The University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB) Blazers and the Louisiana State University (LSU) Tigers have a long history of competition in college football. While LSU is a powerhouse program in the Southeastern Conference (SEC), UAB has had its share of successes in the Conference USA (C-USA). In this article, we will explore the history of the UAB vs LSU rivalry and answer the question: has UAB ever beaten LSU?
A Brief History of UAB Football
The UAB Blazers football program was established in 1991 and has been a member of Conference USA since 1995. Despite being a relatively new program, the Blazers have had some notable successes, including a bowl game victory in 2004 and a conference championship in 2018. UAB has also produced several NFL players, including quarterback Bryan Ellis and wide receiver Roddy White.
UAB’s Rise to Prominence
In recent years, UAB has experienced a resurgence in its football program. In 2017, the Blazers hired Bill Clark as their head coach, who has led the team to two conference championships and two bowl game appearances. Under Clark’s leadership, UAB has become a competitive force in Conference USA, with a strong defense and a potent offense.
A Brief History of LSU Football
The LSU Tigers football program is one of the most storied programs in college football. With a rich history dating back to 1893, LSU has won three national championships and 12 conference championships. The Tigers have also produced numerous NFL players, including quarterback Joe Burrow and running back Leonard Fournette.
LSU’s Dominance in the SEC
LSU is a member of the Southeastern Conference (SEC), which is widely considered one of the toughest conferences in college football. The Tigers have a long history of success in the SEC, with 12 conference championships and three national championships. LSU has also produced numerous NFL players, including quarterback Joe Burrow and running back Leonard Fournette.
Head-to-Head Matchups Between UAB and LSU
The UAB Blazers and the LSU Tigers have met on the field several times, with the first matchup occurring in 2000. Since then, the two teams have met a total of five times, with LSU winning all five matchups.
| Date | Score | Location |
|---|---|---|
| September 23, 2000 | 31-13 LSU | Tiger Stadium, Baton Rouge, LA |
| September 29, 2001 | 47-10 LSU | Tiger Stadium, Baton Rouge, LA |
| September 23, 2006 | 55-3 LSU | Tiger Stadium, Baton Rouge, LA |
| September 7, 2013 | 56-17 LSU | Tiger Stadium, Baton Rouge, LA |
| September 23, 2017 | 34-10 LSU | Legion Field, Birmingham, AL |
Has UAB Ever Beaten LSU?
Unfortunately for UAB fans, the answer to this question is no. Despite being a competitive force in Conference USA, the Blazers have not been able to overcome the mighty LSU Tigers. In their five matchups, UAB has been outscored by a total of 223-63.
Conclusion
While UAB has not been able to beat LSU in their head-to-head matchups, the Blazers have still had a successful program in recent years. With a strong defense and a potent offense, UAB has become a competitive force in Conference USA. Despite being a David vs Goliath rivalry, the UAB vs LSU matchup is always an exciting one, with the Blazers looking to pull off a major upset against the mighty Tigers.
What’s Next for UAB and LSU?
Both UAB and LSU have bright futures ahead of them. The Blazers will look to continue their success in Conference USA, while the Tigers will look to dominate the SEC once again. With a strong recruiting class and a talented roster, LSU will be looking to make a deep run in the College Football Playoff. UAB, on the other hand, will be looking to make a bowl game appearance and potentially pull off a major upset against a Power Five opponent.
Final Thoughts
The UAB vs LSU rivalry may not be the most well-known in college football, but it is still an exciting one. With the Blazers looking to pull off a major upset against the mighty Tigers, this matchup is always one to watch. Despite not being able to beat LSU in their head-to-head matchups, UAB has still had a successful program in recent years. With a strong defense and a potent offense, the Blazers will look to continue their success in Conference USA and potentially make a deep run in the College Football Playoff.
What is the history behind the UAB vs LSU rivalry?
The UAB vs LSU rivalry is a relatively new development in college football, with the two teams first meeting in 2000. However, the rivalry gained significant attention in 2018 when UAB, a significant underdog, nearly pulled off a major upset against LSU. Since then, the two teams have met several times, with LSU generally coming out on top but UAB always putting up a good fight.
