In Minnesota, there is an expression that goes, “Minnesota nice.” This expression implies that Minnesotans are exceptionally polite, respectful, and just plain good people.

There are always a few exceptions to the rule, though — and one of them is when the Gophers and Hawkeyes meet on the field. With the Floyd of Rosedale Trophy — and a year’s worth of bragging rights — on the line, all those nice people are gone. They’re now a group that bleeds maroon and gold and despises anyone who wears black (even Caitlin Clark).

When I first got to Minnesota, I’ll be honest… I had no idea about this rivalry. When it came to out-of-state rivals, I knew all about the usual ones: Florida-Georgia, Ohio State-Michigan, and my favorite, Oregon-Washington. I knew that these rivalries often go beyond the point of respectability; you only have to check social media to confirm that.

Yet I was told that the battle for the pig was just as personal, just as intense, and probably more alcoholic. Florida-Georgia aside, I would agree with that last part. But count me skeptical about the rest.

Ohio State and Michigan have been playing for over 125 years and are two of the most storied programs in history. Oregon and Washington have been playing for nearly as long and have often had national implications on the game since the turn of the century.

So my question was: How does a Midwestern rivalry, featuring two teams that have barely made it to the New Year’s Day Bowl games, let alone finished in the top five of the national rankings since 2000, compare to the major rivals?

When the Hawkeyes come to town, go to Huntington Bank Stadium in Minneapolis. You’ll get your answer there.

University Avenue, the main drag running through campus, is lined with frat houses making their feelings about Iowa—and some illegal fair catch—known. Fans lined the streets a mile from the stadium, dressed in maroon and gold, drinking and shouting. If you happened to be wearing anything other than yellow and black, you were greeted with “Minnesota nice.” If you weren’t, you’d best keep your head down and move on.