What Is 1946 LSU Tigers football team

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Last updated: April 14, 2026

Quick Answer: The 1946 LSU Tigers football team represented Louisiana State University during the 1946 college football season, finishing with a 4–5 record under head coach Bernie Moore. They competed in the Southeastern Conference (SEC) and played home games at Tiger Stadium in Baton Rouge.

Key Facts

The 1946 LSU Tigers finished the season with a 4–5 overall record
They played in the Southeastern Conference (SEC) and went 2–4 in conference games
Head coach Bernie Moore led the team in his 11th season at LSU
Home games were played at Tiger Stadium in Baton Rouge, Louisiana
LSU scored a total of 125 points while allowing 155 points in 1946

Overview

The 1946 LSU Tigers football team represented Louisiana State University during the 1946 college football season, marking the program’s 52nd year of competition. Competing in the Southeastern Conference (SEC), the team was led by head coach Bernie Moore, who was in his 11th season at the helm.

LSU finished the season with a 4–5 overall record and a 2–4 mark in conference play, reflecting a challenging year against strong SEC competition. Despite modest results, the season contributed to the long-term development of LSU’s football program during the postwar era.

Record: The team posted a 4–5 overall record, with only two wins in Southeastern Conference play, highlighting the competitive nature of the league.
Head Coach:Bernie Moore served as head coach for his 11th consecutive season, overseeing player development and strategic direction during a transitional period in college football.
Home Stadium: All home games were played at Tiger Stadium in Baton Rouge, a venue that has since become one of the most iconic in college football.
Scoring: LSU scored 125 total points during the season while allowing 155 points, indicating defensive struggles throughout the campaign.
Season Opener: The Tigers opened the season with a 20–0 victory over Southwestern Louisiana, setting an early positive tone before a series of close losses.

Season Performance

The 1946 season featured a mix of victories and narrow defeats, with LSU struggling to maintain consistency against both conference and non-conference opponents. Several games were decided by single digits, underscoring the team’s competitive but ultimately uneven performance.

Key Victory: A 27–13 win over Rice stood out as one of the season’s most dominant performances, showcasing offensive balance and defensive improvement.
SEC Challenges: LSU lost close games to Auburn (7–6) and Tennessee (26–0), illustrating the difficulty of competing in the deep SEC West division.
Offensive Leaders: While individual statistics are limited from this era, the backfield rotation contributed to an average of 13.9 points per game.
Defensive Struggles: The defense allowed 17.2 points per game, with particular vulnerabilities against rushing attacks from conference rivals.
Final Game: The season concluded with a 20–7 loss to Tulane, marking the third consecutive year LSU lost the rivalry game to their in-state opponent.

Comparison at a Glance

Below is a comparison of the 1946 LSU Tigers football team against key SEC peers in terms of overall record, conference performance, and scoring metrics.

Team	Overall Record	SEC Record	Points For	Points Against
LSU	4–5	2–4	125	155
Georgia	11–0	7–0	289	51
Alabama	4–5	2–4	116	124
Tennessee	7–4	3–3	154	108
Auburn	4–5	3–3	103	107

The table shows that LSU’s 4–5 record was on par with Alabama and Auburn, but their defense allowed more points than both. Georgia, the conference champion, dominated both offensively and defensively, highlighting the gap between top and middle-tier SEC teams in 1946. LSU’s performance reflected a program still building toward national prominence, which would come in later decades.

Why It Matters

The 1946 season is a snapshot of LSU football during a formative era, illustrating the challenges and growth patterns that preceded future success. Though not a standout year, it contributed to the foundation of a program that would later achieve national championships and widespread recognition.

Postwar Context: The 1946 season occurred just after World War II, as many college teams reintegrated veterans, affecting roster depth and team dynamics.
Program Development: Each season under Bernie Moore helped refine LSU’s recruiting and coaching infrastructure ahead of future breakthroughs in the 1950s.
Rivalry Trends: The loss to Tulane continued a difficult stretch, emphasizing the importance of in-state rivalries in shaping fan engagement.
Stadium Growth: Tiger Stadium’s role as a home venue began its legacy, with attendance growing steadily each postwar season.
Statistical Record: The season’s data contributes to LSU’s official historical record, used in rankings, bowl eligibility analysis, and program milestones.
Coaching Legacy: Bernie Moore’s long tenure laid groundwork for future coaches, including Paul Dietzel and later Nick Saban.

While the 1946 LSU Tigers did not achieve postseason honors or national rankings, their season remains a documented chapter in the evolution of one of college football’s most storied programs.