What Is 1940 LSU Tigers football team

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Last updated: April 14, 2026

Quick Answer: The 1940 LSU Tigers football team represented Louisiana State University during the 1940 college football season, finishing with a 4–5–1 record under head coach Bernie H. Moore. They competed in the Southeastern Conference (SEC) and played home games at Tiger Stadium in Baton Rouge.

Key Facts

The 1940 LSU Tigers finished with a 4–5–1 overall record
They played in the Southeastern Conference (SEC) and had a 1–3–1 conference record
Head coach Bernie H. Moore was in his sixth season leading the team
LSU played home games at Tiger Stadium in Baton Rouge, Louisiana
The team scored 107 points while allowing 121 points during the season

Overview

The 1940 LSU Tigers football team represented Louisiana State University during the 1940 college football season, competing as a member of the Southeastern Conference (SEC). Under the leadership of head coach Bernie H. Moore, the team navigated a challenging schedule that included several regional powerhouses and conference rivals.

This season marked the sixth year under Moore’s guidance, reflecting a transitional phase in LSU football history. Despite a losing record, the team showed flashes of competitiveness, particularly in close games that highlighted both offensive potential and defensive vulnerabilities.

Record: The 1940 LSU Tigers finished the season with a 4–5–1 overall record, including a 1–3–1 mark in SEC play, placing them in the lower half of the conference standings.
Head Coach:Bernie H. Moore served as head coach for his sixth consecutive season, overseeing player development and strategic planning throughout the year.
Home Stadium: The Tigers played their home games at Tiger Stadium in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, a venue that has since become one of college football’s most iconic stadiums.
Scoring: LSU scored 107 points over the course of the season while allowing 121 points against, indicating a relatively balanced but inconsistent performance.
Season Outcome: The team did not qualify for a postseason bowl game, a common outcome for programs with sub-.500 records during that era of college football.

Season Performance Breakdown

The 1940 campaign featured a mix of wins, losses, and a single tie, reflecting the team’s fluctuating form across the season. Several games were decided by narrow margins, underscoring the competitive nature of LSU’s matchups despite their final record.

Opening Game: LSU began the season with a 19–0 victory over Southwestern Louisiana Institute, setting a positive tone early in the campaign.
SEC Challenge: A 13–0 loss to Tennessee highlighted the gap between LSU and the top-tier SEC programs of the time, as Tennessee finished the season ranked.
Close Contests: The Tigers played in four games decided by one possession, including a 7–6 win over Rice, demonstrating resilience under pressure.
Defensive Struggles: LSU allowed 27 points to Tulane in a 27–7 loss, one of the worst defensive performances of the season.
Final Game: The season concluded with a 13–13 tie against Mississippi State, leaving the team with a bittersweet end to a difficult year.

Comparison at a Glance

Below is a comparison of the 1940 LSU Tigers' performance against key SEC peers during the same season:

Team	Overall Record	SEC Record	Points For	Points Against
LSU	4–5–1	1–3–1	107	121
Alabama	7–2–1	4–1–1	199	75
Tennessee	10–1	6–0	260	59
Auburn	6–4	4–3	142	105
Georgia	8–3	4–2	192	77

The table illustrates that while LSU was competitive, they lagged behind dominant programs like Tennessee and Alabama in both win-loss performance and scoring margin. Their point differential of –14 was among the worst in the conference, reflecting struggles to maintain consistency against stronger opponents.

Why It Matters

Though not a standout season in terms of wins, the 1940 LSU Tigers represent an important chapter in the evolution of LSU’s football program, showcasing early SEC competition and the challenges of building a national contender. The season provides historical context for understanding the trajectory of LSU football into the postwar era.

Program Development: The 1940 season contributed to the long-term growth of LSU football, laying groundwork for future improvements in coaching and recruitment.
Historical Context: This season occurred just before the U.S. entry into World War II, which would soon impact college athletics across the nation.
SEC Identity: Competing in the SEC since its founding in 1933, LSU’s participation in 1940 reinforced its role as a staple of Southern collegiate football.
Stadium Legacy: Games played at Tiger Stadium during this era helped build the venue’s reputation as a formidable home-field advantage.
Player Development: Despite limited records, the season offered valuable experience for athletes who would later contribute during wartime-adjusted rosters.
Statistical Record: The 1940 season remains part of LSU’s official football history, referenced in media guides and archival research.

Understanding teams like the 1940 Tigers enriches the narrative of college football’s development, emphasizing perseverance through adversity and the incremental progress that defines athletic programs over decades.