While “bat gate” and recent College World Series events have heightened the public’s interest in this weekend’s barnstorming series Leggett does not believe the rivalry’s intensity has been elevated to never-seen-before levels.

“It’s been intense since I’ve been here, for 20 years, it hasn’t changed as far as I’m concerned,” Leggett said. “It’s one of those things you’re very aware of what it means to everybody so I don’t think it’s changed. It’s the same thing when Coach (Bill) Wilhelm was here and I was his assistant.”

Tanner echoed Leggett, downplaying the recent history between the programs.

“I think it’s always been intense,” Tanner said. “I think it’s been a great rivalry and has been for a long, long time.”

Tanner says it has been the best rivalry in the country a sentiment shared by objective third parties like Cleveland Indians scouting director Bud Grant.