What Is 1967 LSU Tigers football team

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Last updated: April 15, 2026

Quick Answer: The 1967 LSU Tigers football team represented Louisiana State University during the 1967 NCAA University Division football season. Led by head coach Charles McClendon, they finished with a 6–4 record and played in the Sugar Bowl, losing to Heisman Trophy winner Gary Beban and UCLA 20–17.

Key Facts

The 1967 LSU Tigers football team had a final record of 6 wins and 4 losses
Head coach Charles McClendon led the team in his second season
LSU played in the 1968 Sugar Bowl on January 1, 1968, against UCLA
The Tigers lost the Sugar Bowl 20–17 to a UCLA team led by Heisman winner Gary Beban
LSU finished ranked No. 15 in the final AP Poll of the season

Overview

The 1967 LSU Tigers football team represented Louisiana State University during the 1967 NCAA University Division football season. Competing in the Southeastern Conference (SEC), the team was led by second-year head coach Charles McClendon and played its home games at Tiger Stadium in Baton Rouge, Louisiana.

This season marked a transitional period for LSU football, as the program worked to rebuild after the retirement of legendary coach Paul Dietzel. Despite not winning the SEC title, LSU earned a prestigious Sugar Bowl berth, highlighting their strong finish to the season.

Record: The team finished the season with a 6–4 overall record, including a 4–3 mark in conference play, placing them in the middle of the SEC standings.
Sugar Bowl Appearance: LSU earned a spot in the 1968 Sugar Bowl on January 1, 1968, facing the UCLA Bruins, who were led by Heisman Trophy winner Gary Beban.
Key Player: Running back Johnny Robinson contributed significantly to the offense, though he had graduated in 1961; the 1967 team relied more on a balanced attack.
Defensive Strength: The Tigers' defense was a standout, allowing only 14.9 points per game on average, which ranked among the better defensive units in the nation.
Final Ranking: LSU finished the season ranked No. 15 in the final AP Poll, reflecting their strong performance despite the bowl loss.

How It Works

The 1967 LSU football season operated under the structure of NCAA University Division rules, with a 10-game regular season schedule followed by a bowl game for qualifying teams. The Tigers competed in the Southeastern Conference, facing traditional rivals and navigating a tough regional schedule.

Season Format: The 1967 season consisted of a 10-game regular season, culminating in a major bowl game for teams selected by conference agreements and national rankings.
Coaching Leadership:Charles McClendon, in his second year as head coach, emphasized discipline and defensive consistency, shaping LSU’s identity during the post-Dietzel era.
Recruiting Pipeline: LSU continued to draw talent from Louisiana high schools, maintaining a strong regional recruiting base despite increasing national competition.
Bowl Eligibility: With a 6–4 record, LSU qualified for the Sugar Bowl due to its national reputation, strong defense, and historical significance in the bowl’s selection process.
Game Strategy: The Tigers relied on a balanced offensive attack and a tough defense, using a pro-style offense adapted to their personnel strengths.
National Recognition: Final rankings from the AP and UPI polls factored in bowl results, with LSU’s No. 15 finish affirming their status as a top-tier program.

Comparison at a Glance

Below is a comparison of the 1967 LSU Tigers with other notable teams from that season, focusing on key performance metrics and outcomes.

Team	Record	Conference	Bowl Result	Final Rank
LSU Tigers	6–4	SEC	Lost Sugar Bowl 20–17	No. 15 (AP)
UCLA Bruins	8–1–1	Pac-8	Won Sugar Bowl 20–17	No. 4 (AP)
Ohio State	9–1	Big Ten	Won Rose Bowl	No. 2 (AP)
Arkansas	10–1	SWC	Won Cotton Bowl	No. 3 (AP)
Notre Dame	8–2	Independent	Won Cotton Bowl	No. 8 (AP)

The table illustrates how LSU’s season compared to national powers. While not dominant, their Sugar Bowl berth and final ranking placed them among the elite programs of 1967, despite a modest win-loss record.

Why It Matters

The 1967 season was pivotal in maintaining LSU’s national relevance during a rebuilding phase. It demonstrated the program’s resilience and its ability to compete on a major stage despite not winning the conference.

Sugar Bowl Legacy: LSU’s appearance in the 1968 Sugar Bowl reinforced the game’s status as a premier postseason event, often featuring top-ranked teams.
Program Continuity: The season helped solidify Charles McClendon as a capable leader, ensuring stability after the transition from Paul Dietzel.
National Exposure: A nationally televised bowl game provided valuable exposure for LSU, aiding in future recruiting and fan engagement.
Defensive Identity: The team’s strong defense became a hallmark of McClendon’s early years, influencing future team-building strategies.
Historical Context: This season occurred during a time of change in college football, with integration and scholarship limits beginning to reshape team dynamics.
Foundation for Success: The 1967 season laid groundwork for improved performances in the early 1970s, including a 1970 Orange Bowl victory.

In summary, the 1967 LSU Tigers football team may not have won a championship, but their season was significant in sustaining LSU’s football tradition and setting the stage for future success.