Rivalries in college football are the lifeblood of the sport. They generate passion, intensity, and drama that no other games can replicate. When you think of college football rivalries, names like Alabama-Auburn, Michigan-Ohio State, and USC-UCLA immediately come to mind. These games capture the spirit of college football, where years of history and tradition clash on the field.
In Louisiana, one rivalry that has the potential to reignite passion and deliver electric football is the LSU-Tulane rivalry. While LSU (Louisiana State University) has a storied football program and regularly competes at the highest level of college football, Tulane University is often seen as an underdog with a rich history of its own. A rekindling of the LSU-Tulane rivalry could offer benefits to both programs and fans alike, breathing new life into Louisiana football culture. Here’s why it should happen.
### **A Rich History Begging to Be Revisited**
The LSU-Tulane rivalry has deep roots in the history of Louisiana football. The two schools first met on the gridiron in 1893, with LSU emerging victorious in the first contest. Over the years, the rivalry has evolved, with Tulane and LSU facing off numerous times, especially during the mid-20th century. At its peak, the rivalry was more than just a local matchup; it was a clash between two of the state’s most prominent football programs. LSU, with its championship pedigree, and Tulane, known for its strong academic reputation and regional influence, often played games with major implications for bragging rights in the state.
However, in recent decades, the rivalry has lost its luster. LSU, as one of the most successful programs in the Southeastern Conference (SEC), quickly rose to national prominence, while Tulane’s football program, for a variety of reasons, faced significant challenges. The two teams last faced each other in 2009, and since then, the rivalry has remained dormant. In fact, LSU has not played Tulane regularly since 1994, and Tulane’s status as a perennial underdog has left little incentive for LSU to schedule them outside of occasional non-conference matchups.
But just because the rivalry has been quiet for a while doesn’t mean it can’t be revived. A renewed LSU-Tulane football series would tap into a rich historical narrative and reignite a passion for local bragging rights that fans of both programs would eagerly embrace.
### **A Perfect In-State Rivalry**
One of the most compelling reasons to revive the LSU-Tulane rivalry is the sheer geographic proximity between the two schools. Both located in Louisiana, LSU in Baton Rouge and Tulane in New Orleans, these schools are less than two hours apart, separated by just 80 miles. This is the type of rivalry that requires no long-distance travel, and no complicated logistics for fans. It’s the perfect in-state matchup with all the ingredients for an unforgettable football experience: passionate fan bases, a deep history, and proximity.
In-state rivalries are often some of the most heated and entertaining games on the college football calendar. The rivalries between teams like Auburn-Alabama, Florida-Florida State, and Oregon-Oregon State have thrived because the teams involved are closely tied to their respective regions, creating a heightened sense of pride and animosity. LSU and Tulane have a unique chance to build something similar in Louisiana, which already has a fervent football culture.
Not only would this game bring excitement to Louisiana fans, but it could also draw national attention. Tulane has become a respected team in recent years, showing that it’s more than capable of holding its own on the national stage. A revived rivalry could spark interest beyond the state, especially if Tulane continues to improve and challenge LSU in the way that historically strong underdogs do.
### **A Financial Boost for Tulane**
Reviving the rivalry would also offer significant benefits for Tulane’s football program. As an underdog in the college football world, Tulane doesn’t get the same exposure or financial opportunities as a powerhouse like LSU. Playing LSU in a high-profile rivalry game could provide Tulane with increased media coverage, a larger audience for their games, and a surge in ticket sales, merchandise, and donations.
Moreover, Tulane could benefit from the increased exposure in recruiting. Historically, Tulane has struggled to compete with LSU for top recruits, especially those from the New Orleans area. But by playing LSU in an annual rivalry game, Tulane would have the opportunity to showcase its football program on a national stage, which could help attract more talented players to the school. It could also instill a sense of pride among local athletes who want to represent their city and state by playing for the Green Wave.
For LSU, playing Tulane offers an opportunity to engage with a different fan base and create excitement in the greater New Orleans area. While LSU already enjoys a massive following across Louisiana, New Orleans represents a key market for recruiting, alumni support, and community engagement. Tulane’s potential success in such a rivalry would only heighten interest in LSU football as well, driving increased attention to both programs.
### **Enhancing Louisiana’s Football Identity**
Louisiana is a state that lives and breathes football. From high school to the pros, football has a special place in the hearts of its people. Reigniting the LSU-Tulane rivalry would not only be beneficial for the two programs but also for the entire state of Louisiana. It would unify football fans across the state, providing a source of pride for everyone who lives there.
A healthy rivalry between LSU and Tulane would help elevate the football culture in Louisiana to new heights. Currently, the state’s football landscape is largely dominated by LSU, with the Tigers taking center stage both regionally and nationally. Tulane, on the other hand, often gets lost in the shadow of its bigger brother, despite its potential. A revived rivalry would give both teams a platform to showcase their talent and history, while allowing Louisiana football fans to celebrate the best of both programs.
Moreover, a competitive LSU-Tulane rivalry could inspire more investment in football development across the state. Louisiana is already known for producing top-tier talent, and this rivalry would increase the level of competition for both programs, pushing them to be better in every facet of the game—from recruiting to coaching to player development.
### **A Way to Preserve Tradition and Create New Memories**
The end of the LSU-Tulane rivalry in 1994 was a loss for college football. The state of Louisiana and its football fans were deprived of one of the most intriguing in-state matchups. But reviving the rivalry is a chance to not only reconnect with the past but also to build new memories and traditions. Imagine the scene: a packed Tiger Stadium in Baton Rouge, or an energized Yulman Stadium in New Orleans, as the teams square off with everything on the line—local pride, bragging rights, and the history that these two programs share.
A new chapter in the LSU-Tulane rivalry could provide college football fans with a game that becomes a tradition passed down from generation to generation. It would be a game that carries more significance than just a win or loss—it would be a cultural event that defines Louisiana’s football season.
### **Conclusion: It’s Time to Bring It Back**
The LSU-Tulane rivalry has the potential to be one of the most exciting, passionate, and culturally significant matchups in college football. It would benefit both programs, provide a financial boost to Tulane, and help elevate the football culture in Louisiana. With the proximity of the two schools, their shared history, and the state’s deep football roots, the revival of this rivalry would be an event every football fan in the region could get behind.
It’s time to bring back the LSU-Tulane rivalry. Let’s restore what was once lost and create something that future generations of Louisiana football fans can enjoy for years to come. It’s a rivalry that the fans, the players, and the state of Louisiana deserve.