No current LSU football player has won a game in Jordan-Hare Stadium at Auburn. No current Auburn player has won a game in Tiger Stadium. Between the two programs, the home team has won the last eight meetings.The LSU Tigers hope to change that fact when they head Saturday into the heart of enemy territory. Ask any LSU player who his biggest rival is, and most answer without hesitation, “Auburn.” It is a new rivalry, but not one that lacks passion, intensity or emotion.Walk by the historic oak trees in the LSU Quadrangle, and ask a random student what they think about this game. A probable answer would be a scowl or maybe a curse word under the breath. You can feel the tension on campus.Hatred is such a STRONG word, but LSU fans have a strong, strong dislike for Auburn.The importance of this game is evident by the decision to broadcast Saturday morning’s College GameDay from Auburn. The purple-and-gold faithful are never shy to unleash their creative forces during a GameDay event. I’d expect some Photoshopped photos of Tommy Tuberville, references to War Eagles and taunting about the [LSU] Tigers’ two BCS National Championships. The LSU Tigers have national success that Auburn cannot match.Needless to say, LSU fans view their Tigers as the true tigers. Any others are impostors, wannabes or cheap imitations. They’ll look to prove that with the odds stacked against them in Jordan-Hare Stadium.When LSU and Auburn take the field, anything can happen. That has been proven through years of bizarre occurrences and questionable calls.Fans can only hope that the top-10 match-up will echo the thrilling outcomes of years past.Consider the antics that have occurred on home turf for the LSU Tigers.In 2007, a 22-yard TD reception by Demetrius Byrd to give LSU the win with just :01 remaining.The 2005 game in Tiger Stadium, known as the “Field Goal Game,” was one for the ages. Auburn missed five field goals which helped propel LSU to a 20-17 win in overtime.In 1988, LSU receiver Eddie Fuller caught a pass from Tommy Hodson with 1:14 remaining to give the Tigers a 7-6 win over No. 4 Auburn. In a nearby laboratory, a seismograph recorded the crowd’s eruption as a minor earthquake. The memorable night has since been dubbed “The Earthquake Game.”Auburn’s territory has been less than friendly, and many LSU fans will enter this weekend looking for revenge.Auburn won 7-3 in 2006 after several controversial calls, prompting LSU coach Les Miles to file an officiating complaint. A 2004 game known as “The Call” ended in heartbreak for the LSU Tigers. Auburn missed an extra point attempt to keep the game knotted at 9, but a penalty resulted in an extra try. The second attempt was good, and Auburn took the win.When GameDay rolls in to Auburn, Ala., the crew will likely wish they were back on the bayou. LSU has better fans, better food, better atmosphere and likely a better team. Let’s just hope the referees limit the “flags a’flying” during this match. Then the true tigers can stand up and prove who’s best.
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