In the August 18 issue of Newsweek, the magazine examines what they call the 12 top rivalries in college. While most schools officially deny any such sense of competition exists, we all know it’s true.
 

But at OTR we’re tired of the politically correct, painfully neutral stance news outlets take on any kind of controversy, so we’re tackling the rivalries head on. And we aren’t using the scientific method.
 

Below I’ve chosen 5 of Newsweek’s rivalries and flat out picked a side. It’s pure opinion, completely illogical, more than a little random, and super important, so suit up and draw the battle lines because it’s going to get dirty.
 

The Winners of the College Rivalry Cage Match:
 

Harvard Vs. Yale
 

In this old Ivy showdown, the Crimson may have a bigger endowment and a better location, but Yale pulled the better prank, getting Harvard students to accidentally spell out “We Suck” at a football game in 2004. Plus Yale can lay claim to all of the presidents since 1988. Conversely, Harvard must live with knowing they rejected John Kerry, Meredith Vieira and Ted Turner, while accepting the infamous Unabomber Ted Kaczynski. Ouch.
 

Berkeley Vs. Stanford
 

This competition brings a dark cloud over sunny California. Although Berkeley recently signed a $500 million contract with BP to develop an alternative energy source, Stanford’s unofficial mascot is a Tree, and what’s more environmentally-friendly than foliage? In addition, two Stanford students founded Google, without which I never could have created this list.
 

Notre Dame Vs. Boston College
 

In this Holy War, Notre Dame comes out on top. Although BC just won the NCAA ice hockey championship, the Fighting Irish have the edge in football and a name that implies lots of booze-filled partying. The school has also been named the best school for intramurals by Sports Illustrated and the Princeton Review called it a top school where everyone plays intramurals. And lots of intramurals means friendly sportsmanship and plenty of hot, in-shape athletic-types.
 

Purdue Vs. Indiana
 

These Indiana schools collaborate on many projects, but when it comes down to it Indiana is the superior choice. In 2005, Newsweek called IU its Hottest Big State School, a title it has since lost but a glory it has held on to. Even more telling, for the third straight year, IU has won the Blood Donor Challenge, an annual competition to see which school’s students can donate the most. Hot and philanthropic is an unbeatable combo.
 

Michigan Vs. Ohio State
 

The biggest, baddest rivalry of them all culminates on the football field, but can be felt everywhere on campus. Besides being more selective and ranked higher academically, Michigan has been host to several key moments in U.S. history. It was on the steps of Michigan Union that JFK outlined the idea of the Peace Corps. and Lyndon B. Johnson explained his Great Society program at Michigan as well. And most importantly, when reporting on the rivalry from Ohio State, Jon Stewart wore a Michigan sweatshirt, which just says it all. Stewart is the voice of America and America has chosen Michigan.