In honor of the college football season kick-off, I thought I would look at some of college football’s rivalries and whether they translate to the basketball court.

“Red River Rivarly”, Oklahoma vs Texas: It is not that the basketball rivalry has lacked talent. From Blake Griffin to Kevin Durant, these schools have produced their share of college greats. But the basketball games have never drawn national interest the way the football games do every October in Dallas.

“The Game”, Ohio St. vs Michigan: This has never felt like a “real” college basketball rivalry, but it might become one this year. Michigan loses Darius Morris, but returns a host of other players from a team that was playing the second best basketball in the Big Ten at the end of last year. Ohio St. is the conference favorite behind player-of-the-year candidate Jared Sullinger. With all of the sanctions on the two football teams, it might finally be time for this basketball rivalry to take center stage.

“Battle for the Old Brass Spitton”, Indiana vs Michigan St.: I love this rivalry because if you mention it to most people outside the midwest, they assume you are making it up. “Wait, who is Michigan St.’s protected cross-over in the new B1G?” Certainly on paper, this seems like a better basketball rivalry than football rivalry. Indiana’s football team has been horrible for years, and the Indiana and Michigan St. basketball teams have a ton of history and tradition. Plus, the basketball rivalry has the bonus of the “former assistant” angle, as Indiana head coach Tom Crean was an assistant under Tom Izzo at Michigan St. But Indiana needs to climb out of the Big Ten cellar for this basketball rivalry to reach the next level.

“Battle for the Cy-Hawk Trophy”, Iowa vs Iowa St. This rivalry is included in the list solely so I can point out the bizarre looking Cy-Hawk football trophy. On the basketball court, both teams should be better this year, but who will improve more? Iowa St. brings in a host of transfers including Royce White (Minnesota) and Chris Allen (Michigan St.) while Iowa is hoping that a year’s worth of experience with Fran McCaffery’s system will lead to bigger and better things.

“Battle for the Governor’s Cup” Louisville vs Kentucky: The biggest part of the football rivalry in recent years has been a disagreement over when the game is played. But the basketball rivalry has everything. Rick Pitino, John Calipari, NCAA titles, recruiting controversies, bad blood. The football doesn’t have a chance.

“The Band is on the Field”, Cal vs Stanford: With Mike Montgomery moving from Stanford to Cal (with an NBA stop in between), this rivalry has significant potential. But it will all depend on whether Johnny Dawkins can complete the turnaround for Stanford.

“The Wide Right Series”, Florida St. vs Miami: Too bad Miami has been under the cloud of bad news this summer, because this was supposed to be a battle between two upper division ACC teams this year. Florida St. has become a consistent NCAA contender behind some of the best defense in the country. And Miami lost only one rotation player this spring. But injuries to Miami forwards Reggie Johnson and Julian Gamble have made this year’s match-up less appealing.

“Clean Old-Fashioned Hate”, Georgia vs Georgia Tech: I only included this one because this is my favorite title for a football rivalry game. After five first or second place finishes under Mark Fox, Nevada fell to a losing record after Fox left for Georgia. Meanwhile, Dayton fans were happy to see Brian Gregory leave for Georgia Tech. Both teams will be rebuilding this year, but guess which team I am feeling bullish about?

Of course there are hundreds more. But the fun is about to begin. Starting Saturday and ending with the Final Four, for the next 30 Saturdays, you can wake up with the knowledge that there will be multiple college football or college basketball games on your TV.