From SI · · 3m
Ranking the 15 Most Hostile Games in College Football History
LSU fans burned Nick Saban in effigy as he returned to Alabama after a 5-year absence, setting the stage for a rivalry that now spans decades.
In brief
LSU fans burned Nick Saban in effigy as he returned to Alabama after a 5-year absence, setting the stage for a rivalry that now spans decades. The 2008 LSU-Alabama game remains one of college football's most hostile rivalries due to decades of tension between the programs. Originally reported by SI.
LSU vs Alabama 2008
LSU fans burned Nick Saban in effigy the night before the game as he returned to Alabama after a 5-year absence.
“LSU is known for the excellence of its football teams and the passion of its fans. For the past couple of years, that passion, that anger, has been focused on one man, Nick Saban, almost to the exclusion of any other.”
Saban's Return to Alabama
Saban had left for the NFL before returning to lead Alabama, sparking intense fan reactions after his 2008 return.
“There’s a psychological theory that anger is fueled by fear. If that is true, LSU fanatic fans have had their worst fears realized.”
Cajun Slang and Rivalry
LSU fans used Cajun slang terms like 'Tricky Nick' and 'Satan' to mock Saban after his 2008 Alabama move.
“Others went with turncoat, carpetbagger and crawfish, a perfectly Cajun slang term for someone who backs out of or reneges on a promise.”
Hostile Atmosphere
LSU fans packed Tiger Stadium early to boo Saban as he walked onto the field, creating a hostile environment.
“You can taste it, can't you?”
The Game Result
Alabama won an overtime thriller 27-21 after Saban intercepted LSU's Jarrett Lee in the extra frame.
“Alabama won an overtime thriller 27-21, after Tide safety Rashad Johnson intercepted LSU's Jarrett Lee to open the extra frame.”
The Rivalry Continues
LSU poached Lane Kiffin from Alabama in 2023, creating a new rivalry dynamic with Ole Miss.
“This week, the shoe is on the other foot. Last December, LSU poached Lane Kiffin, a former Alabama assistant under Saban, from another rival, Ole Miss.”
Ole Miss Rivalry
Ole Miss fans now face a similar hostile environment as LSU fans did in 2008, with Kiffin's team at No. 7 in the AP Top 25.
“And now just three weeks into his first season at LSU, Kiffin returns to Oxford, Miss., with his team at No. 7 in the AP Top 25.”
Historic Rivalries
The Border War between Colorado State and Wyoming is considered the oldest rivalry west of the Mississippi River.
“Geography is responsible for many of the great rivalries in college football.”
1899 Game Incident
In 1899, Colorado State fans caused a riot that led to a referee switching places with his opponent.
“Hirn describes a bit of a riot breaking out onto the field, during which the Aggies' quarterback was hit on the head by a fan's cane.”
Egg Bowl 2018
Mississippi State and Ole Miss fans engaged in a brawl after a touchdown, resulting in a 35-3 victory for Mississippi State.
“Mississippi State galloped out to a 28-3 lead on the road in Oxford, and the crowd in Vaught-Hemingway Stadium was both dissipating and getting antsy.”
Texas vs Ohio State 2005
Texas fans faced Ohio State fans throwing bottles and threats of violence during the 2005 game.
“Ohio State fans threw things at the Texas team bus as it made its way to Ohio Stadium.”
Ohio State vs Michigan 1971
Ohio State coach Woody Hayes ripped up down markers and tossed them onto the field during the 1971 game.
“Hayes stormed onto the field and got into the face of the referee, arguing for so long that he was flagged for a 15-yard penalty.”
Ohio State vs Michigan 1973
Ohio State players tore down Michigan's iconic 'Go Blue' sign during the 1973 game.
“As they ran out of the tunnel at Michigan Stadium, Ohio State ran right through and tore down the Wolverines' iconic Go Blue sign.”
Texas vs Texas Tech 2008
Texas Tech fans rushed the field after a last-second touchdown to celebrate their victory over Texas.
“Texas Tech fans rushed the field to celebrate after beating Texas in 2008.”
Oklahoma vs Ohio State 2017
Oklahoma quarterback Baker Mayfield drove a Sooners flag into Ohio Stadium turf after their 31-16 win.
“Mayfield punctuated the victory by seizing a large Sooners flag and driving it into the Ohio Stadium turf.”
Texas vs Texas A&M 2011-24
Texas and Texas A&M have not played since 2011 due to realignment, creating a new rivalry dynamic.
“Texas eventually shook the college football world in the next wave of realignment by announcing a move to the SEC.”
What matters most
The 2008 LSU-Alabama game remains one of college football's most hostile rivalries due to decades of tension between the programs.
