in those days, long before the formal creation of the bayou classic, mumford led southern to an 8–1 record against grambling state (including 5–1 against the famed eddie robinson). southern's biggest intrastate rivalry of that era was actually with xavier, and it quickly grew too heated to remain at on-campus venues. mumford supported philanthropic efforts to move the game to a neutral field and convert it into a charitable fundraiser for the local chapter of the lions club, in its fight against the causes of visual impairment. multiple "glasses bowl" classic games were held, starting in 1939.