Another thought about the rivalry. I dont think butts in the seats is a good indicator. To me it has to do with ATTITUDE and the HYPE. Back in the early 70s the week of THE GAME thats all you heard about. You could feel it in the air and it would take a national disaster to stop anyone from attending. Now that attitude has changed. WE lost what 10 years of fans-students who werent exposed to it. Plus our limp dick AD has not helped it one bit.
As a former player I wish the players and the current fans felt the way I do. It makes me sad to think about it.