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Gridiron Legacies: The LSU-Tulane 'Battle for the Rag' Explored

Delve into the rich history and enduring significance of one of Louisiana's most storied college football rivalries, examining its origins, traditions, and pivotal moments.

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Defining the Rivalry

A Storied Louisiana Contest

The "Battle for the Rag" formally designates the intense college football rivalry between the Louisiana State University (LSU) Tigers and the Tulane University Green Wave. This historic contest, deeply embedded in Louisiana's athletic heritage, has been a prominent fixture in American college football, with a legacy spanning over a century since its inception in 1893. Across 98 encounters, it has consistently showcased the competitive spirit of these two institutions.[2][3]

Shared Conference Affiliations

A significant aspect of this rivalry's historical depth lies in the shared conference memberships of LSU and Tulane. Both universities were integral parts of the Southern Intercollegiate Athletic Association (SIAA) from 1899 to 1920, and later the Southern Conference from 1922 to 1932. Notably, they were also charter members of the Southeastern Conference (SEC), competing together from 1932 until 1966. This prolonged period within the same athletic frameworks naturally intensified their rivalry, fostering a deep-seated competitive tradition.

The Trophy's Significance

At the heart of the "Battle for the Rag" lies its distinctive trophy: a satin flag known as the "Tiger Rag" by LSU and the "Victory Flag" by Tulane. This unique emblem serves as the tangible symbol of supremacy in this rivalry, representing not just a win, but a claim to bragging rights and historical continuity. The flag itself is a testament to the rivalry's rich traditions, embodying the spirit of competition between these two Louisiana powerhouses.[4]

The Coveted 'Rag'

Symbol of Supremacy

The trophy flag, a piece of satin, is meticulously designed to represent both institutions and the state of Louisiana. It is diagonally divided, featuring the distinct logos of each school on opposing sides. At its center, the Seal of Louisiana is prominently displayed, underscoring the regional pride inherent in this contest. LSU's specific moniker for the trophy, the "Tiger Rag," is derived from the popular tune of the same name, a staple performed by the Louisiana State University Tiger Marching Band, further intertwining the trophy with LSU's vibrant traditions.[4]

Origins and Evolution

The original trophy flag was introduced in 1940, primarily with the intention of fostering good sportsmanship between the rival teams. This initiative was likely a direct response to escalating tensions between fan bases, which notably culminated in a riot following Tulane's victory in 1938. Tragically, this original symbol of the rivalry was believed to have been lost in a fire at Tulane's University Center in 1982. However, in a commendable effort to preserve tradition, LSU and Tulane collaborated in 2001 to reconstruct the flag, meticulously recreating it based on archival photographs, thus ensuring the continuation of this cherished tradition.[5]

A Century of Competition

Early Encounters & Milestones

The rivalry commenced on November 25, 1893, with Tulane securing a decisive 34โ€“0 victory in New Orleans. Over the decades, the series witnessed numerous memorable moments. A particularly notable event occurred in 1963, when the game was one of only five across the nation that was neither canceled nor postponed following the assassination of President John F. Kennedy the day prior, highlighting the deep-seated commitment to the fixture. The series also includes two instances (1896 and 1901) where LSU was declared the winner by forfeit, altering the initial on-field results.

  • November 25, 1893: First recorded meeting, Tulane defeats LSU 34โ€“0.
  • 1938: Tulane's victory reportedly leads to a fan riot, prompting the creation of the "Rag" for sportsmanship.
  • 1940: The original satin trophy flag, the "Tiger Rag/Victory Flag," is introduced.
  • November 23, 1963: The game proceeds despite the national tragedy of President Kennedy's assassination.
  • 1982: The original trophy flag is believed to be destroyed in a fire at Tulane's University Center.
  • 2001: LSU and Tulane collaborate to reconstruct the trophy flag from historical records.
  • 2006: The rivalry is officially renewed for yearly play after a hiatus.
  • October 31, 2009: The last game in the renewed series is played, with LSU winning 42โ€“0.

Shifting Landscapes

The athletic landscape of both universities significantly influenced the rivalry's trajectory. Their shared membership in the SIAA, Southern Conference, and particularly as charter members of the SEC until 1966, ensured frequent and high-stakes matchups. However, Tulane's departure from the SEC in 1966, and subsequent shifts in scheduling priorities, led to periods of reduced frequency in the rivalry. These changes underscore how broader collegiate athletic realignments can impact even the most traditional of contests, altering the rhythm and intensity of long-standing rivalries.

