Dooley and Rollins share a history that goes back decades. Both hailing from Louisiana, they started their coaching careers in the late 1990s and early 2000s. Throughout the years, they have crossed paths on multiple occasions, creating a relationship built on mutual respect.

While the matchup itself dates back almost 100 years, the two teams have been meeting annually in the form of the Bayou Classic for the last 51 years. Since that first Classic in 1974, Southern holds a 26-24 edge in the series, with wins in five of the last six games.

The Bayou Classic is known nationwide as one of the best games between the two Historic Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs).