Column: Why LSU Football Should Revive Its Tulane Rivalry
Rivalries are the lifeblood of college football. They fuel passion, ignite heated debates, and create memories that last a lifetime. The Louisiana State University (LSU) Tigers are no strangers to intense rivalries, whether it’s the bitter competition with the University of Alabama or the long-standing conflict with Auburn. Yet, there is one rivalry that has long been dormant, one that could add an extra layer of excitement to LSU’s schedule: the game against Tulane University.
Historically, LSU and Tulane shared one of the most exciting matchups in college football. However, over the years, that rivalry has faded into the background, with the two schools playing against each other only sporadically. It’s high time that LSU football brings back this historic rivalry. A revived LSU-Tulane rivalry would offer numerous benefits for both teams, the state of Louisiana, and college football fans nationwide.
Historical Context: A Rivalry of the Past
To understand why LSU should reignite its rivalry with Tulane, it’s essential to look at the historical context. For much of the early and mid-20th century, LSU and Tulane were fierce competitors. Tulane, located in New Orleans, was once a prominent football program, consistently challenging LSU for dominance in Louisiana. The rivalry was marked by high-stakes games, passionate fan bases, and plenty of drama.
In the early 1900s, Tulane was a powerhouse in Southern college football, and games between LSU and Tulane were often competitive. The two schools played each other annually, and their matchups were significant events in the state of Louisiana. Tulane was even considered a legitimate threat to LSU in many seasons, particularly in the 1920s and 1930s. The two teams faced off for 72 consecutive years from 1893 to 1943. However, after Tulane’s program began to decline and LSU’s program began to ascend, the rivalry started to lose its luster.
By the mid-20th century, Tulane’s football program struggled, and the Green Wave increasingly found itself overshadowed by LSU’s dominance. The rivalry lost its competitive edge as LSU became a national powerhouse, winning multiple SEC titles and producing numerous NFL players. Meanwhile, Tulane’s football program faltered, struggling to keep up with the rising tides of competition. By the 1990s, the two teams ceased their annual series, with LSU shifting its focus to the more nationally relevant SEC games, and Tulane continuing to face challenges in maintaining its football program’s competitiveness.
Nevertheless, the historic rivalry still carries significance in Louisiana, and for many fans of both schools, it remains a deeply nostalgic and sentimental rivalry. The schools are located just a short distance apart—Tulane in New Orleans and LSU in Baton Rouge—creating a natural geographic rivalry that could be rekindled with the right conditions.
The Case for a Revival: Benefits for Both Programs
Bringing back the LSU-Tulane rivalry would have significant benefits for both programs. While it’s clear that LSU is the more dominant team on paper, Tulane could benefit immensely from the increased competition and exposure that playing LSU would bring.
- Increased Exposure for Tulane: In recent years, Tulane football has shown signs of resurgence. Under head coach Willie Fritz, the Green Wave has taken steps toward reclaiming a competitive edge, as seen in their recent bowl game appearances. A matchup with LSU would provide a unique opportunity for Tulane to gain exposure on a larger stage. Even if Tulane is viewed as the underdog, playing against LSU would bring national attention to the Green Wave, especially if they were to pull off an upset—something that could create headlines and elevate the program’s profile.
For Tulane, playing LSU regularly would also help strengthen its recruiting efforts. Louisiana is known for producing an abundance of football talent, and many top-tier recruits often end up at LSU. Tulane could position itself as a viable alternative to LSU for players who want to stay in-state but perhaps seek a different environment. A competitive series with LSU could help Tulane in the long term, increasing the school’s visibility and credibility in the college football world.
- For LSU, it’s About Tradition: LSU is a historic and proud football program, and part of what makes college football so compelling is the tradition and rivalries that give the game its unique flavor. While LSU’s most high-profile matchups come from within the Southeastern Conference (SEC), reviving the Tulane rivalry would be an opportunity to embrace the deep-rooted football culture of Louisiana.
The annual contest between LSU and Tulane would reignite a sense of tradition, reminding LSU fans of their football roots in the state. The matchups could become a chance for LSU to celebrate Louisiana football at large, bringing both schools together in friendly competition. For LSU fans, it would rekindle memories of the program’s past and allow future generations to experience the excitement of the rivalry.
Additionally, an annual contest against Tulane would give LSU a regional rival to play that could be an ideal non-conference matchup, helping to fill out the schedule with a competitive game. While the Tigers typically play in an extremely tough conference, playing Tulane each year would allow LSU to have a local, in-state opponent on its schedule. It would also provide an opportunity for both teams to draw on the local fan bases, leading to increased ticket sales, media coverage, and viewership.
- A Boost for Louisiana Football: Louisiana is a state that lives and breathes football, and LSU is undeniably the state’s premier program. However, Tulane holds a special place in the hearts of many New Orleans residents, who passionately support their hometown team. The state’s football culture thrives on competition, and LSU and Tulane competing annually would bring that much-needed energy to the state’s football scene.
A revived rivalry would enhance Louisiana’s reputation as a football state. It could potentially foster greater collaboration between the two programs, with both schools benefiting from increased interest in the sport at the state level. Additionally, Tulane’s success on the field could encourage more investment in its athletic program, leading to stronger recruitment and development of talent in the state.
- A Boost for College Football: Rivalries are what make college football so special, and the LSU-Tulane rivalry has the potential to capture the imagination of college football fans across the nation. The regional nature of the rivalry would make it particularly appealing to college football fans who are passionate about seeing the best teams from the South square off against each other.
A revived LSU-Tulane rivalry would give fans another compelling reason to tune into Louisiana football, particularly during the early weeks of the season. College football thrives on traditional matchups, and LSU and Tulane, both located in such close proximity, have a natural rivalry that could generate great storylines and interest. Moreover, as Tulane continues to improve under Coach Fritz, the competitive balance of the games could make for exciting, high-stakes football that fans would love to follow.
The Logistics of Reviving the Rivalry
Reviving the LSU-Tulane rivalry may seem like a no-brainer from a historical perspective, but there are logistical challenges to consider. The biggest hurdle is the crowded nature of the college football schedule. LSU is entrenched in its conference play with the SEC, and its non-conference schedule is often filled with high-profile opponents. Tulane, on the other hand, is a smaller school with a more modest schedule. Despite these challenges, it’s feasible for both teams to find room for each other.
One possible solution would be to create a rotating schedule that accommodates both teams’ non-conference commitments. The annual matchup could be played during the early part of the season, perhaps as a late-September or early-October game before SEC play intensifies. Both programs would likely have to come to a mutual agreement on terms, but it’s something that could be worked out with careful planning and coordination between LSU and Tulane’s athletic departments.
Conclusion: A Rivalry Worth Reviving
The time has come for LSU football to revive its rivalry with Tulane. Not only would it offer numerous benefits for both schools, but it would also enhance the football culture of Louisiana, create exciting matchups for fans, and contribute to the overall excitement of college football. This rivalry has a rich history that deserves to be carried forward, and the time is right for LSU and Tulane to rekindle their fierce competition.
Both teams have everything to gain from a renewed rivalry. For LSU, it’s an opportunity to re-establish a tradition of local competition, while for Tulane, it’s a chance to gain exposure and credibility on a national stage. As we look toward the future, there is no reason why the LSU-Tulane rivalry cannot once again become a staple of college football, producing thrilling games, unforgettable moments, and a renewed sense of pride in Louisiana football.
In a world where traditional rivalries are often lost to conference realignments and changing schedules, bringing back the LSU-Tulane matchup would be a win for college football fans everywhere.