Series Dynamics

Overall Record

Over the 98 games played in this historic rivalry, Louisiana State University has established a significant lead in the all-time series. The current record stands at LSU with 69 victories, Tulane with 22 victories, and 7 tie games. This translates to a winning percentage of .740 for LSU, reflecting a period of sustained dominance by the Tigers in this particular matchup.[1]

Memorable Victories & Streaks

The rivalry has been punctuated by several decisive performances. LSU holds the record for the largest victory, a commanding 62โ€“0 win over Tulane in 1958. Furthermore, LSU currently maintains the longest and ongoing winning streak in the series, having defeated Tulane in 18 consecutive games since 1983. This streak highlights a prolonged period where LSU consistently outperformed its cross-state rival, contributing significantly to their overall series lead.[1]

The Modern Era & Its End

A Brief Resurgence

After a hiatus in yearly play since 1994, the "Battle for the Rag" was officially renewed in 2006. This renewal brought the rivalry back to an annual schedule, much to the anticipation of fans from both universities. The teams competed yearly from 2006 through the 2009 season, rekindling a tradition that had been a cornerstone of Louisiana college football for decades. This period offered a brief but intense return to the regular competition that defined much of their shared history.

Financial Discontinuation

The renewed series, however, was cut short. In 2009, it was announced that LSU would pay Tulane $700,000 to terminate the remaining six years of their home-and-home series agreement. LSU's rationale was that it would be more advantageous for all future games to be played in Baton Rouge. While Tulane agreed to this early termination, a subsequent agreement for a future game to be played in New Orleans has, to date, not been fulfilled by LSU. This financial arrangement effectively brought an end to the regular annual competition, marking a significant shift in the rivalry's modern trajectory.[6][7]

Comprehensive Game Log

A detailed record of all 98 contests in the LSU-Tulane football rivalry.

