As we begin the transition from summer intobrfall, we're focusing all of our attention on several must-watch football matches.brBelow are five can't-miss competitions on the horizon, whether you have anbraffinity for the game at a high school, college or pro level.
New York Jets vs. New England Patriots, Sept. 12
The Jets and Patriots have met 108 timesbrsince 1960, with the Patriots currently leading the series 55–52–1. So what'sbrwith the hatred between these two teams? From accusations of tampering withbrtrades to the controversy with Bill Belichick — who famously resigned asbrthe Jets head coach after one day to become the head coach of the Patriots — to back-and-forth knocking each otherbrout of the playoffs, this is more than just a border war.
Carroll Dragons vs. Keller-Central Chargers, Sept. 27
It seems most area schools love to hate thebrDragons for their longstanding sports success, but their 2013 Homecoming rivalbrposes a threat as an up-and-coming challenger. The relatively new Keller-Centralbr— it opened in 2003 — made it to the playoffs in 2011 and 2012, while Carrollbrwon state in 2011 but suffered a heartbreaking loss to Allen in last year's championshipbrgame. Who will be the victor? Get your tickets before they sell out!
Texas Longhorns vs. Oklahoma Sooners, Oct. 12
Long known as the Red River Rivalry, thisbrmatchup is easily one of the most competitive in college football historybr— it began more than 100 years ago. Today, the Texas–OU matchup attracts ferventbrfans from far and wide. So far, Texas leads 59–43–5, although last yearbrOklahoma beat Texas 63 to 21. So, whether your phrase of choice is “BoomerbrSooner” or “Texas Fight,” this will be a game you won't want to miss.
Dallas Cowboys vs. Washington Redskins, Oct.br13
In 2008, SportsbrIllustrated ranked the Cowboys-Redskins rivalry No. 1 in the NFL, noting thesebrfootball powerhouses have hated each other since the series began in 1960. Inbrtheir most recent meeting, quarterback Robert Griffin led the Redskins to a 28–18brvictory over the Cowboys for the NFC East title. Be sure to show your Cowboysbrpride (they lead the series 62–42–2) when the Redskins visit the newly namedbrAT&T Stadium next month.
Notre Dame Fighting Irish vs. USC Trojans, Oct. 19
In June, the news broke that this storied collegebrrivalry would continue through at least 2023, as both elite teams agreed tobrextend their series. The rivalry began in 1926, and its history is an old wivesbrtale — literally (the wife of USC’s athletic director allegedly convincedbrthe wife of Notre Dame’s then-head coach Knute Rockne the teams should playbreach other). Their first matchup this season kicks off next month on NotrebrDame’s home turf.