What Is 1963 LSU Tigers football team

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Last updated: April 15, 2026

Quick Answer: The 1963 LSU Tigers football team represented Louisiana State University during the 1963 NCAA University Division season, finishing with a 9–2 record and a 6–1 SEC record under head coach Paul Dietzel. They defeated the Iowa State Cyclones 25–7 in the 1963 Orange Bowl.

Key Facts

The 1963 LSU Tigers finished the season with a 9–2 overall record
They went 6–1 in the Southeastern Conference (SEC), placing second in the league
Head coach Paul Dietzel led the team in his final season at LSU
LSU defeated Iowa State 25–7 in the 1963 Orange Bowl on January 1, 1963
Quarterback Jerry Stovall was a key player and finished fifth in Heisman Trophy voting

Overview

The 1963 LSU Tigers football team represented Louisiana State University during the 1963 NCAA University Division football season. Competing in the Southeastern Conference (SEC), the team was led by head coach Paul Dietzel in his final year at the helm before departing for Army. The Tigers played their home games at Tiger Stadium in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, a venue known for its intense atmosphere and strong fan support.

The season marked a strong finish to Dietzel’s tenure, showcasing a balanced offense and disciplined defense. Despite not winning the SEC title, LSU earned a berth in the prestigious Orange Bowl, a testament to their national relevance. The team’s performance helped maintain LSU’s reputation as a powerhouse in college football during the early 1960s.

9–2 overall record: The Tigers won nine games and lost only two, demonstrating consistent performance across the season.
6–1 conference record: LSU placed second in the SEC, with their only loss coming against rival Ole Miss.
Orange Bowl victory: They defeated the Iowa State Cyclones 25–7 on January 1, 1963, in Miami, Florida.
Paul Dietzel’s final season: After five seasons, Dietzel left LSU with a 35–23–2 record, including a national championship in 1958.
Heisman contender: Quarterback Jerry Stovall finished fifth in Heisman Trophy voting, highlighting his dual-threat capabilities.

Season Performance

The 1963 campaign featured a mix of dominant wins and narrow escapes, reflecting both the team’s talent and occasional inconsistency. LSU opened the season ranked in the top 10 and maintained strong national standing despite a mid-season loss. The offense relied on a powerful running game, while the defense held opponents to under 14 points per game on average.

Key player – Jerry Stovall: As a senior, Stovall rushed for 587 yards and passed for 882, making him one of the most versatile players in the nation.
Defensive strength: The Tigers allowed just 13.5 points per game, with standout performances against ranked opponents.
Loss to Ole Miss: A 21–14 defeat on November 2 in Baton Rouge ended LSU’s SEC title hopes.
Win over Tulane: LSU won 31–0, showcasing their dominance against in-state competition.
Orange Bowl MVP: Running back Warren Rabb threw for two touchdowns in the bowl victory, earning game MVP honors.
Final AP ranking: LSU finished the season ranked No. 9 nationally, reflecting their strong finish.

Comparison at a Glance

Here's how the 1963 LSU Tigers compare to other top teams of the era in key statistical categories:

Team	Record	SEC Wins	Bowl Result	Final Rank
LSU Tigers	9–2	6–1	W, Orange Bowl	No. 9
Alabama	9–1–1	5–0–1	W, Orange Bowl	No. 7
Ole Miss	9–2	5–1	W, Cotton Bowl	No. 11
Texas	9–2	6–1	W, Cotton Bowl	No. 12
USC	7–4	–	W, Liberty Bowl	No. 17

The table illustrates that LSU’s 1963 season was on par with other elite programs. While they didn’t win the conference, their Orange Bowl victory and top-10 finish underscored their national competitiveness. The team’s balanced attack and defensive discipline made them a formidable opponent throughout the year.

Why It Matters

The 1963 season remains a notable chapter in LSU football history, marking the end of an era under Paul Dietzel and setting the stage for future success. It highlighted the program’s ability to remain elite even during transitional periods and showcased individual excellence through players like Jerry Stovall.

Legacy of Paul Dietzel: His departure marked the end of a championship era, but his impact endured in LSU’s football culture.
Foundation for future success: The 1963 season helped maintain recruiting momentum into the next decade.
National exposure: The Orange Bowl appearance increased LSU’s visibility on a national stage.
Player development: Stovall’s performance solidified his status as one of LSU’s all-time greats.
Historical context: The season occurred during a time of growing integration in college football, adding social significance.
Continuity in excellence: LSU maintained a winning tradition despite coaching changes and competitive challenges.

The 1963 LSU Tigers may not have won a national title, but their strong record, bowl victory, and individual accolades ensured their place in the annals of college football history.