It’s unlikely anyone would be surprised to hear both Auburn University and the University of Alabama ended up in the top 10 of a recent USA Today ranking of the best universities for die-hard sports fans.
They might be surprised to see which school ranked higher though.
The list, which ranked the best college experiences for sports fans based on everything from mascots to the school’s longstanding traditions and more, used an expert panel to nominate an array of contenders, according to USA Today . Then they allowed readers to vote on their favorite.
The University of Alabama in Tuscaloosa came in at No. 9 on the ranking, which acknowledged its many national championships and lively gameday atmosphere as major draws for sports fans.
Alabama mascot Big Al, left, and Auburn mascot Aub