I'll say it one more time: there is more to a most rivalries than who wins the games. Much more. There have been HUGE rivalries in the SEC, ACC, Big 8, SWC, Big Ten and Pac-10, that are beyond lopsided and in some instances saw one side not win for decades (or win maybe once or twice).
- we are border states
- there is animosity in many walks of life between the states
- our kids go there, their kids go here
- we've got long-time athletic relationships in many sports
- we live there, they live here
...the reasons go on and on but you get the idea. I mean there's even a trophy in Hoboken called the "River Street Rivalry" for the football series. This is a rivalry between schools, and states, not just "football."