What Is 1987 LSU Tigers football team

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Last updated: April 15, 2026

Quick Answer: The 1987 LSU Tigers football team represented Louisiana State University during the 1987 NCAA Division I-A football season, finishing with a 4–7 record under head coach Mike Archer. It was the program's first losing season since 1976 and included a 0–6 start in SEC play.

Key Facts

The 1987 LSU Tigers finished with a 4–7 overall record.
They went 0–6 in SEC conference play, their worst conference performance in years.
Head coach Mike Archer was in his first year, taking over after the firing of Bill Arnsparger.
LSU lost their first six games, including defeats to ranked teams like #13 Auburn and #10 Tennessee.
The team's only wins came against UL-Lafayette, Tulane, Vanderbilt, and Mississippi State.

Overview

The 1987 LSU Tigers football team marked a low point in the program's history, struggling through a disappointing season that ended with a losing record. Coached by first-year head coach Mike Archer, the team failed to gain momentum in the competitive Southeastern Conference and suffered multiple lopsided defeats.

Despite high hopes for a turnaround after the departure of Bill Arnsparger, the Tigers could not overcome early-season losses and offensive inefficiencies. The season is remembered for its winless streak in conference play and the challenges of rebuilding a struggling program.

Record: The team finished with a 4–7 overall record, the first losing season for LSU since 1976. This marked a significant decline from previous decades of consistent bowl appearances.
SEC Performance: LSU went 0–6 in Southeastern Conference games, the worst conference record in the program's modern era and a reflection of their struggles against top-tier opponents.
Head Coach: Mike Archer took over as head coach in 1987, becoming the youngest head coach in Division I-A at age 33, but faced immediate challenges with team morale and talent gaps.
Season Opener: The Tigers lost their first six games, starting with a 20–10 defeat to UL-Lafayette, a rare upset that signaled deeper systemic issues within the program.
Wins: LSU's only victories came against UL-Lafayette, Tulane, Vanderbilt, and Mississippi State, with the final win securing a season-ending 24–21 victory over the Bulldogs.

Season Performance

The 1987 season was defined by offensive inconsistency and defensive breakdowns, particularly in high-pressure SEC matchups. The Tigers showed flashes of potential but failed to sustain momentum over a full game or season.

Early Struggles: Losing the first six games, including a 38–14 defeat to #13 Auburn, highlighted LSU's lack of depth and experience on both sides of the ball.
Quarterback Play: Quarterback Tommy Hodson, a returning junior, threw for 1,849 yards and 11 touchdowns but also 13 interceptions, reflecting the team's offensive inefficiency.
Defensive Woes: The defense allowed an average of 30.5 points per game, among the worst in the nation, and struggled to contain mobile quarterbacks and spread offenses.
Home Field: Tiger Stadium in Baton Rouge hosted all home games, but LSU failed to win a single SEC contest on their home turf, losing to Tennessee, Auburn, and others.
Non-Conference Wins: Victories over UL-Lafayette and Tulane provided brief relief, but both opponents were considered lower-tier programs, limiting their impact on the team's reputation.
Season Finale: The Tigers ended the season with a 24–21 win over Mississippi State, their first SEC victory in over a year, offering a small sign of progress under Archer.

Comparison at a Glance

Comparing the 1987 season to other years highlights how far the program had fallen and the uphill battle faced by new leadership.

Season	Overall Record	SEC Record	Bowl Game	Head Coach
1987	4–7	0–6	No bowl appearance	Mike Archer
1986	9–3	4–3	Lost Peach Bowl	Bill Arnsparger
1985	4–7	1–5	No bowl	Bill Arnsparger
1988	7–4	3–4	Lost Liberty Bowl	Mike Archer
1984	8–3–1	3–2–1	Lost Orange Bowl	Bill Arnsparger

This table illustrates the steep decline from the successful 1986 season to the struggles of 1987, followed by a slow recovery. The absence of a bowl game in 1987 underscored the team's failure to meet expectations, especially after a nine-win season just one year prior.

Why It Matters

The 1987 season serves as a pivotal moment in LSU football history, representing both a low point and the beginning of a rebuilding phase under new leadership. It exposed weaknesses in recruiting, player development, and coaching continuity.

Coaching Transition: The shift from Bill Arnsparger to Mike Archer marked a generational change, with Archer attempting to modernize LSU's approach to offense and recruiting.
Program Rebuilding: The losing record forced LSU to reevaluate its football strategy, leading to increased investment in facilities and recruiting in the 1990s.
Player Development: Despite the poor season, quarterback Tommy Hodson continued to develop and would later become one of LSU's all-time greats.
Fan Disappointment: Attendance and morale dipped significantly, as fans grew frustrated with the team's inability to compete in the SEC.
Historical Context: The 1987 season is often cited as a cautionary tale in LSU football lore, reminding fans and administrators of the volatility of college football success.
Legacy: Though a failure on paper, the season laid the groundwork for future improvements, culminating in LSU's national prominence in the 2000s.

Ultimately, the 1987 LSU Tigers season is remembered not for victories, but for the challenges it presented and the long-term changes it inspired within the program.