The great thing about college rivalries is the competition. No matter how good or bad a team is playing, count on a great game when the team goes up against an adversary.

These contests bring the best out of each team. A win means so much more than just any other win. It’s not just a game; it’s a chance to brag.

These bragging rights also come with a trophy. When Notre Dame plays Michigan State, “The Megaphone” is on the line. Every year the Fighting Illini meet Ohio State, a wooden turtle named “Illini-Buck” is the prize.

Each symbol of achievement brings a little more effort out of every player. Not only would a loss be bad, but no team wants to see its rival hoist a trophy on its home turf.

With the obvious rivalries forming between NIU, Toledo and Bowling Green, where are the chances for the Huskies to gain these bragging rights?

Already important games, a rivalry trophy would make these contests more meaningful. It gives both players and fans something to boast about.

There are five of these games in the MAC right now. Perhaps it may be coincidence, but these five rivalry matchups always have implications on the MAC championship.

The MAC West championship is one of these situations. Since Western Michigan won the MAC West title in 2000, Bowling Green and Toledo won the next two titles.

Every year, Toledo and Bowling Green play in the “Battle of I-75.” The winner claims ownership of the “Peace Pipe” for a year. This trophy also comes with the MAC West title for three years in a row.

The MAC East championship also has similar implications. Miami-Ohio, which won the MAC East last year, plays Cincinnati every year for bragging rights and the “Victory Bell.”

Marshall, which won the MAC East title six years in a row from 1997 to 2002, also has one of these games. Whenever it plays the Ohio Bobcats, “The Bell” is at stake.

Akron, which controls its own destiny in the MAC East this year, has two rivalry games. One is against Kent State for the “Wagon Wheel.” The other is against Division I-AA opponent Youngstown State for the “Steel Tire.”

One more thing to think about: All of the teams that have won the MAC championship game have participated in a rivalry game, as well as 12 of the last 15 MAC bowl game representatives.

So why can’t the Huskies get a little piece of this pie? The only answer: NIU needs to put the Silver Ear of Corn and the Golden Barb Wire on the line. Who knows, it might do some good for the NIU football program.