The LSU/USC Debate

For the past several years, ever since the "split" national championship between the LSU Tigers and the USC Trojans, the two have become sort of rivals in a sense. Both programs have a rich football history and have been two of the top college football teams in the land during the 2000's so far. However, there has been a lot of debate, who is the best of these two teams? Historically, one might say USC, because they have been known as one of the greatest college football programs in the history of football, and no one, not even someone who dislikes USC, can debate that. I myself am not a USC fan, but a passionate LSU fan, but I don't dislike USC, I respect their accomplishments and there's also a couple of Trojans on my Saints, including Sedrick Ellis and Reggie Bush.

So, do you feel there is a lot of depth to this LSU and USC debate or is it all just fans blowing smoke at each other because of the split national championship?

I think they are both great programs. Since 2003 ... I believe USC has a better wining %, a 34 game winning streak, more points vs common opponents, higher average ranking and better OOC not to mention making it to a BCS bowl the last six years. I am going USC, but not by much. LSU is great and very deserving of its accolades the last 5 years.

Cant deny that USC is one of the elite team in the history of CFB, and LSU is CURRENTLY there.  But to say that LSU has a rich history of football power is pretty funny.  Leads all the more to my argument that in the eyes of LSU fans college football started 5 years ago

For the past several years, ever since the "split" national championship between the LSU Tigers and the USC Trojans, the two have become sort of rivals in a sense

First, in 2003, there was NOT a split NC.  LSU won the BCS title and The Associated Press crowned their #1 team after they won their last game.  USC was the AP Champion.  The  AP Title has been around for many years, long before the BCS.  This is NOT to discredit LSU, but to show that the Associate Press has a right to crown their champion.  Especially if their #1 team wins their last game.  In 2003 OU LOST their conference championship, but still had enough "mojo/ points" to play against LSU.

The UPI, CNN and many other organizations have had champions long before the BCS conference agreement.  Yes, I am aware of the agreement with all of the conference.

IMO, the issue is with LSU fans.  Some are offended that USC "Stole their Glory" as my friend from Metarie, LA once told me.

USC fans do not have a problem or issue with LSU fans.  Many are offended by the arrogance of SOME SEC fans.  We can not understand the allegience to a conference (rivals) as well.  I truly hate some PAC-10 teams.

USC has gone 4-0 against USC in recent history.  They blanked Auburn 23-0 at home with a novice Leinart.  We would have loved to have played Georgia last year. 

The arrogance of some  who say that USC is afraid to play an SEC team is sheer ignorance in the eyes of many Trojan fans.  I find it funny that some have told me they are offended that Pete Carroll smiles on the sidelines as well.

Again, (Many) USC fans have no issue with LSU or their fans.  I have ate at Drusilla's (in Baton Rouge) many times.  I enjoy the area.  I love CFB!!!!!

The LSU vs. USC debate is futile.  USC has the better history, recent and long term.  Review the facts if their are any doubts.

I am a Trojan fan and proud!!  I do NOT hate  LSU.  Although, many of their fans remind me of Chicago Bear fans in 1985.  Remember the "The LSU defense is soooo good they can STOP global warming!!!!"  Who Dat???

In all honesty, We do not care about LSU and their history or their title or their .......(No disrespect is intended).  We are USC!!

Fight ON!!!!!

LSU football ranks 13th in all time wins within division IA schools over the past 139 years.  I'm no math major but I don't think it's possible that LSU compiled all those wins over the past 10 years.  Therefore, they must have been a pretty decent team over a fairly long period.

It's easy to make yourself look foolish when you speak without learning all the facts.  Here's a hint for the young people of the board.  Football teams had success and failures way before you started watching the sport. 

I agree that LSU doesn't have the same degree of tradition as USC...top-15 program (LSU) while USC is one of the top-5 programs of all time...but to say that LSU football didn't exist until 5 years ago (Tide whatever) means you know nothing about LSU or the SEC.

I would give USC a slight edge this century as far as consistency but I believe our 2 BCS Titles are better than 1 BCS and 1 AP Title for USC.  And I think we've been better and more consistent since Miles became our coach.

LSU has won its last 9 games against Pac-10 opponents including a 23-3 beatdown of USC....so that 4 consecutive wins over SEC opponents USC fans throw out just isn't as impressive.

As far as the "rivalry" between LSU & USC, it seems to be more in the minds of LSU fans than USC fans...you agree Trojan fans?

It's easy to make yourself look foolish when you speak without learning all the facts.  Here's a hint for the young people of the board.  Football teams had success and failures way before you started watching the sport. 

Nail on the Head Redstick.  I can't belive it took a half of a page of postings for some one to get that out.  Just because LSU doesn't have 20+ mythical National Championships, that doesn't mean they aren't rich in history children.

*****Newsflash*****

LSU was Establshed in 1860

Just because you weren't alive for it or don't remember it doesn't mean it doesn't exist.  Now if you want to talk about current events - 2000 - 2008 - 2 BCS National Championships - 8 Bowl appearances - 3 SEC Championships & a record of 82 wins vs 22 losses.  Those current records are also a lot more respectable than some of the schools of fans that are pointing fingers.

As far as USC vs LSU is concerned, it's all speculation.  They've had their successes and we've has ours.  Two totally different teams and different styles who have no future plans of meeting.  Hopefully we can meet up in a Bowl game or NC in the near future.  I wouldn't take anything away from their successes though.

KNUT

First I will say that the split title is fine with me.  I felt USC was robbed of the chance they rightfully deserved.  I think it would have been an outstanding game.  Considering the BCS these days, thats one of the few times I actually think college football stood up and made things partially right.

Also, as for as LSU's tradition is concerned, I wouldn't put them in the same zip code with USC as for as history goes.  USC is one of the top 5 greatest programs of all time.  Kind of the way I would never mention USC's name when refering to Alabama or Michigan.  They just do not compare.  But to say LSU hasn't been much of a factor until the 2000's is simply a biased denial.  As stated earlier they tank 13th in overall wins.  They have finished in the top 10 in the AP poll 19 times since 1936 and 15 times in the coaches since 1958.  Only 5 less times in the AP and 6 less times in the coaches than USC has.  Thats not to bad for any team.  Believe it or not, LSU has been ranked #1 at the end of a season 7 times.  1908, 1935, 1936, 1958, 1962, 2003, 2007.  Are we foolish enough to claim all of them, of course not, but its nice to know they were one of the best in each of those years. 

Deny all you want, thats fine.  LSU has been on the map for a long time now.  Wether or not you admit it makes no difference to the truth.  Do they rank up with MIchigan, Bama and USC historically, of course not.

I think it is a wash to be honest.  I feel the 2003 USC team would have beat 2003 LSU or anybody in a bowl game, but the 2007 LSU team would have beat 2007 USC or anybody in a bowl game...

Now there is still 2008, 2009, 2010, to go in this decade of college football.  tOSU had their shot at LSU, now they get there shot at USC (actually 2 shots).  I think the team of the decade is still yet to be figured out with all three of these teams will have a legitimate shot at a title within the next three seasons.  Plus, teams like UF and OU will have some things to say about it.........

According to cfbdatawarehouse (I tried ncaa.org, but it appears they have server problems), LSU is 12th and USC is 10th; but