The series between the two collegiate programs stretches back more than a century, beginning on a cold February night in 1907 when the squads met for the first time in a modest 29‑25 contest.
Since that opening clash, the rivalry has evolved into a sprawling narrative of 304 meetings, with the latest showdown scheduled for March 7, 2026, promising another chapter in a story that has seen 97 victories for one side and 207 defeats for the other.
Milestones in a Century‑Long Duel
The inaugural meeting on February 11, 1907, set the tone with a 29‑25 result, a narrow victory that hinted at the competitiveness to come. Over the years, the series has produced both blowouts and nail‑biters, the former exemplified by the 29‑point triumph in 1917 and the latter by the 1‑point win in January 2023.
The home record stands at 51‑82, while the away slate reads 35‑97, underscoring the difficulty of winning on the road. In conference play the tally narrows to 85‑177, reflecting the broader challenges faced when the teams meet within league schedules.
Recent form suggests a shift in momentum. The last ten meetings have produced three wins for the visiting side and seven losses, with the most recent encounter on March 7, 2026 ending 85‑104 in favor of the opponent.
Historical margins of victory tell their own story. The largest win came on February 2, 1917, when a 29‑point differential separated the teams, whereas the narrowest triumph was decided by a single point on January 17, 2023, a 1‑point victory that still resonates among fans.
Across all 304 games, teams have combined for 15,979 points, translating to an average of 53 points per contest. That scoring rate reflects both high‑octane offenses and defensive adjustments over the decades.
As the next matchup approaches, analysts will watch closely to see whether the historical trends hold or if the upcoming game will rewrite any of the established narratives.