to prominence (in WSU's case, back to prominence) about a decade ago, and have been the only two MVC schools to remain relevant for most of that decade.

Reasons it may not be a rivalry would be: geography, the football/no-football mentality, and perceived superiority by some WSU fans due to their longer term history of success in Div. 1.

[AndShock]

I didn't care about the UNI game any more than any of the other games last year.

I would care about Saturday's game the exact same amount if it was Loyola ranked #10 and tied for first in the conference. It's not more exciting for me because it's UNI.

The above has to be false in order for it to ever be a rivalry.

[Cdizzle]

I didn't care about the UNI game any more than any of the other games last year.

I would care about Saturday's game the exact same amount if it was Loyola ranked #10 and tied for first in the conference. It's not more exciting for me because it's UNI.

The above has to be false in order for it to ever be a rivalry.

I think this is a pretty good way to put it. And I kindof assume that UNI fans feel the same way.

Now, if this sort of thing carries on for another 3 years, I think you'll see things shift.

[rlh04d]

There are hated rivalries and just rivalries. I don't see UNI/WSU ever being the former.

The overall series is very even, with UNI leading 27-25. WSU has won 6 of the last 10. UNI has won 11 of the last 20. Both teams rose to prominence (in WSU's case, back to prominence) about a decade ago, and have been the only two MVC schools to remain relevant for most of that decade.

Reasons it may not be a rivalry would be: geography, the football/no-football mentality, and perceived superiority by some WSU fans due to their longer term history of success in Div. 1.

I'd definitely welcome UNI as a rival, but it's a tough one to have. I think UNI and WSU fans respect each program to much for a true rivalry.

We'd have to give each other some heartbreaking losses to build up some hatred. A real rivalry you care about beating the other team even when they're bad.

But as long as two teams are consistently winning at a high level, there will always be some level of rivalry. And long-term, as long as Marshall and Jacobson are both here, both programs will be at the top of the Valley -- not every single season finishing 1/2, but consistently finishing at the top.

[Wufan]

This far, UNI is the only team that has beat WSU in last two years. Good start. A UNI sweep of WSU would go a long way in creating a rivalry.

[PantherSigEp]

I just hope the Panthers can get to the point where the Shox aren't our "Super Bowl"

[Cdizzle]

I just hope the Panthers can get to the point where the Shox aren't our "Super Bowl"

Hey, if both teams are going to go 17-1(ish) and be the opposition's Super Bowl every year, that could be fun.

[Aargh]

I would gladly have UNI as a rival. Let's see what losing 5 Seniors does to UNI. Is it a rebuild or a reload? The year after WSU lost 7 (that's SEVEN!) Seniors we made a F4.

If UNI can maintain at least an "Others receiving votes" status nexzt year, there's potential for something going forward.

right now it looks like IlSU might be a title contender next year, even though they're losing some key pieces to graduation. IlSU and WSU have a better path toward developing a rivalry because the coaching staffs and fanbases don't seem to care for one another.

I'm afraid WSU is going to be to IlSU what CU was to WSU for a long time. WSU couldn't beat CU often enough for the series to be called a rivalry. I don't believe Muller will be able to beat Marshall often enough for WSU to take IlSU seriously.

[ilstubirds250]

I would gladly have UNI as a rival. Let's see what losing 5 Seniors does to UNI. Is it a rebuild or a reload? The year after WSU lost 7 (that's SEVEN!) Seniors we made a F4.

If UNI can maintain at least an "Others receiving votes" status nexzt year, there's potential for something going forward.

right now it looks like IlSU might be a title contender next year, even though they're losing some key pieces to graduation. IlSU and WSU have a better path toward developing a rivalry because the coaching staffs and fanbases don't seem to care for one another.

I'm afraid WSU is going to be to IlSU what CU was to WSU for a long time. WSU couldn't beat CU often enough for the series to be called a rivalry. I don't believe Muller will be able to beat Marshall often enough for WSU to take IlSU seriously.

Whyyyy can't weeeee be friendsssss

[Championz]

I didn't care about the UNI game any more than any of the other games last year.

I would care about Saturday's game the exact same amount if it was Loyola ranked #10 and tied for first in the conference. It's not more exciting for me because it's UNI.

The above has to be false in order for it to ever be a rivalry.

Totally agree here.

It's a big game on Saturday because of several reasons. Gameday is in town. A Valley title is on the line. A game against a Top 10 ranked team is happening. It's not big because it's UNI. It could be any team and I would feel the same way. UNI has been mediocre the last several years. If they consistently were at the top and in national relevance longer than 1 year stretches, then things could get interesting. But as it is, UNI is like a 2011 Missouri State in terms of a "rivalry".