What Is 1968 LSU Tigers football team

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Last updated: April 15, 2026

Quick Answer: The 1968 LSU Tigers football team represented Louisiana State University during the 1968 NCAA University Division season, finishing with a 7–4 record under head coach Charles McClendon. They played in the Southeastern Conference (SEC) and lost to Ole Miss in the 1968 Liberty Bowl.

Key Facts

1968 LSU Tigers finished with a 7–4 overall record
Head coach Charles McClendon led the team in his second season
They played in the Southeastern Conference (SEC) and went 4–3 in conference play
The team lost 34–17 to Ole Miss in the 1968 Liberty Bowl
LSU’s offense averaged 24.5 points per game during the season

Overview

The 1968 LSU Tigers football team represented Louisiana State University in the 1968 NCAA University Division season, marking the second year under head coach Charles McClendon. Competing in the Southeastern Conference (SEC), the team showed moderate improvement from the previous season, finishing with a winning record and earning a bowl berth.

Despite inconsistent performances, the Tigers demonstrated strong offensive capabilities, scoring over 24 points per game on average. Their season concluded with a bowl appearance, though they were unable to secure a victory, highlighting both progress and areas needing refinement for future seasons.

Record: The team finished with a 7–4 overall record, including a 4–3 mark in SEC play, indicating competitive balance within the conference.
Head Coach:Charles McClendon was in his second season, continuing to shape LSU’s program with a focus on disciplined, physical football.
Liberty Bowl: LSU faced Ole Miss in the December 14, 1968 Liberty Bowl, losing 34–17 in Memphis, Tennessee.
Scoring: The Tigers averaged 24.5 points per game, ranking them among the more potent offenses in the SEC that season.
Key Player: Quarterback Joe LaSorsa led the passing attack, throwing for over 1,000 yards and helping stabilize the offense.

How It Works

The 1968 season reflected LSU’s transition under McClendon, who emphasized a balanced offensive approach and a tough defensive identity. The team’s structure, game planning, and player development were central to their on-field performance and strategic direction.

Offensive Scheme: LSU utilized a pro-style offense emphasizing ball control and short passing, designed to complement a strong running game. This approach aimed to limit turnovers and sustain drives.
Defensive Strategy: The Tigers ran a 4–3 defense, focusing on aggressive line play and disciplined secondary coverage to counter high-powered SEC opponents.
Recruiting Pipeline: Louisiana remained the core recruiting ground, with McClendon prioritizing in-state talent to build team cohesion and regional loyalty.
Practice Regimen: Practices were intense and physical, lasting two hours daily, with an emphasis on conditioning and situational drills.
Game Preparation: Film study was limited compared to modern standards, but coaches relied on scouting reports and opponent tendencies to craft game plans.
Bowl Eligibility: At the time, bowl bids were less standardized; LSU’s 7–4 record and SEC affiliation made them an attractive Liberty Bowl selection.

Comparison at a Glance

Here’s how the 1968 LSU Tigers compare to other notable LSU seasons in terms of performance and context:

Season	Record (Overall)	SEC Record	Bowl Result	Key Statistic
1968	7–4	4–3	Lost Liberty Bowl 34–17	24.5 PPG
1966	6–4	3–4	No bowl	18.9 PPG
1970	8–3	5–2	Won Peach Bowl 33–13	27.1 PPG
1964	9–1–1	6–0–1	Lost Orange Bowl 20–13	29.8 PPG
1958	11–0	6–0	Won Sugar Bowl 7–0	26.4 PPG

The 1968 season falls between rebuilding years and peak performances in LSU’s history. While not as dominant as the undefeated 1958 team or as polished as later squads, the 1968 Tigers laid groundwork for future success under McClendon’s leadership, showing steady progress.

Why It Matters

The 1968 LSU Tigers represent a transitional chapter in the program’s evolution, reflecting both the challenges and opportunities of mid-tier SEC football during the late 1960s. Their season offers insight into coaching development, player adaptation, and the growing importance of bowl games in college football.

Program Momentum: The 7–4 record signaled improvement, helping McClendon gain credibility and recruit more effectively in subsequent years.
Bowl Exposure: Participating in the Liberty Bowl increased national visibility, which was crucial for recruiting and fan engagement.
Player Development: Young talent gained experience, setting the stage for stronger performances in 1969 and 1970.
Historical Context: The 1968 season occurred during a period of social change, with college football beginning to integrate more fully across the South.
Coaching Legacy: McClendon’s tenure, including this season, contributed to his eventual status as one of LSU’s winningest coaches.
SEC Competition: The team’s performance underscored the rising strength of the SEC, which was becoming a national powerhouse in college football.

While not a championship season, 1968 was a building block for future success, illustrating how incremental progress shapes long-term program growth in collegiate athletics.