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It’s a rivalry older than the forward pass with an emotional connection of two contrasting identities. A secular, public Henderson State is set to face Ouachita Baptist on November 15th in the rivalry’s 130th anniversary. However, due to the two teams playing in Division II, the rivalry doesn’t get that much attention. That can change, however, if ESPN College GameDay decides to visit the game this year. And that’s exactly what folks are urging Kirk Herbstreit and Co. to do. The Battle of the Ravine is tied to be the oldest rivalry in college football, along with the Black Hills Brawl. It started in 1895 and is played between the two colleges separated by the US Highway 67, just o.7 miles apart. It is then the only game in college football where players walk up to the other team’s stadium, and the residents are forced to pick between red and purple from birth. It’s a story worth bringing to the limelight, and ESPN College GameDay can do just that. Kirk Herbstreit’s co-host, Rece Davis, recently appeared in an interview where he was asked about GameDay visiting a non-power-four team. Davis, initially reluctant, opened up on the possibility of GameDay visiting the Battle of the Ravine. ” I mean, this is probably going to get me in trouble. I’m pitching battle with the Ravine in a few weeks, depending on what else happens. You always try to go where the best story is for that week, and you try to judge what the buzz is, and you also try to look at the landscape,” said Davis. That alone was enough to fuel major speculations. ADVERTISEMENT Article continues below this ad What makes the rivalry even more exciting is unlike many power 4 bluebloods, it still maintains the soul of college football intact. The teams still cherish their small-town identity, memorable pranks, and that has produced numerous iconic moments. For instance, in 2023, the rivalry became a playoff clincher game. The game was closely fought, and Henderson State won 31-27, snapping Ouachita’s 6-game winning streak. Not to mention, in 2017, Ouachita cut off Henderson’s 31-game road win streak, a DII record. No wonder people are now keen on seeing ESPN’s College GameDay at the rivalry. ADVERTISEMENT Article continues below this ad Rece Davis’s statement fuels high speculation for College GameDay to visit the Battle of the Ravine College GameDay has become one of the most iconic things in college football. Right from Lee Corso entertaining with his headgear to now, Pat McAfee is instilling his renewed energy. The GameDay always brings massive viewership to any game. Moreover, who can forget McAfee’s kicking competition, which always carries at least 6-figure stakes for participants. Doing the same at Arkadelphia, Arkansas, would certainly bring a massive boost to the two programs. “There is nothing quite like the Battle of the Ravine! Would be a great location and environment for @CollegeGameDay,” wrote a user. Whereas another user pointed out the unique nature of the rivalry, despite it being at a D2 level. “One of the most unique rivalries in all of college sports! It would be an awesome experience for the players, the Arkadelphia community, and the @CollegeGameDay crew!” Read Top Stories First From EssentiallySports Click here and check box next to EssentiallySports College GameDay makes its appearance on high-profile rivalries like Ohio State vs Michigan or Notre Dame vs USC. That surely generates high viewership and attracts almost a fanatic fandom for the event. For instance, just recently, when a girl missed her kick and Kirk Herbstreit helped her win a six-figure prize. The GameDay then got widespread praise for producing surreal and human moments. So, what’s better now than to celebrate the Battle of the Ravine’s 130th anniversary? ADVERTISEMENT Article continues below this ad “Our guy @ReceDavis is all over it! 👏 @CollegeGameDay has never been to an @NCAADII game. The Battle of the Ravine is the one to come to. Both sides of the street in Arkadelphia will roll out the red carpet. It truly deserves the spotlight only your crew can give it,” wrote a user. While another user praised Rece Davis for appreciating the significance of the historic rivalry. “This would be so cool – and it’s never felt more real than hearing it straight from the host. Arkadelphia has championed this for decades! It surely will be another iconic chapter in GameDay’s history.
