Lynyrd Skynyrd Vs. Rush – 2013 Ultimate Classic Rock Bowl, Round One

The seventh clash of the 2013 Ultimate Classic Rock Bowl's first round finds Rush, the progressive rock kings from Canada, squaring off with the elder statesmen of Southern rock, Lynyrd Skynyrd. Over the next month, 16 of rock’s biggest bands will square off against each other in a series of single-elimination matches to determine who is the king of the hill.

As with each of the eight matches in this opening round you, the voters, face a very tough decision. Both bands have been among the most popular and influential in classic rock for nearly four decades. Rush have built one perhaps the most loyal fanbase in history by marching to their own complex drumbeats and time changes, while Lynyrd Skynyrd have proven that their music is powerful enough to overcome even terrible personal tragedy.

So will the South rise again, or will our three friends from the Great White North move on to the quarterfinals? That's up to you. The polls for all eight first round matches close on Sunday, Jan. 13 at 11:59 PM ET. The 2013 Ultimate Classic Rock Bowl winner will be announced Feb. 4 — the day after Super Bowl XLVII. Want to make sure your favorite group wins? You can vote every hour if you're motivated enough!