What Is 1933 LSU Tigers football team

Overview

The 1933 LSU Tigers football team represented Louisiana State University during the 1933 college football season. Competing in the Southern Conference, the team was led by head coach Biff Jones in his second year at the helm.

LSU posted a solid 6–2–1 overall record, showcasing a strong offense that scored 157 points while allowing only 59. The season reflected steady improvement under Jones, who emphasized discipline and defensive cohesion.

• Record: The Tigers finished the season with a 6–2–1 overall record, demonstrating consistency against a mix of regional and conference opponents.
• Head Coach: Biff Jones, in his second year, guided the team with a focus on structured play and improved tackling fundamentals.
• Scoring: LSU outscored its opponents 157 to 59, averaging 17.4 points per game while allowing just 6.6 per game.
• Conference: The team competed in the Southern Conference, a dominant collegiate league before the formation of the SEC in 1933.
• Home Field: Games were played at Tiger Stadium in Baton Rouge, which had a capacity of approximately 12,000 at the time.

How It Works

The 1933 season operated under the college football rules and scheduling norms of the era, with regional matchups and limited national oversight. Teams relied on local talent and short travel distances due to transportation constraints.

• Scheduling: The Tigers played a nine-game season, facing opponents primarily from the South, including Tulane, Mississippi State, and Loyola.
• Gameplay: The forward pass was legal but less dominant; teams favored a run-heavy, possession-based ground game in 1933.
• Coaching: Biff Jones implemented a disciplined system focused on conditioning, with practices held six days a week during the season.
• Recruiting: LSU recruited mostly within Louisiana and neighboring states, relying on word-of-mouth and local high school connections.
• Travel: The team traveled by bus or train, with overnight trips limited to nearby states like Mississippi and Alabama.
• Scoring Rules: Touchdowns were worth 6 points, field goals 3, and safeties 2, consistent with modern standards since 1912.

Comparison at a Glance

Below is a comparison of the 1933 LSU Tigers with LSU’s 1935 and 1936 national-contending teams:

The 1933 season marked the beginning of a gradual rise under Biff Jones, culminating in LSU’s 1935 Orange Bowl appearance. While not a national powerhouse yet, the 1933 team laid groundwork through improved defense and scoring efficiency.

Why It Matters

The 1933 LSU Tigers are significant as a transitional team during the early development of LSU’s football program. They helped establish a culture of competitiveness that would peak later in the decade.

• Foundation Building: The 6–2–1 record in 1933 signaled progress after a 5–4 season in 1932, boosting morale and recruiting.
• Coach Development: Biff Jones refined his system, which led to LSU’s first major bowl appearance in 1935.
• Stadium Growth: Success in 1933 and beyond justified expansions to Tiger Stadium in later years.
• Regional Rivalries: Games against Tulane and Mississippi State strengthened longstanding in-state and regional rivalries.
• Historical Context: The 1933 season occurred during the Great Depression, making athletic success a morale booster for the state.
• Legacy: Players from this era helped set standards for future LSU teams entering the newly formed SEC in 1933.

Though overshadowed by later successes, the 1933 LSU Tigers played a vital role in shaping the trajectory of LSU football into a regional and eventually national force.