LSU's Current Rivals in College Football

The relationship of Louisiana State University (LSU) with its football rivals has evolved significantly since the 1920s. In this article, we explore how LSU's primary rivals have changed over time and delve into the intense and ever-changing dynamics of these rivalries within the Southeastern Conference (SEC).

The Historic Battle with Tulane

Before the 1980s, the Tulane Green Wave was LSU's arch-rival. This intense rivalry emerged during the era of Huey P. Long, the governor of Louisiana who focused on building LSU's reputation and football program. Tulane University, being the prominent private institution in New Orleans, had a deep-rooted rivalry with LSU based on athletic and political tensions. The rivalry culminated in LSU's consistent dominance over Tulane, leading to a long-standing tradition where their season-ending game was a showdown for supremacy.

Decline of LSU-Tulane Rivalry

However, as Tulane’s administration withdrew from the Southeastern Conference (SEC) in the 1960s, the annual LSU-Tulane rivalry began to wane. This change in association with the SEC due to disputes over scholarships and reduced practice hours marked the beginning of the end for this historic rivalry. By the mid-1990s, the once fiercely contested Battle for the Rag was no longer an annual event and had lost its status as a season-ending showdown.

Main Rivalries with Ole Miss and Alabama

As part of the SEC, LSU has had intense rivalries with schools like Ole Miss and Alabama. The Ole Miss rivalry, particularly strong in the late 1950s through the 1970s, is highlighted by the 1959 game where Billy Cannon's game-winning touchdown sealed LSU's victory, which also brought the Heisman Trophy to Billy. On the other hand, the Alabama rivalry has endured from the 1970s to the early 2000s, especially with the dominance of Bear Bryant's Crimson Tide.

During Bear Bryant's tenure, LSU fans were bitterly disappointed after losing to Alabama, despite McClendon and the team's efforts. However, the landscape dramatically changed in the 2000s when Nick Saban and Les Miles led LSU to consecutive wins against Alabama. The Tigers' winning streak of five games under these coaches solidified the rivalry. But since Saban's return to LSU, Alabama has reclaimed dominance with eight straight wins, a factor that led to significant changes in LSU's coaching staff.

Current Stance on Arkansas and Texas AM

While LSU does compete against Arkansas and Texas AM, these games are often perceived as a strategy to secure more television coverage rather than genuine rivalries. These matchups, while important for broadcast revenue, do not hold the same historical significance or emotional weight as the Ole Miss and Alabama games.

Conclusion

LSU's current lineup of rivals reflects the ever-changing landscape of college football. From the historic Tulane rivalry to the intense battles with Ole Miss and Alabama, LSU continues to face fierce competition in the SEC. The evolving dynamics of these rivalries contribute to the rich tapestry of collegiate sports, making each game a significant event for LSU football fans.