But it isn't a national game, not anymore and I think there is some reasoning behind that for the major networks. It doesn't mean much to anyone but Illinois and Missouri fans which is fine. Reasons, well I think I have gone on long enough on my reasons. But I guess it basically boils down to Illinois can do better. And I was more interested in the existential reason(s) as far as why Missouri? Why not a duck? (any Marx brothers fans here should get that reference). But seriously folks, why not someone else? Someone a step up from Missouri. I think we, well, most of us, would soon forget the Braggin' Rights games after 20 or so games with Kentucky over a span of the same number of years (that is just an example, I actually have no idea who could or would replace Missouri). We would adapt. Humans are quite adept at adapting.
I think your example of the Apple Cup is completely different. That is a game between Washington State and Univ. of Washington the two biggest state schools. Heck, if I lived in Washington I would probably like to see that every year, too. I just think it is different kind of deal. But aside from that example of being one sided and that plenty of rivalries are one sided, do you have more examples, at the major college level? Or maybe I should limit it to basketball college level. I can already think of one example in football; just about anyone Notre Dame plays every year, like Navy. Although I am not sure you would call that a rivalry. It may be just typical Notre Dame year in and year out playing the softest schedule they can.
Also, some of the responses to my posts have mentioned about how it is a fertile recruiting zone. Which I get. But how many St. Louis area players have we gotten over the years? I have no idea as I don't follow recruiting very much. So maybe a lot for all I know but I don't see anyone from that area currently on the team. Illinois did pretty well with Tilmon, Pickett and Smith all from the St. Louis area all committing before BU came and then two de-committed so that was kind of wash. Also, Illinois emphasis has always been Chicago (and Peoria). Hasn't always worked, of course.
But like I said earlier I don't really care one way or the other. It's fine if we keep playing Missouri but I just think we can do better (as I have said almost ad nauseum now). After all, there was a big rivalry game between Illinois and Missouri in football, the Arch Game?, that went from 1975 to 2010. It even engendered the Braggin' Rights series. That one was stopped, albeit I know it is going to be resurrected in a few years. I do not know why it was stopped although Illinois did not fare well. Maybe that was why although I am sure no one in an official capacity would admit that.
(I can’t remember what it was called)
