What Is 2011 LSU Tigers football team

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Last updated: April 15, 2026

Quick Answer: The 2011 LSU Tigers football team represented Louisiana State University during the 2011 NCAA Division I FBS football season. They finished with a 13–1 record, won the SEC Championship, and played in the BCS National Championship Game, losing to Alabama 21–0.

Key Facts

Finished the season with a 13–1 record, their only loss coming in the national title game
Won the 2011 SEC Championship by defeating Georgia 42–10 on December 3, 2011
Ranked No. 1 in the final AP and Coaches Polls before the BCS National Championship
Defensive back Tyrann Mathieu won the Chuck Bednarik Award and was a Heisman finalist
The BCS National Championship Game on January 9, 2012, ended in a 21–0 loss to Alabama

Overview

The 2011 LSU Tigers football team is widely regarded as one of the most dominant squads in college football history despite not winning the national championship. Led by head coach Les Miles, the team captured the Southeastern Conference (SEC) title and earned a spot in the BCS National Championship Game.

LSU’s defense was historically strong, allowing just 9.7 points per game, the fewest in the nation. The Tigers were known for their stifling defense, special teams prowess, and disciplined play, finishing the regular season ranked No. 1 in both major polls.

Record and Ranking: The team finished the regular season 12–0 and ranked No. 1 in both the AP and Coaches Polls, securing a berth in the BCS National Championship Game.
SEC Championship: LSU defeated the Georgia Bulldogs 42–10 in the 2011 SEC Championship Game on December 3, 2011, at the Georgia Dome in Atlanta.
Defensive Dominance: The Tigers' defense allowed only 1,818 total yards over 13 games, averaging just 139.8 yards per game in pass defense.
Heisman Contender: Cornerback and return specialist Tyrann Mathieu finished sixth in Heisman Trophy voting and won the Chuck Bednarik Award as the nation’s top defensive player.
Regular Season Wins: LSU defeated five teams ranked in the top 25 during the regular season, including Alabama (No. 2), Ole Miss (No. 24), and Auburn (No. 23).

How It Works

The success of the 2011 LSU Tigers was built on a foundation of elite defense, disciplined coaching, and special teams excellence. Every phase of the team contributed to their dominant performance throughout the season.

Defensive Strategy: Coordinated by John Chavis, LSU’s 4–3 defense utilized aggressive pressure and tight coverage, forcing 24 turnovers and recording 30 sacks over 13 games.
Special Teams Impact:Tyrann Mathieu led the nation in punt return average at 16.0 yards per return, contributing directly to field position and scoring opportunities.
Quarterback Role:Jarrett Lee and Drew Alleman shared time early, but Jordan Jefferson stabilized the offense, throwing for 1,650 yards and 10 touchdowns.
Running Game: Led by Spencer Ware and Michael Ford, LSU rushed for 1,987 yards as a team, averaging 4.7 yards per carry.
Coaching Leadership: Head coach Les Miles earned SEC Coach of the Year honors after guiding LSU to its first 12–0 regular season since 1908.
BCS System: Despite winning the SEC and being ranked No. 1, LSU faced Alabama again in the BCS title game due to the BCS selection committee’s formula favoring computer rankings and polls.

Comparison at a Glance

Here’s how LSU compared to key opponents and national contenders during the 2011 season:

Team	Overall Record	Points Per Game	Points Allowed Per Game	Final AP Rank
LSU	13–1	34.8	9.7	2
Alabama	12–1	29.2	11.1	1
Oregon	12–1	42.3	23.5	3
Arkansas	11–2	41.5	27.8	7
Georgia	10–4	31.4	20.9	12

The table highlights LSU’s defensive superiority, allowing fewer than half the points per game compared to high-scoring teams like Oregon and Arkansas. While Alabama edged them in the title game, LSU’s overall season performance remains one of the most impressive in modern college football history despite the loss.

Why It Matters

The 2011 LSU Tigers left a lasting impact on college football, influencing how dominant defense and special teams can carry a team deep into the postseason. Their season sparked debate about the BCS system and the fairness of rematching teams in the national championship.

BCS Controversy: The rematch between LSU and Alabama in the national title game was criticized, leading to calls for a playoff system, which eventually led to the College Football Playoff in 2014.
Defensive Legacy: LSU’s 2011 defense is often cited among the best in college football history, setting a benchmark for future teams.
Player Development: Several players, including Mathieu and Sam Montgomery, became first-round NFL Draft picks, showcasing LSU’s talent pipeline.
Program Prestige: The season elevated LSU’s national profile, contributing to future recruiting success and program stability.
Coaching Recognition: Les Miles solidified his reputation as a top-tier coach, earning multiple national coach of the year awards for the 2011 season.
Cultural Impact: The team’s underdog narrative in the rematch—despite being No. 1—resonated with fans and media, highlighting flaws in the selection process.

The 2011 LSU Tigers may not have won the ultimate prize, but their season remains a benchmark for excellence, discipline, and defensive dominance in college football history.