Tulane Will Host Southern Miss in Battle for the Bell
The two teams meet at Yulman Stadium on Saturday as they look to build momentum before conference play begins.
Updated on Sept. 22, 2026 in Football
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Tulane faces Southern Miss at Yulman Stadium this Saturday at 6 pm in the 35th installment of the Battle for the Bell. Both teams enter the matchup holding identical 1-2 season records.
Why it matters
Securing a victory in this historic rivalry provides a crucial morale boost and momentum for either squad heading into their respective conference schedules.
Southern Miss leads the all-time series 24-10, though Tulane has claimed three of the last four games against the Golden Eagles. Both teams arrive at Yulman Stadium with 1-2 records.
The players
Tulane
Tulane is a university based in New Orleans that competes in college football.
Southern Miss
Southern Miss is a university based in Hattiesburg, Mississippi, that operates a college football program.
Will Hall
Will Hall served as the head coach of the Southern Miss football team for four seasons before his firing in 2024.
The details
The teams compete for the rivalry trophy known as the Battle for the Bell. Tulane last defeated Southern Miss at home in 2002, and the Green Wave won the most recent contest between the two in 2023 with a 21-3 victory.
Timeline
The series between the two schools began in 1979.
Tulane last defeated Southern Miss at home in 2002.
Tulane defeated Southern Miss 21-3 in 2023.
Will Hall was fired by Southern Miss in 2024.
The 35th meeting is scheduled for September 26, 2026, at 6 pm.
Season Trajectory
This rivalry game serves as a pivot point for both programs as they attempt to balance their 1-2 starts before entering conference play. The result will influence team confidence and early-season standing within their respective league hierarchies.
With both teams sitting at 1-2, this matchup represents a critical opportunity to stabilize their records before conference schedules intensify. A win here is essential for maintaining upward momentum in the competitive landscape.
The takeaway
Rivalry games often serve as a barometer for team growth regardless of previous records. Fans should watch to see how each team manages pressure in the lead-up to the conference season.
Further reading
For more on the local team, visit the Football section.
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Does a rivalry win matter more than season momentum for your local football team?
