No, not an expert in everyone's affairs, just a sports fan. Might surprise you to learn this, but some people don't give a rat's arse about race, politics, or religious squabbles, and simply like to enjoy life. Having multiple teams in a local area that generally compete at different levels gives a sports fan the chance to follow a number of teams. It's actually not hard to root for Southern while at the same time be an LSU fan, and if you're honest about everything, it's also not hard to acknowledge the pros and cons of either (both) schools.

No, Southern is not a prestigious institution (unless you are being extremely narrow-minded and bigoted yourself). Yes, it's in what is probably the most depressed area of BR. No, it's not at the same level as LSU.

No, LSU is not at the same level academically as, say, Vandy, Stanford, or a lot of other univiersities. Yes, there are plenty of rough areas around LSU, too. Yes, a lot of BR is a shithole in comparison to many other parts of the country.

Doesn't mean either place is an exercise in futility, because they both provide avenues of success to those who choose to take them. But denouncing any real and valid criticism of their shortcomings is delusional, and does no good. Louisiana's like, last, in the nation in a lot of things, and if you take offense at people saying things like that, you will never improve them.

I've made no racial criticism of Southern. It's got lower academic admission standards than LSU (truth), a lower graduation rate (truth), a lot less doctoral programs (truth), a lower tuition, a lower enrollment, and less money coming in. If stating this somehow offends you, then I'm sorry, but you have thin skin.

Now, again, good luck and I hope you make the road trip to Athens. Try to enjoy your time, and try not to see persecution every time someone comments on your program- it's most likely going to be because you're the sacrificial lamb in this game, not because of any cultural issue.