What Is 1911 LSU Tigers football team

Overview

The 1911 LSU Tigers football team represented Louisiana State University during the 1911 college football season. Competing as an independent with no conference affiliation, the team was led by head coach Dean O. McCalister in his first year at the helm.

LSU finished the season with a 6–3 record, scoring 146 points while allowing 50, showcasing a strong offensive performance and solid defense. The team played its home games at State Field in Baton Rouge, a modest venue that hosted early iterations of LSU football before the construction of Tiger Stadium.

• Record: The 1911 LSU Tigers posted a 6–3 overall record, marking a winning season despite limited scheduling compared to modern standards.
• Head Coach: Dean O. McCalister served as head coach, beginning his tenure in 1911 and guiding the team through tactical formations typical of early 20th-century football.
• Scoring: LSU scored 146 points across nine games, averaging approximately 16.2 points per game, a high output for the era.
• Defense: The defense allowed only 50 points all season, averaging 5.6 points per game against, highlighting disciplined play.
• Home Field: State Field in Baton Rouge served as the team’s home venue, a predecessor to today’s Tiger Stadium, which opened in 1924.

Season Performance

The 1911 season featured a mix of regional opponents and early southern football programs, reflecting the decentralized nature of college football at the time. Games were often scheduled on short notice, and team rankings or national titles were not formally recognized.

• Opponent: Southwestern Louisiana Institute LSU won decisively, 47–0, in one of the most lopsided victories of the season.
• Opponent: Tulane The Tigers defeated in-state rival Tulane 14–0, contributing to a growing rivalry that continues today.
• Opponent: Texas LSU lost to the University of Texas 14–10, a close game that demonstrated competitive parity with regional powerhouses.
• Opponent: Mississippi College The Tigers won 13–0, showcasing consistent defensive strength throughout the season.
• Opponent: Centenary LSU defeated Centenary Institute 20–0, adding to their shutout total for the year.
• Opponent: Sewanee The Tigers lost to Sewanee (University of the South) 13–6, a setback in a season of otherwise strong performances.

Comparison at a Glance

Comparing the 1911 LSU Tigers to other seasons and teams highlights the evolution of college football over the past century. The table below outlines key statistics and context.

While later LSU teams would achieve greater national prominence, the 1911 season laid groundwork in program development. The team’s ability to dominate weaker opponents and remain competitive with stronger ones reflected growing organizational strength within the LSU athletic department.

Why It Matters

The 1911 LSU Tigers football team represents an early chapter in the storied history of LSU athletics, contributing to the foundation of a program that would eventually become a national powerhouse. Understanding this era provides context for the evolution of college football in the South.

• Historical Context: The 1911 season occurred before the formation of the SEC, which LSU would join in 1932, shaping southern football.
• Program Growth: Each season, including 1911, helped institutionalize football at LSU as a central campus activity.
• Coaching Legacy: Dean O. McCalister’s leadership began a lineage of coaches that would grow LSU’s national profile.
• Rivalries: Games against Tulane and Texas helped establish regional rivalries that persist in modern schedules.
• Statistical Record: The team’s 146–50 scoring margin is preserved in official LSU football archives and historical databases.
• Cultural Impact: Early teams like the 1911 Tigers helped foster school spirit and community identity in Louisiana.

Though overshadowed by later national championships, the 1911 LSU Tigers remain a vital part of the university’s athletic heritage, symbolizing the humble beginnings of a now-dominant football program.