It's not "somewhat" of a tradition. It is a tradition. Also, the rule now it that it's up to the home team to decide which jersey they wear. In the 80's NCAA ruled that home teams had to wear dark jeresys. Dinardo petitioned the NCAA to allow LSU to wear white at home. The NCAA agreed, as long as the visiting team agreed. It's since been changed, and it's totally the home team's decision.