What Is 1962 LSU Tigers football team

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Last updated: April 15, 2026

Quick Answer: The 1962 LSU Tigers football team represented Louisiana State University during the 1962 NCAA University Division season, finishing with a 7-3 record under head coach Paul Dietzel and winning the Orange Bowl against Colorado with a 26-9 victory on January 1, 1963.

Key Facts

The 1962 LSU Tigers finished the season with a 7-3 overall record
Head coach Paul Dietzel led the team in his final season before moving to Army
LSU defeated Colorado 26-9 in the 1963 Orange Bowl on January 1
Quarterback Warren Rabb was a key leader, throwing for 896 yards and 7 touchdowns
The team played home games at Tiger Stadium in Baton Rouge, Louisiana

Overview

The 1962 LSU Tigers football team represented Louisiana State University during the 1962 NCAA University Division football season. Competing in the Southeastern Conference (SEC), the team was led by head coach Paul Dietzel, who was in his final year at LSU before accepting a position at the U.S. Military Academy. The Tigers played their home games at Tiger Stadium in Baton Rouge, a venue known for its intense atmosphere and strong fan support.

This season marked a transitional period for LSU football, as Dietzel prepared to depart and his successor, Charlie McClendon, began laying the groundwork for future success. Despite a modest 7-3 regular season record, the team earned a berth in the prestigious Orange Bowl, a testament to their strong finish and reputation. Their performance in the postseason solidified the year as a respectable chapter in LSU’s football history.

Record: The team finished with an overall record of 7-3, including a 4-2 mark in SEC conference play during the regular season.
Orange Bowl: LSU defeated the Colorado Buffaloes 26-9 in the 1963 Orange Bowl, played on January 1, 1963, in Miami, Florida.
Head Coach: Paul Dietzel coached his final LSU season in 1962 before departing for Army, finishing his LSU tenure with a 40-28-2 record.
Quarterback: Warren Rabb led the offense, throwing for 896 yards and 7 touchdowns, while completing 53% of his passes.
Stadium: All home games were held at Tiger Stadium, which had a capacity of approximately 65,000 and was known for its loud, intimidating environment.

Season Performance

The 1962 campaign showcased a balanced effort on both sides of the ball, with notable contributions from key players and a resilient defense. The Tigers opened the season ranked but dropped early games that impacted their national standing, though they rebounded to secure a bowl invitation.

Offensive Output: LSU scored 171 total points across 10 games, averaging 17.1 points per game, ranking 58th nationally in scoring.
Defensive Strength: The defense allowed 122 points (12.2 per game), holding opponents under 10 points in four contests.
Rushing Game: Fullback Jerry Stovall was a key contributor, rushing for 476 yards and 4 touchdowns on 118 carries.
Passing Attack: Warren Rabb completed 67 of 127 passes, with a long touchdown of 75 yards against Rice.
SEC Competition: LSU defeated rivals Ole Miss and Tulane but lost to Florida and Mississippi State during conference play.
Key Win: A 13-0 shutout of Tulane in November helped secure their bowl eligibility and postseason momentum.

Comparison at a Glance

Comparing the 1962 season to adjacent years highlights trends in performance and coaching transitions. The table below outlines key statistics from 1961, 1962, and 1963.

Year	Overall Record	SEC Record	Bowl Game	Head Coach
1961	8-3	5-2	Lost Cotton Bowl	Paul Dietzel
1962	7-3	4-2	Won Orange Bowl (26-9)	Paul Dietzel
1963	8-2-1	5-1-1	No Bowl (due to SEC policy)	Charlie McClendon
1960	5-4-1	3-3-1	No Bowl	Paul Dietzel
1964	4-5-1	2-4-1	No Bowl	Charlie McClendon

The data shows that while the 1962 team had a slightly worse record than 1961, their Orange Bowl victory provided a positive end to Dietzel’s tenure. The transition to McClendon in 1963 maintained competitive balance, though bowl participation was limited by conference rules at the time. The 1962 season thus served as a bridge between eras in LSU football history.

Why It Matters

The 1962 LSU Tigers season is significant for its role in the program’s evolution and the legacy of Paul Dietzel. It marked the end of an era and set the stage for future success under new leadership, while also showcasing LSU on a national stage in a major bowl game.

Coaching Legacy: Paul Dietzel’s final season concluded with a bowl win, cementing his impact on LSU football culture and recruiting.
Bowl Prestige: Winning the Orange Bowl enhanced LSU’s national reputation and provided momentum for the incoming coaching staff.
Player Development: Jerry Stovall and Warren Rabb became program icons, with Stovall later inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame.
SEC Presence: The team maintained LSU’s competitive status in the SEC during a period of strong conference rivalry.
Historical Context: The season occurred during the early years of televised college football, increasing LSU’s visibility across the South.
Transition Year: The 1962 season helped stabilize the program during a coaching change, preventing a decline in performance.

The 1962 LSU Tigers may not have won a national title, but their resilience, postseason success, and role in a coaching transition make them an important part of LSU football history.