Let me go slow.
Losing to a historical doormat like Rutgers really gets to those SU fans that remember when they were an absolute doormat (for decades). The attention that SU fans pay to Rutgers is really based with in the dissatisfaction they feel with the SU program using a traditional have-not as the basis.
If Rutgers loses UConn or WVU or whoever, SU fans barely notice.
The Paul Pasqualoni loss to Rutgers (1-10) in 1999 didn't make the SU fan base restless because Rutgers was a rival. It upset people because Rutgers was the bottom of the NCAA football barrel.
Suppose Alabama were to start losing games to Vanderbilt. Would that elevate Vanderbilt to a rivalry status with Alabama? I doubt that.
Rutgers fans have tried to stoke or create a rivalry with SU because they have never had a real rival and want to get one because as a new fan base they think they should have one.
Interesting debate, and I think it really depends on
one's own thinking/point of view of what defines rival. Does it really matter that Rutgers were doormats for decades of yesteryear? The fact is, they are relevant today, and, objectively, it's immaterial as to why.
As a Browns fan, they have stunk now for many years and I doubt there are many 'ol Steeler fans getting razzled about playing them anymore. The main reason I believe is that in order for a true rivalry to exist, each team has to beat each other, at least on occasion. I can't recall the last time the Browns beat the Steelers, so I'm sure Steeler fans don't really think it's really a rival game anymore, not until the Browns can start beating them and their fans take notice again.
What about UConn hoops? I recall when they stunk, the Perno years, etc. I remember being in the Dome when Buffalo's own, Cliff Robinson, hit the big free throw to get UConn a win. SU fans were in disbelief that such a '
non-rival' pathetically historic team could come into the Dome and get the W...UConn is now considered a major rival, their poor ancient history is really irrelevant. They've beaten us on a regular basis and that's what
really fuels the fire imo, not that they were considered inconsequential for decades prior.