Illwinsagain
- Cary, IL
Caveat: IMHO, we don't have a natural rival, so it shifts depending on the landscape.
I'm an outlier, but I voted Northwestern. I think they poked the bear when they claimed they were Chicago's BIG team (according to an NYT survey, it's actually more Notre Dame than anything). On top of that, we're historically a much better program that has had a down cycle, while they're the exact opposite. With our new coach, new arena, and renewed interest, I think this sets up well for some nice years of rivalry as we reassert ourselves.
I may be in the minority here, but one good year (their best ever), when they lost to us twice. A year so bad for us, we fired our coach. Does not make a rivalry. I don't study the other teams much, with people putting NW in the top 25 this year, I don't see it. If you want to say in Football that they are a rivalry, I would still disagree, but certainly see your point.