What Is 1979 LSU Tigers football team

Overview

The 1979 LSU Tigers football team represented Louisiana State University during the 1979 NCAA Division I-A football season. Led by first-year head coach Jerry Stovall, the team struggled to find consistency, finishing with a losing record and failing to qualify for a bowl game.

The season marked a transitional period for LSU football following the retirement of legendary coach Charlie McClendon. Despite high hopes for a strong rebound, the Tigers faced challenges on both offense and defense throughout the year.

• Overall record: The team finished with a 4-7 win-loss tally, one of the worst in program history at the time.
• Conference performance: In the Southeastern Conference (SEC), LSU went 2-4, placing them near the bottom of the league standings.
• Head coach: Jerry Stovall took over as head coach in 1979 after serving as a player and assistant, marking his first season in the role.
• Home stadium: All home games were played at Tiger Stadium in Baton Rouge, one of the largest on-campus football venues in the country.
• Notable loss: The Tigers lost 27-17 to #1-ranked Alabama on October 13, a team that went on to win the national championship.

Season Highlights & Key Games

The 1979 campaign featured a mix of close losses and missed opportunities, with several defeats coming by narrow margins. LSU showed flashes of potential but failed to sustain momentum over a full season.

• Season opener: LSU defeated McNeese State 34-10 on September 8, providing early optimism for fans.
• Key injury: Starting quarterback Alan Riedel missed time due to injury, disrupting offensive continuity.
• Missed PAT: A failed extra point in a 17-16 loss to Mississippi State proved decisive in a pivotal conference matchup.
• Alabama game: Despite being underdogs, the Tigers led 10-3 at halftime before collapsing in a 27-17 defeat to the eventual national champions.
• Season finale: LSU closed the year with a 31-7 loss to archrival Tulane, marking the first time the Green Wave beat the Tigers since 1948.

Comparison at a Glance

Comparing the 1979 season to other years in LSU football history reveals a low point in performance and national relevance.

The 1979 season stands out for its underperformance compared to the years immediately before and after. While 1978 and 1980 saw bowl appearances, 1979 marked the beginning of a brief downturn under new leadership.

Why It Matters

The 1979 season is remembered as a turning point that tested LSU’s resilience and shaped future rebuilding efforts. Though unsuccessful, it laid the foundation for long-term changes in program culture and coaching strategy.

• Coaching transition: Jerry Stovall’s first year highlighted the difficulty of stepping into a legendary predecessor’s role.
• Recruiting shift: The season prompted a renewed focus on in-state talent acquisition in subsequent years.
• Fan expectations: The losing record sparked debate about program direction and accountability.
• Historical context: It was LSU’s first losing season since 1969, ending a decade of relative stability.
• Stadium legacy: Despite poor results, Tiger Stadium remained a fortress of college football atmosphere.
• Program resilience: The struggles of 1979 underscored the volatility of college football and the need for sustained investment.