Reviving the rivalry between Tulane University and Louisiana State University (LSU) in football would be an intriguing and potentially impactful move for both universities, their football programs, and the state of Louisiana as a whole. The historical context, regional pride, and the potential for excitement on the field are just a few of the compelling reasons to rekindle this rivalry. This essay will explore why reviving the Tulane-LSU football rivalry would be beneficial for the teams involved, the fans, and the broader Louisiana community.
1. Historical Significance and Regional Pride
The Tulane-LSU football rivalry dates back over a century, with the first meeting between the two teams occurring in 1893. While Tulane has not been a consistent competitor at the highest level of college football in recent years, the history of their matchups with LSU is deeply woven into the fabric of Louisiana’s sports culture. Historically, Tulane and LSU were the two premier football programs in the state, with Tulane often holding its own against the bigger schools of the Southeastern Conference (SEC).
In the early 20th century, the rivalry was a significant one, especially as both teams were in similar competitive strata. Tulane, which played in the Southeastern Conference until 1966, was consistently one of the better teams in the South, while LSU’s program began to gain prominence. Games between the two schools were a showcase of Louisiana football, representing a microcosm of the state’s sporting passion. These games were filled with energy, drama, and regional pride, reflecting the deep connection between the teams and their home state.
Rekindling the rivalry would be a chance to tap into this rich history and bring back a sense of pride and tradition. Many fans in Louisiana—whether they’re alumni, students, or just passionate football lovers—still remember the Tulane-LSU clashes of the past and would eagerly embrace the renewal of this once-proud rivalry. The sense of regionalism is important in Louisiana, and the rivalry represents more than just football; it speaks to the identity of the state, its people, and their love for the game.
2. Enhanced Competition and Excitement
One of the most compelling reasons to revive the rivalry is the potential for exciting, high-stakes football. While LSU has long been a powerhouse in college football, Tulane has enjoyed periods of success, including several bowl appearances and conference championships in recent years. The Green Wave’s football program has made strides in the American Athletic Conference (AAC), with a notable resurgence in the 2022-2023 season, where they won the AAC Championship and earned a major bowl victory.
By reinstituting the rivalry, Tulane could offer a challenging opponent for LSU, potentially forcing the Tigers to elevate their game and, in turn, making the matchups more compelling for fans. For LSU, a victory over a resurgent Tulane team would be an important statement, reaffirming their position as Louisiana’s football powerhouse. For Tulane, taking on a team of LSU’s caliber would provide an invaluable opportunity to prove themselves against one of the premier programs in the country, as well as an opportunity to elevate their own profile in the college football landscape.
An annual game between these two teams would not only be important for bragging rights within the state, but it would also provide an exciting matchup that could carry significant implications for both teams. LSU could use the game as a tune-up for the tougher competition within the SEC, while Tulane could potentially position itself as a serious contender in the AAC with a victory over the Tigers.
3. Economic and Community Impact
The renewal of the Tulane-LSU rivalry would have considerable economic benefits for both New Orleans and Baton Rouge. College football is a significant driver of the economy in Louisiana, and games featuring high-profile teams like LSU often attract large crowds and generate considerable revenue for both the local and state economies. A Tulane-LSU matchup would likely draw substantial attention not only from local fans but also from out-of-state spectators looking to attend a competitive and high-profile game.
In addition to ticket sales and tourism revenue, the revival of this rivalry would likely boost local businesses in both New Orleans and Baton Rouge. Hotels, restaurants, bars, and other establishments would benefit from the influx of fans traveling to the games, creating a buzz in the community. A rivalry game also means increased media attention, which could help raise the profile of both schools and their athletic programs.
More broadly, the rivalry could also serve as a symbol of Louisiana’s unity and pride. Both LSU and Tulane are significant cultural institutions within the state, and an annual showdown between the two would serve as a celebration of the state’s love for sports and community. Given the intense passion for football in Louisiana, a rivalry like Tulane-LSU could foster greater unity and engagement among the state’s residents, regardless of their affiliation to either school.
4. Recruiting Advantages
For both Tulane and LSU, reviving the rivalry could have positive effects on recruiting, a critical aspect of any college football program. LSU, as a perennial SEC powerhouse, is often the most attractive option for top talent in Louisiana, but a competitive Tulane team could alter the landscape. Recruiting battles for top Louisiana talent have long been a point of contention between the two schools, and the revival of this rivalry could add another layer of intrigue.
For Tulane, an annual game against LSU could serve as an opportunity to entice local recruits who may not want to play for a powerhouse but still wish to compete at a high level of college football. It would give Tulane a chance to make its case to the state’s best athletes, potentially even convincing some recruits to stay home and play for their local team. While LSU may continue to attract a majority of the top-tier talent, Tulane could use its success in the rivalry as leverage to compete for the state’s second-tier talent, which can be crucial for the development of a successful program.
For LSU, maintaining dominance in the rivalry would send a strong message to recruits about the program’s continued strength and importance within Louisiana. However, if Tulane were to compete effectively, it could introduce a new element of competition for local talent, pushing both programs to work harder to secure top recruits.
5. Fan Engagement and Rivalry Atmosphere
One of the most entertaining aspects of college football rivalries is the fan engagement that comes with it. The Tulane-LSU rivalry could reignite the passion of fans, creating an electric atmosphere around game week each season. The banter between Tulane’s and LSU’s fan bases would generate excitement and anticipation, as well as give both sides an opportunity to stake their claim as the best team in the state. Whether it’s tailgating, social media banter, or simply the intense atmosphere of the game, the rivalry would reintroduce an element of drama and energy that is sometimes absent from games between non-rivals.
The energy in both New Orleans and Baton Rouge during the week leading up to the game would be palpable. Fans of both teams would eagerly anticipate the matchup, with each side hoping to prove their superiority on the field. The intense competition could elevate the excitement surrounding college football in Louisiana and provide unforgettable experiences for fans on both sides. A renewed rivalry game could also become a fixture in the local sports calendar, giving fans something to look forward to every season.
6. Potential for National Attention
The revival of the Tulane-LSU football rivalry could also attract national attention. While LSU is already a prominent team with a national following, Tulane’s resurgence in recent years has shown that the Green Wave is capable of competing at a higher level than many people realize. A competitive game between these two schools could create compelling storylines and attract national media attention, especially if one or both teams are ranked at the time of the game.
A strong rivalry that garners national attention would benefit both programs, particularly by showcasing their competitiveness on a larger stage. Tulane, in particular, could benefit from the exposure, helping elevate the school’s reputation in the national college football landscape. For LSU, a rivalry game with a competitive opponent would only add to their prestige, as they continue to assert themselves as one of the premier programs in the country.
