LSU Tigers Football Tickets

LSU nearly went undefeated in '03 going 11-1 in the regular season. They then blew out Georgia in the SEC Title game and upset an outstanding Oklahoma team in the Sugar Bowl. That gave them the BCS Title and a National Title split with USC behind the best defense in the country. In 2004, despite a rough schedule including three road games to Auburn, Georgia and Florida all within a four week span, LSU was 9-2 in the regular season and suffered a tough bowl loss to Iowa on the last play. That 2004 squad had just 9 scholarship seniors, the fewest in the SEC. Last year the Tigers had to replace HC Nick Saban and unfortunately had practices (and so much more) disrupted due to Hurricane Katrina. They had to postpone their opening game vs North Texas and their second game was moved to Tempe as they faced Ariz St on the road. The Tigers still won the opener and led Tenn 24-7 in the 4Q but due to their lack of practice time, many players hobbled off the field cramping. They allowed a late Vol comeback and lost in OT or could have finished the regular season unbeaten. #5 LSU knocked off undefeated #4 Alabama on the road 16-13 in OT (highest ranked foe they'd ever beaten on the road) but were throttled in the SEC Title game. Playing with a backup OB in the bowl, they waxed #9 Miami (FL), 40-3. Lastyearwasthe first time LSU defeated Auburn, Alabama and Florida all in the same season. LSU was -9 in turnovers, nearly qualifying for my Turnovers=Turnaround article, but benefitted from 4 net close wins (see pg 299). The offense loses 3 of their top 4 rushers and 3 starting OL but has great depth at QB and could top last year's 29.5 ppg. On defense the Tigers must replace six of their top nine tacklers. The five returning starters are the fewest since 1993 when they allowed 28.0 ppg, their highest total since that year. This year's D has more athletic talentthan that group but will likely allow their highest ppg since 2001. LSU "earned" 23 points in my Draft Day Party Hangover (see pg 308). My power ratings call LSU's offense #1 in the SEC and their defense #3. Even though they're one of the most talented teams, they also have the most difficult schedule in the SEC. They have to face Aub, Fla, Tenn and Ark all on the road and their 11 returning starters are 3rd fewest in the league. Even with that schedule, this team is capable of another big season.

LSU Tigers Football 2006 Schedule