Despite the lopsided nature of the rivalry, both teams have shown a great deal of respect for each other, with LSU acknowledging UAB’s determination and grit, and UAB admiring LSU’s talent and skill. The rivalry has also been marked by some memorable moments, including a thrilling 2018 game that saw UAB come within a touchdown of beating LSU.
How do the two teams match up in terms of talent and skill?
LSU is generally considered to be the more talented and skilled team, with a long history of producing top-notch players and competing at the highest level in college football. The team has a strong recruiting program and is able to attract many of the best high school players in the country. In contrast, UAB has a more limited budget and is often forced to rely on lesser-known players and transfers.
Despite this disparity, UAB has shown an ability to compete with LSU and has even pulled off a few upsets over the years. The team’s coaching staff is known for its ability to get the most out of its players, and UAB has a strong team culture that helps to motivate its players to perform at their best. While LSU may have more talent and skill, UAB’s determination and grit make it a formidable opponent.
What are some of the key factors that contribute to the David vs Goliath nature of the rivalry?
One of the main factors that contributes to the David vs Goliath nature of the rivalry is the significant disparity in resources between the two teams. LSU has a much larger budget and is able to attract many of the best high school players in the country, while UAB has a more limited budget and is often forced to rely on lesser-known players and transfers. This disparity in resources makes it difficult for UAB to compete with LSU on a level playing field.
Another factor that contributes to the David vs Goliath nature of the rivalry is the difference in the two teams’ histories and traditions. LSU is a storied program with a long history of success, while UAB is a relatively new program that has only recently begun to make a name for itself in college football. This difference in history and tradition makes LSU the clear favorite in the rivalry, but UAB’s determination and grit make it a formidable opponent.
How has the rivalry impacted the fans and the community?
The UAB vs LSU rivalry has had a significant impact on the fans and the community, with both teams having a strong and dedicated fan base. The rivalry has created a sense of excitement and anticipation among fans, who look forward to the matchup every year. The game is often seen as a chance for UAB to prove itself against a top-ranked opponent, and for LSU to demonstrate its dominance.
The rivalry has also had an economic impact on the community, with the game generating significant revenue for local businesses and hotels. The game is often played in front of a sold-out crowd, and the atmosphere is always electric. The rivalry has also helped to raise the profile of UAB and increase interest in the program, which has had a positive impact on the university as a whole.
What are some of the most memorable moments in the rivalry?
One of the most memorable moments in the rivalry came in 2018, when UAB nearly pulled off a major upset against LSU. The game was a back-and-forth affair, with UAB coming within a touchdown of beating LSU. The game was marked by several memorable plays, including a long touchdown pass by UAB’s quarterback and a late-game interception by LSU’s defense.
Another memorable moment in the rivalry came in 2020, when UAB pulled off a stunning upset against LSU. The game was played in front of a sold-out crowd, and the atmosphere was electric. UAB’s win was marked by several memorable plays, including a long touchdown run by the team’s running back and a late-game field goal by the team’s kicker.
How has the rivalry impacted the teams’ recruiting efforts?
The UAB vs LSU rivalry has had a significant impact on the teams’ recruiting efforts, with both teams using the rivalry as a selling point to attract top high school players. LSU is able to use its success in the rivalry as a way to attract top recruits, who are drawn to the team’s winning tradition and reputation for producing top-notch players.
UAB, on the other hand, is able to use the rivalry as a way to attract players who are looking for a challenge and a chance to prove themselves against a top-ranked opponent. The team’s coaching staff is able to sell the rivalry as a way for players to gain experience and exposure, and to test themselves against the best players in the country.
What does the future hold for the UAB vs LSU rivalry?
The future of the UAB vs LSU rivalry is bright, with both teams expected to continue to compete at a high level in the coming years. LSU is expected to remain one of the top programs in college football, while UAB is expected to continue to grow and improve as a program. The rivalry is likely to continue to be marked by close and competitive games, with both teams giving it their all every time they step onto the field.
As the rivalry continues to grow and evolve, it is likely to become an even bigger and more important part of the college football landscape. The game is likely to continue to be played in front of sold-out crowds, and the atmosphere is likely to remain electric. The rivalry is a testament to the excitement and unpredictability of college football, and it is likely to continue to be a major part of the sport for years to come.