Tulane-Southern Miss Add Trophy to Intense Rivalry
Aug 11, 1999 | Football
Aug. 11, 1999
NEW ORLEANS - Conference USA's premiere football rivalry between Tulane and Southern Miss has added incentive beginning in 1999. This year's season opener on Sept. 6 between the two schools will be the first ever "Battle for the Bell." In addition to taking early control of the C-USA championship race, the winning school also will take control of the bell, which stands three feet tall and is emblazoned with each school's logo.
The trophy was provided by the Southern Miss Alumni Association and agreed upon by both institutions. Tulane will keep the bell in its possession until next month's season opener in recognition of last October's 21-7 Green Wave win over the Golden Eagles en route to a perfect 12-0 season.
"Because of the proximity of our two schools and our knack for playing exciting games, it only seems natural that we add a trophy to our rivalry with Southern Miss," said Tulane interim athletics director Scott Devine. "It will only add more intensity to a rivalry that's already very competitive."
The inaugural Battle for the Bell will receive a nationwide stage, televised across the country on FOX Sports Net. Kickoff is 2:00 p.m. CDT.
