Geaux Tigers: A Comprehensive Guide to LSU Football

Introduction

In the vibrant tapestry of American football, Louisiana State University (LSU) stands as a beacon of excellence, boasting a rich history and a fervent fan base. With seven national championships, 20 conference titles, and countless individual accolades, LSU football has etched its name among the sport's elite. This comprehensive guide will delve into the storied history, traditions, and players that have shaped the legacy of the LSU Tigers.

A Century of Gridiron Dominance

The roots of LSU football trace back to 1893, with the university's first football team. Over the ensuing decades, the Tigers have amassed an impressive resume on the gridiron.

• National Championships: 1958, 1959, 1961, 1973, 2003, 2007, 2019
• Conference Championships: 14 Southeastern Conference (SEC) Championships, 6 Southwest Conference (SWC) Championships
• Heisman Trophy Winners: 6 (Billy Cannon, Steve Van Buren, Russell Erxleben, Y. A. Tittle, Bert Jones, Joe Burrow)
• Consensus All-Americans: 62

Dynasty Years and Iconic Moments

LSU football has witnessed several periods of dominance, with legendary coaches such as Bear Bryant, Paul Dietzel, Charlie McClendon, Les Miles, and Ed Orgeron leading the charge.

The Paul Dietzel Era: In 1958, Dietzel guided LSU to its first national championship, igniting a golden age for the program. The Tigers repeated as champions in 1959 and won another title in 1961 under coach Charlie McClendon.

The Matty Herndon Era: In the 1980s, LSU emerged as an SEC powerhouse under coach Matty Herndon. The Tigers won back-to-back SEC titles in 1986 and 1987, capturing the nation's attention with their high-flying offense.

The Nick Saban Era: Nick Saban, later renowned for his success at Alabama, served as LSU's head coach from 2000 to 2004. He led the Tigers to the 2003 national championship, ending a 40-year drought for the program.

The Les Miles Era: Les Miles took over as head coach in 2005 and guided LSU to another national title in 2007. The Tigers' victory over Ohio State in the BCS National Championship Game was one of the most memorable moments in college football history.

The Ed Orgeron Era: Ed Orgeron led LSU to its most recent national championship in 2019, defeating Clemson in a thrilling title game. Orgeron's tenure was marked by his infectious enthusiasm and the team's remarkable resilience.

Legendary Tigers

Throughout their illustrious history, LSU football has produced a pantheon of legendary players who have left an indelible mark on the sport.

Billy Cannon: The 1959 Heisman Trophy winner, Cannon was a versatile running back and return specialist. His iconic 89-yard punt return touchdown in the 1958 Sugar Bowl is one of the most famous plays in college football history.

Steve Van Buren: A two-time Heisman Trophy winner in 1940 and 1941, Van Buren was a dominant running back who revolutionized the position. He led LSU to the 1943 Cotton Bowl victory.

Y. A. Tittle: A Pro Football Hall of Famer, Tittle was a standout quarterback for LSU in the 1940s. He set numerous passing records and later starred in the NFL for many years.

Joe Burrow: The 2019 Heisman Trophy winner, Burrow led LSU to an undefeated season and a national championship. He shattered numerous passing records and is considered one of the greatest quarterbacks in college football history.

Death Valley: LSU's Home Turf

Tiger Stadium, affectionately known as "Death Valley," is one of the most intimidating and iconic venues in college football. With a capacity of over 102,000 fans, it is renowned for its deafening crowd noise and electric atmosphere.

Traditions and Pregame Rituals

LSU football is steeped in a rich tradition that creates a unique and unforgettable game day experience.

Tiger Walk: On game days, the LSU football team strolls down "Victory Hill" to Tiger Stadium, surrounded by a sea of screaming fans.

Tiger Band: The LSU Tiger Band is one of the most recognizable and entertaining marching bands in the nation. Their pregame performance of "Pregame for Purple" is a stirring spectacle.

Mike the Tiger: The official mascot of LSU, Mike the Tiger is a live Bengal tiger housed in a habitat near the stadium. He is a beloved symbol of the university's pride and tradition.

Stories and Lessons Learned

The history of LSU football is replete with inspiring stories and valuable lessons.

The Billy Cannon Story: Billy Cannon's 89-yard punt return touchdown in the 1958 Sugar Bowl is a testament to the power of resilience and determination. After fumbling the punt, Cannon scooped it up and raced down the sideline, scoring the game-winning touchdown against Ole Miss.

The 2019 National Championship Season: LSU's undefeated run to the 2019 national championship under Ed Orgeron is a reminder that anything is possible with belief and hard work. The Tigers overcame adversity and achieved their ultimate goal, proving that dreams can come true.

The Joe Burrow Legacy: Joe Burrow's record-breaking season and Heisman Trophy victory in 2019 showcased the importance of leadership, talent, and a team-first attitude. His legacy will continue to inspire future generations of LSU athletes.

FAQs

• What is LSU's official fight song? - "Hold That Tiger"
• Who is the all-time leading rusher in LSU history? - Kevin Faulk
• What is the name of the LSU football field? - Tiger Stadium
• What is the seating capacity of Tiger Stadium? - 102,321
• Who was the first African-American player to start a game for LSU? - Perry Riley
• What is the name of the LSU athletic director? - Scott Woodward
• Who is the current LSU head coach? - Brian Kelly
• What is the name of the LSU football bowl game sponsor? - Vrbo

Call to Action

Join the LSU football family and witness the passion, pride, and tradition firsthand. Purchase season tickets or game-day tickets to experience the electrifying atmosphere of Death Valley. Support the LSU Tigers as they continue to chase their next national championship.

Tables

Table 1: LSU Football National Championships

Table 2: LSU Football Heisman Trophy Winners

Table 3: LSU Football Conference Championships