What Is 2004 LSU Tigers football team

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Last updated: April 15, 2026

Quick Answer: The 2004 LSU Tigers football team represented Louisiana State University during the 2004 NCAA Division I-A football season, finishing with a 9–3 record and winning the 2004 Peach Bowl 40–3 in dominant fashion. Coached by Nick Saban, the team ranked No. 10 nationally in final polls and featured future NFL talent like DB Corey Webster and LB Ali Highsmith.

Key Facts

Finished season with a 9–3 overall record
Defeated University of Miami 40–3 in the 2004 Peach Bowl on January 1, 2005
Coached by Nick Saban in his final season at LSU
Ranked No. 10 in final AP and Coaches Polls
Scored 37.5 points per game on average

Overview

The 2004 LSU Tigers football team competed in the Southeastern Conference (SEC) as part of the NCAA Division I-A football season. Under head coach Nick Saban, the team achieved a 9–3 record, marking a strong finish to Saban’s tenure before departing for the NFL.

LSU secured a spot in the 2004 Peach Bowl, where they delivered a historic performance against the Miami Hurricanes. The team’s combination of offensive firepower and defensive dominance made them one of the most talked-about squads of the season.

Record: The Tigers finished the regular season with an 8–3 record before improving to 9–3 after their bowl victory.
Bowl Game: LSU dismantled the Miami Hurricanes 40–3 in the 2004 Peach Bowl on January 1, 2005, one of the most lopsided wins in major bowl history.
Coaching Transition: This was Nick Saban’s final season at LSU; he left shortly after the bowl game to become head coach of the Miami Dolphins.
Offensive Output: The team averaged 37.5 points per game, ranking in the top 15 nationally in scoring offense.
Defensive Strength: LSU’s defense allowed just 18.6 points per game and held opponents under 10 points in four games.

Performance & Key Games

The 2004 season featured several pivotal matchups that defined LSU’s campaign, including a dramatic SEC schedule and a resounding bowl performance. The Tigers demonstrated resilience in conference play and peaked at the right time.

SEC West Finish: LSU finished second in the SEC West with a 5–3 conference record, narrowly missing the SEC Championship Game.
Key Victory: A 19–0 shutout of No. 9 Tennessee in October showcased LSU’s defensive dominance and national credentials.
Loss to Auburn: The Tigers fell 16–13 to unbeaten Auburn in a defensive battle, a game that impacted their national title hopes.
Quarterback Play: Starting QB JaMarcus Russell emerged as a key player, throwing for 1,834 yards and 15 touchdowns as a true freshman.
Defensive Standouts: DB Corey Webster and LB Ali Highsmith anchored a defense that forced 24 turnovers on the season.
Special Teams: Kicker Chris Jackson made 19 of 23 field goals, providing reliable scoring in tight games.

Comparison at a Glance

How the 2004 LSU Tigers stack up against other top teams of the era in key statistical categories:

Team	Overall Record	Points Per Game	Points Allowed	Bowl Result
LSU (2004)	9–3	37.5	18.6	Won Peach Bowl 40–3
USC (2004)	13–0	43.3	14.2	Won Orange Bowl (BCS)
Auburn (2004)	13–1	34.8	13.7	Won Sugar Bowl
Ohio State (2004)	8–4	31.2	20.1	Lost to Louisville
LSU (2003)	13–1	36.9	18.8	Won BCS National Championship

The table highlights that while the 2004 LSU team wasn’t as dominant as the 2003 national champions, they still ranked among the nation’s elite defensively and in scoring. Their blowout win over Miami in the Peach Bowl underscored their capability on a big stage, even as Saban prepared to depart.

Why It Matters

The 2004 season was a transitional yet successful year that maintained LSU’s rising national profile in college football. Despite missing the national title game, the team’s performance solidified key players and coaching strategies that would influence future success.

Player Development: QB JaMarcus Russell gained crucial experience, later becoming the No. 1 overall NFL Draft pick in 2007.
Recruiting Momentum: The season helped LSU maintain strong recruiting classes in the South, especially in Louisiana and Texas.
Coaching Legacy: Nick Saban’s final season cemented his reputation as a program builder, paving the way for future SEC dominance.
Bowl Dominance: The 40–3 win remains one of the most lopsided major bowl victories in modern history.
Program Stability: LSU appointed Les Miles shortly after, ensuring continuity after Saban’s departure.
Historical Context: The team bridged the gap between LSU’s 2003 title and future 2007 championship season.

The 2004 LSU Tigers may not have won a national title, but their strong finish and standout performances ensured they remained a key chapter in the program’s ascent to national prominence.