College football Rivalry Week is a highly anticipated event in the world of sports, filled with intense matchups and fierce competition. Beyond the game itself, what truly sets this week apart are the coveted traveling trophies that symbolize the storied rivalries between teams. These unique awards add an extra layer of motivation and pride for players and fans alike.
One such notable trophy is the Bedlam Bell, a cherished symbol of the annual clash between the Oklahoma Sooners and the Oklahoma State Cowboys. This distinctive bell, originally used to signal the end of classes at the Oklahoma Territorial Agricultural and Mechanical College (now Oklahoma State University), has become a treasured artifact in the rivalry. Each year, the winning team gets the honor of ringing the bell, proudly displaying their triumph over their bitter opponent.
Moving on from the Bedlam Bell, another intriguing trophy is the Platypus Trophy. This peculiar award represents the spirited matchup between the Oregon Ducks and the Oregon State Beavers. Modeled after the unusual and distinctive platypus, an animal that is part mammal, part bird, and part reptile, this trophy perfectly captures the uniqueness of this longstanding rivalry. The trophy serves as a reminder that this particular matchup is unlike any other, showcasing the distinct character and individuality of both teams.
But these two trophies are just the tip of the iceberg in the realm of college football’s traveling awards. Throughout Rivalry Week, numerous other trophies are up for grabs, each possessing its own history and significance. These trophies range from the iconic Paul Bunyan’s Axe, which symbolizes the grueling competition between the Wisconsin Badgers and the Minnesota Golden Gophers, to the Victory Bell, fought over fiercely by the USC Trojans and the UCLA Bruins.
The presence of these traveling trophies adds fuel to the fire of an already heated rivalry. They serve as tangible representations of the hard-fought battles that have taken place over the years. For players, lifting these trophies in victory is both a testament to their skill and a validation of their dedication to their team. Fans, too, revel in the glory of seeing their team claim ownership of these revered symbols.
Rivalry Week’s traveling trophies not only provide a sense of pride and accomplishment but also ignite a sense of camaraderie among fans. They foster a shared history and tradition, as well as a common goal of triumphing over the rival team. The fierce competition for these coveted awards fuels the passion and intensity that defines college football’s most cherished rivalries.
In conclusion, Rivalry Week’s traveling trophies are more than just shiny accolades. They embody the spirit of intense competition and serve as powerful reminders of the legacies built by teams over the years. These trophies become part of the tapestry of college football, adding an extra layer of motivation and excitement to an already exhilarating week of games. As fans eagerly anticipate the battles to come, they can’t help but be captivated by the allure of these cherished relics that symbolize the essence of college football’s most heated rivalries.
