What Is 2010 LSU Tigers football team

Content on WhatAnswers is provided "as is" for informational purposes. While we strive for accuracy, we make no guarantees. Content is AI-assisted and should not be used as professional advice.

Last updated: April 15, 2026

Quick Answer: The 2010 LSU Tigers football team represented Louisiana State University during the 2010 NCAA Division I FBS football season, finishing with a 11–3 record and a #12 final ranking after winning the Cotton Bowl 41–24 over Texas. Head coach Les Miles led the team to an SEC Championship Game appearance, where they lost 24–17 to Auburn.

Key Facts

Finished the season with an 11–3 overall record
Defeated Texas 41–24 in the 2011 Cotton Bowl Classic
Lost 24–17 to Auburn in the SEC Championship Game
Ranked #12 in the final AP Poll
Head coach Les Miles in his 5th season at LSU

Overview

The 2010 LSU Tigers football team represented Louisiana State University in the 2010 NCAA Division I FBS football season, competing as a member of the Southeastern Conference (SEC) Western Division. Under head coach Les Miles, the team achieved an 11–3 overall record and a 7–1 conference mark, earning a spot in the SEC Championship Game.

LSU entered the postseason ranked #5 nationally and faced Texas in the Cotton Bowl Classic, where they secured a decisive 41–24 victory. The win solidified their status as one of the nation’s top programs and concluded a season marked by strong defensive performances and key offensive breakthroughs.

11–3 record: The Tigers finished the season with 11 wins and 3 losses, including a 7–1 mark in SEC play, showcasing consistent performance throughout the year.
SEC Championship Game appearance: LSU faced Auburn on December 4, 2010, losing 24–17 in a tightly contested matchup that determined the SEC champion.
Cotton Bowl victory: On January 7, 2011, LSU defeated the Texas Longhorns 41–24 in the AT&T Cotton Bowl Classic, marking a successful postseason finish.
Final AP ranking of #12: Despite high preseason expectations, the Tigers ended the year ranked #12 in the final Associated Press Poll.
Defensive strength: The team allowed just 15.5 points per game, ranking among the top defenses nationally in scoring defense.

How It Works

The 2010 LSU Tigers season operated within the framework of NCAA Division I FBS football, featuring a structured schedule of regular-season games, conference matchups, and postseason opportunities based on performance.

Regular season (12 games): LSU played a 12-game regular season schedule, including non-conference and SEC matchups, culminating in a 10–2 record before the SEC Championship.
SEC Western Division: As a member of the SEC West, LSU competed against teams like Alabama, Auburn, and Arkansas, with division standings determining championship eligibility.
SEC Championship Game: The top two teams from each division met in Atlanta; LSU advanced as West champion but lost to Auburn, the eventual national champion.
Bowl eligibility: Teams with at least six wins became bowl-eligible; LSU’s 10 wins earned them a high-profile Cotton Bowl berth.
Coaching leadership: Head coach Les Miles led the program in his fifth season, maintaining a disciplined, defense-first philosophy that defined the team’s identity.
Player development: The roster featured future NFL players such as cornerback Morris Claiborne and linebacker Kevin Minter, who contributed significantly to the team’s success.

Comparison at a Glance

Below is a comparison of the 2010 LSU Tigers with key rivals and national champions from the same season:

Team	Overall Record	SEC Record	Final AP Rank	Bowl Result
LSU Tigers	11–3	7–1	#12	W 41–24 vs. Texas (Cotton Bowl)
Auburn Tigers	14–0	8–0	#1	W 22–19 vs. Oregon (BCS National Championship)
Alabama Crimson Tide	9–4	5–3	#16	L 10–24 vs. Michigan (Cotton Bowl)
Arkansas Razorbacks	10–3	5–3	#13	W 20–17 vs. Penn State (Outback Bowl)
Texas Longhorns	5–7	3–5	NR	L 24–41 vs. LSU (Cotton Bowl)

This table highlights LSU’s strong performance relative to conference peers and national contenders. While Auburn went undefeated and won the national title, LSU remained competitive, finishing ahead of rivals like Alabama and Arkansas in the final rankings despite the SEC Championship loss.

Why It Matters

The 2010 season was significant for LSU as it reinforced the program’s national prominence and set the foundation for future success in the early 2010s. The team’s blend of defensive dominance and strategic coaching underscored LSU’s identity as a powerhouse.

Program consistency: The 11-win season continued LSU’s streak of double-digit win seasons, demonstrating sustained excellence under Les Miles.
Defensive reputation: The unit allowed only 15.5 points per game, enhancing LSU’s identity as a defense-first program.
Player development: Several Tigers, including Odell Beckham Jr. (freshman year), began their rise to NFL prominence during this season.
SEC visibility: Competing in high-stakes games increased national exposure and recruiting appeal for the university.
Bowl prestige: Winning the Cotton Bowl elevated LSU’s postseason success and contributed to a final top-15 national ranking.
Foundation for 2011: The experience gained in 2010 helped LSU go undefeated in 2011 and reach the BCS National Championship Game.

The 2010 LSU Tigers season stands as a pivotal chapter in the program’s modern history, balancing near-miss championship contention with tangible success on the field and long-term program growth.