What Is 1920 LSU Tigers football team

Overview

The 1920 LSU Tigers football team represented Louisiana State University during the 1920 college football season, marking the second year under head coach Branch B. Bocock. Competing as an independent, the team played a nine-game schedule that featured regional opponents across Louisiana and neighboring states.

LSU finished the season with a 6–2–1 record, showcasing strong offensive performances early in the year but faltering in key matchups late in the season. The team’s schedule included dominant wins and narrow losses, reflecting a transitional period in the program’s development.

• LSU opened the season on October 2, 1920, defeating Southwestern Louisiana Institute (now UL Lafayette) 41–0 in Baton Rouge, setting a tone of offensive dominance early in the year.
• The Tigers won four of their first five games, including victories over Mississippi College, Centenary, and Louisiana Tech, demonstrating consistent performance against regional competition.
• On November 20, 1920, LSU tied Tulane 0–0 in a defensive battle, a result that reflected the competitive nature of the in-state rivalry even in its early years.
• The team suffered a decisive 14–0 loss to Texas A&M on November 13, highlighting the challenge of competing against stronger non-conference programs outside the Deep South.
• LSU’s season concluded with a 7–0 loss to Tulane on November 27, marking the first time the Green Wave defeated the Tigers, a turning point in the rivalry’s history.

Season Performance

The 1920 season was defined by offensive highs and defensive shortcomings, particularly in games against more experienced teams. While LSU dominated weaker opponents, they struggled against programs with deeper rosters and more established systems.

• Record: 6–2–1 overall: The Tigers won six games, lost two, and tied one, finishing with a winning percentage of .722 for the season.
• Head coach Branch B. Bocock: In his second year, Bocock led LSU to modest improvement from the previous season’s 4–3–1 record.
• Offensive output: 146 points scored: LSU averaged over 16 points per game, with strong showings against lower-tier opponents.
• Defensive struggles: 55 points allowed: The team gave up an average of 6.1 points per game, but key lapses in crucial matchups proved costly.
• Home games played at State Field: Located in Baton Rouge, this was LSU’s primary venue before the construction of Tiger Stadium.
• Independent status: Without conference affiliation, LSU scheduled games independently, a common practice at the time.

Comparison at a Glance

The 1920 season compared to surrounding years reveals LSU’s gradual progression under Bocock’s leadership. A comparison of records and key results illustrates this trajectory.

This table shows that 1920 was the peak season under Bocock, with the best win-loss record and highest point total of his tenure. The decline in subsequent years led to his replacement after the 1922 season.

Why It Matters

The 1920 LSU Tigers season is significant for marking a high point in the early 1920s and setting the stage for future program development. It reflects the evolution of college football in the South during a formative era.

• Established competitive identity: The 6–2–1 record demonstrated LSU’s ability to compete with regional powers beyond Louisiana.
• Highlighted rivalry growth: The two games against Tulane underscored the growing importance of in-state matchups.
• Coaching continuity under Bocock: His second year showed progress, though long-term success remained elusive.
• Pre-modern era context: The team operated before national rankings or bowl games, emphasizing regional competition.
• Foundation for future success: The offensive improvements in 1920 laid groundwork for later developments in the program.
• Historical record preservation: Detailed statistics from this season contribute to LSU’s football legacy and archival research.

While not a national contender, the 1920 Tigers remain a notable chapter in LSU’s football history, illustrating the program’s steady growth during its formative decades.