Where does the Milk Can trophy rank among the MW/Pac rivalry trophies?
The Boise State Broncos left California with more than a victory.
A Milk Can.
Yep, the Broncos won the Milk Jug over Fresno State for the first time since 2022, potentially becoming one of the best rivalry trophies in the new-look PAC-12.
But where does this dairy container sit in the hierarchy of western football? Here’s a current breakdown and ranking of every rivalry trophy in the PAC-12 and Mountain West.
- Nevada vs. UNLV – The Battle for the Fremont Cannon
It’s a cannon. A full-sized
cannon. A freakin’ true war-built replica cannon!
This 545-pound prized possession is the heaviest trophy in college football and dates back to the 1970s, when UNLV students tried to steal a World War 1 cannon from the Nevada campus.
This inspired the schools to play over a replica cannon (because why not), even firing the cannon during the matchup after touchdowns at one point.
It’s a heated rivalry, it’s a one-of-a-kind trophy and it’s a fun backstory. In my opinion, it’s a clear No. 1.
- Colorado State vs. Wyoming – The Bronze Boot
This piece of footwear has a great backstory to it.
The “Bronze Boot” came into play after it was worn by a Colorado war captain in the Vietnam War, but it’s a great symbol of the Colorado State and Wyoming game-week tradition.
Leading up to the game, the game ball is carried and run by the ROTC unit of the visiting team alongUS 287 to the Colorado–Wyoming border, where the home team’s ROTC unit receives it and runs the game ball to the stadium hosting the game. The trophy is then guarded by the ROTC unit of the past year’s winning school during the game.
With a roughly 66-mile relay race, it is only right to have a shoe as your trophy. This rivalry also gets bonus points for still being played, despite the MW-PAC split. Colorado State won the boot this year, and the two will meet again in 2028.
- Boise State vs. Fresno State – The Milk Can
Got Milk?
Dairy farmers in Idaho and California are responsible for this creation, with dairy groups in their respective states donating to Fresno State and Boise State football, starting in the 2000s.
This milk jug is a great reflection of the communities that have helped the programs, along with some great games in recent years. It will serve as the PAC’s main conference-on-conference rivalry with the new realignment.
- North Dakota State vs. Wyoming – The Battle of the Basins
The Mountain West is in a new era, so why not some new traveling trophies?
At the end of September, it was announced that the Bison and Cowboys would be playing for a replica drill bit in “The Battle of the Basins” sponsored by the North Dakota Petroleum Council.
It is a great symbol of the oil culture in both states, along with a great way to usher NDSU to the Mountain West.
The Bison took home the drill bit, beating Wyoming 28-0.
- Utah State vs. Wyoming – Bridger’s Battle
Another firearm has made the list.
The Aggies and Cowboys have been battling since the early 1900s, but it wasn’t til 2013 that the clash would earn a name and trophy.
“The Bridger’s Battle” was born 13 years ago, named for American frontiersman Jim Bridger, who spent much of his career in the region. A .50 caliber Rocky Mountain Hawken rifle was announced as the trophy for the rivalry.
While the replica rifle is cool, this installment comes in lower on the list, as the game has not been played since 2023. Future installments have yet to be scheduled with Utah State now in the PAC.
Honorable Mentions:
Valley Trophy – Fresno State vs. San Jose State
Paniolo Trophy – Hawaii vs. Wyoming
Ram-Falcon Trophy – Air Force vs. Colorado State
Your Turn: What Rivalry Trophy in the MW/PAC is the best?
