What Is 2005 LSU Tigers football team

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Last updated: April 15, 2026

Quick Answer: The 2005 LSU Tigers football team represented Louisiana State University during the 2005 NCAA Division I FBS season, finishing with a 11–2 record and winning the Southeastern Conference (SEC) Championship by defeating Georgia 34–14 on December 3, 2005.

Key Facts

The 2005 LSU Tigers finished the season with an 11–2 overall record
They won the SEC Championship on December 3, 2005, defeating Georgia 34–14
LSU played in the 2006 Sugar Bowl, losing to West Virginia 38–35
Quarterback JaMarcus Russell led the team with 2,124 passing yards and 16 touchdowns
LSU was ranked No. 3 in the final AP Poll of the season

Overview

The 2005 LSU Tigers football team represented Louisiana State University during the 2005 NCAA Division I FBS football season. Coached by Nick Saban in his final year before departing for the NFL, the team achieved one of the most successful seasons in program history up to that point, culminating in a Southeastern Conference (SEC) Championship victory.

LSU played its home games at Tiger Stadium in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, one of the most intimidating venues in college football. The team's success was fueled by a balanced offense and a dominant defense, earning national recognition and a final ranking of No. 3 in the Associated Press Poll.

SEC Champions: The Tigers won the 2005 SEC Championship Game by defeating the Georgia Bulldogs 34–14 on December 3, 2005, in Atlanta, Georgia.
Final Record: LSU finished the season with an impressive 11–2 overall record, including a 7–1 mark in SEC conference play.
Sugar Bowl Appearance: As SEC champions, LSU earned a berth in the 2006 Sugar Bowl on January 2, 2006, where they lost to West Virginia 38–35.
JaMarcus Russell: Quarterback JaMarcus Russell threw for 2,124 yards and 16 touchdowns, solidifying himself as a top NFL prospect.
Final AP Ranking: Despite the Sugar Bowl loss, LSU ended the season ranked No. 3 in the final AP Poll, their highest finish since 1958.

Season Performance & Key Players

The 2005 campaign showcased LSU's depth and coaching excellence under Nick Saban, who left for the Miami Dolphins after the season. The team's blend of offensive firepower and defensive resilience defined their success.

Running Back Depth:Joseph Addai rushed for 1,108 yards and 12 touchdowns, becoming the first LSU back to eclipse 1,000 yards since 1997.
Defensive Strength: The defense allowed just 16.1 points per game, ranking among the top 10 nationally in scoring defense.
SEC West Champions: LSU won the SEC Western Division with a 7–1 conference record, edging out rivals like Auburn and Alabama.
Signature Win: A 31–3 victory over No. 4 Auburn in November solidified LSU’s national championship contention.
Kicker Performance:Shelley Smith made 19 of 23 field goals, providing crucial points in tight conference matchups.
Recruiting Impact: The 2005 season helped LSU secure a top-10 recruiting class, laying groundwork for future national title runs.

Comparison at a Glance

Comparing the 2005 LSU Tigers to other top teams of the decade highlights their elite status in college football during that season.

Team	Record	Final AP Rank	Championships Won	Bowl Result
2005 LSU Tigers	11–2	No. 3	SEC Championship	Lost Sugar Bowl 38–35
2005 Texas Longhorns	13–0	No. 1	National Championship	Won Rose Bowl 41–38
2005 USC Trojans	12–1	No. 2	BCS Runner-up	Lost Rose Bowl 41–38
2005 Georgia Bulldogs	10–3	No. 10	SEC Runner-up	Won Peach Bowl 31–24
2005 West Virginia Mountaineers	11–1	No. 6	Big East Champions	Won Sugar Bowl 38–35

The 2005 LSU Tigers ranked among the nation’s elite, finishing ahead of several teams with better bowl results. Their loss in the Sugar Bowl to West Virginia was a disappointment, but their SEC title and No. 3 ranking underscored a program on the rise under Saban’s leadership.

Why It Matters

The 2005 season was a pivotal moment in LSU football history, setting the stage for future national prominence. It marked the final season under Nick Saban and demonstrated the program’s ability to compete at the highest level.

Transition Year: The season served as a bridge between Saban’s tenure and the arrival of Les Miles, who would win a national title in 2007.
Player Development: JaMarcus Russell became the first overall pick in the 2007 NFL Draft, showcasing LSU’s NFL pipeline.
Program Momentum: The success helped LSU maintain high recruiting rankings and national visibility.
SEC Legacy: Winning the SEC Championship reinforced LSU’s status as a powerhouse in one of college football’s toughest conferences.
Historic Context: It was LSU’s first SEC title since 1988 and their first 11-win season since 1978.
Stadium Culture: The 2005 season further elevated the reputation of Tiger Stadium as “Death Valley,” known for its loud, night-game atmosphere.

The 2005 LSU Tigers left a lasting legacy, proving LSU could compete for national titles and laying the foundation for future championships.