In my opinion, our rivals were Syracuse, Georgetown and even Pitt. We were uprooted and need new ones. Even though SMU beat us, I don't think they are our rivals, at least not yet. Louisville is gone.
I say KY. Yes we beat them. But does anyone think they are not a challenge? Does anyone not think Cal is worthy of wanting to rub victory in his face? Don't you think 7 McD all-americans at a time is reason for resentment?
Besides, a good case can be made that we are the two best programs in the country right now. That is a rivalry on an elite scale.