Game Results Summary
LSU Victories Tulane Victories Tie Games
No. Date Location Winner Score
1November 25, 1893New OrleansTulane34โ€“0
2October 26, 1895Baton RougeLSU8โ€“4
3October 24, 1896โ€ New OrleansLSU6โ€“0
4December 17, 1898Baton RougeLSU37โ€“0
5December 8, 1899Baton RougeLSU38โ€“0
6November 17, 1900New OrleansTulane29โ€“0
7November 16, 1901โ€ New OrleansLSU11โ€“0
8November 19, 1904New OrleansTulane5โ€“0
9November 25, 1905New OrleansLSU5โ€“0
10December 9, 1911Baton RougeLSU6โ€“0
11November 28, 1912New OrleansLSU21โ€“3
12November 22, 1913Baton RougeLSU40โ€“0
13November 26, 1914New OrleansTie0โ€“0
14November 25, 1915Baton RougeLSU12โ€“0
15November 30, 1916New OrleansTie14โ€“14
16November 29, 1917Baton RougeTulane28โ€“6
17November 22, 1919New OrleansLSU27โ€“6
18November 25, 1920Baton RougeTulane21โ€“0
19November 19, 1921New OrleansTulane21โ€“0
20November 30, 1922Baton RougeLSU25โ€“14
21November 24, 1923New OrleansTulane20โ€“0
22November 27, 1924Baton RougeTulane13โ€“0
23November 21, 1925Baton RougeTulane16โ€“0
24November 25, 1926New OrleansLSU7โ€“0
25November 24, 1927Baton RougeTulane13โ€“6
26November 29, 1928New OrleansTie0โ€“0
27November 28, 1929Baton RougeTulane21โ€“0
28November 27, 1930New OrleansTulane12โ€“7
29November 28, 1931New OrleansTulane34โ€“7
30November 26, 1932Baton RougeLSU14โ€“0
31December 2, 1933New OrleansTie7โ€“7
32December 1, 1934Baton RougeTulane13โ€“12
33November 30, 1935New OrleansLSU41โ€“0
34November 28, 1936Baton Rouge#2 LSU33โ€“0
35November 27, 1937New Orleans#10 LSU20โ€“7
36November 26, 1938Baton RougeTulane14โ€“0
37December 2, 1939New Orleans#5 Tulane33โ€“20
38November 30, 1940Baton RougeLSU14โ€“0
39November 29, 1941New OrleansLSU19โ€“0
40November 26, 1942Baton RougeLSU18โ€“6
41November 20, 1943New OrleansTulane27โ€“0
42November 30, 1944Baton RougeLSU25โ€“6
43December 1, 1945New OrleansLSU33โ€“0
44November 30, 1946Baton Rouge#9 LSU41โ€“27
45December 6, 1947New OrleansTie6โ€“6
46November 27, 1948Baton Rouge#14 Tulane46โ€“0
47November 26, 1949New Orleans#13 LSU21โ€“0
48December 2, 1950New OrleansTie14โ€“14
49December 1, 1951New OrleansLSU14โ€“13
50November 29, 1952New OrleansLSU16โ€“0
51November 28, 1953Baton RougeLSU32โ€“13
52November 27, 1954New OrleansLSU14โ€“13
53November 26, 1955Baton RougeTie13โ€“13
54December 1, 1956New OrleansLSU7โ€“6
55November 30, 1957Baton RougeLSU25โ€“6
56November 22, 1958New Orleans#1 LSU62โ€“0
57November 21, 1959Baton Rouge#3 LSU14โ€“6
58November 26, 1960New OrleansLSU17โ€“6
59November 25, 1961Baton Rouge#4 LSU62โ€“0
60November 24, 1962New Orleans#8 LSU38โ€“3
61November 23, 1963Baton RougeLSU20โ€“0
62November 21, 1964New Orleans#8 LSU13โ€“3
63November 20, 1965Baton RougeLSU62โ€“0
64November 19, 1966New OrleansLSU21โ€“7
65November 25, 1967Baton RougeLSU41โ€“27
66November 23, 1968New OrleansLSU34โ€“10
67November 22, 1969Baton Rouge#10 LSU27โ€“0
68November 28, 1970New Orleans#6 LSU26โ€“14
69November 27, 1971Baton Rouge#10 LSU36โ€“7
70December 2, 1972New Orleans#11 LSU9โ€“3
71December 1, 1973New OrleansTulane14โ€“0
72November 23, 1974Baton RougeLSU24โ€“22
73November 22, 1975New OrleansLSU42โ€“6
74November 20, 1976Baton RougeLSU17โ€“7
75November 19, 1977New OrleansLSU20โ€“17
76November 25, 1978Baton RougeLSU40โ€“21
77November 24, 1979New Orleans#18 Tulane24โ€“13
78November 22, 1980Baton RougeLSU24โ€“7
79November 28, 1981New OrleansTulane48โ€“7
80November 27, 1982Baton RougeTulane31โ€“28
81November 19, 1983New OrleansLSU20โ€“7
82November 24, 1984Baton Rouge#16 LSU33โ€“15
83November 30, 1985New Orleans#13 LSU31โ€“19
84November 29, 1986Baton Rouge#5 LSU37โ€“17
85November 21, 1987New Orleans#9 LSU41โ€“36
86November 26, 1988Baton Rouge#16 LSU44โ€“14
87November 25, 1989New OrleansLSU27โ€“7
88November 24, 1990Baton RougeLSU16โ€“13
89November 23, 1991New OrleansLSU39โ€“20
90November 21, 1992Baton RougeLSU24โ€“12
91November 20, 1993Baton RougeLSU24โ€“10
92November 19, 1994New OrleansLSU49โ€“25
93November 23, 1996Baton Rouge#18 LSU35โ€“17
94September 1, 2001Baton Rouge#14 LSU48โ€“17
95September 23, 2006Baton Rouge#10 LSU49โ€“7
96September 29, 2007New Orleans#2 LSU34โ€“9
97November 1, 2008Baton Rouge#15 LSU35โ€“10
98October 31, 2009Baton Rouge#9 LSU42โ€“0
Series: LSU leads 69โ€“22โ€“7[1]

โ€  LSU was declared the winner by forfeit in the 1896 and 1901 games. The score for each game prior to a forfeit declaration was: 1896-Tulane 2, LSU 0, and 1901-Tulane 22, LSU 0. Official scores subsequent to the forfeitures are listed in the table.
# Rankings are from the AP Poll released prior to each game.

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References

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