What Is 2012 LSU Tigers football team

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Last updated: April 15, 2026

Quick Answer: The 2012 LSU Tigers football team represented Louisiana State University during the 2012 NCAA Division I FBS football season, finishing with an 10–3 record and a No. 14 final ranking after winning the Chick-fil-A Bowl against Clemson.

Key Facts

Finished the 2012 season with a 10–3 overall record
Ranked No. 14 in the final AP Poll
Defeated Clemson 25–24 in the 2013 Chick-fil-A Bowl on January 4, 2013
Played in the SEC Western Division under head coach Les Miles
Started the season ranked No. 1 in the AP Poll but dropped after losses to Florida, Alabama, and Florida again in the SEC Championship

Overview

The 2012 LSU Tigers football team represented Louisiana State University in the 2012 NCAA Division I FBS football season. Coached by Les Miles, the team competed in the Southeastern Conference (SEC) Western Division and played their home games at Tiger Stadium in Baton Rouge, Louisiana.

LSU began the season ranked No. 1 in the Associated Press Poll but faced challenges maintaining that position due to key losses. Despite a strong defense and consistent performance, the Tigers did not reach the national championship but secured a notable bowl victory to close the season.

Season Record: The team finished with a 10–3 overall record, including a 6–2 mark in SEC conference play, demonstrating strong but inconsistent performance against top competition.
Bowl Game: LSU defeated Clemson 25–24 in the 2013 Chick-fil-A Bowl on January 4, 2013, in Atlanta, Georgia, marking a hard-fought postseason win.
Preseason Ranking: The Tigers opened the year ranked No. 1 in the AP Poll, reflecting high expectations following their appearance in the 2012 BCS National Championship Game.
SEC Championship Appearance: LSU lost 21–17 to Alabama in the SEC Championship Game on December 1, 2012, ending their hopes for a national title rematch.
Defensive Strength: The defense ranked among the nation's best, allowing just 17.9 points per game, showcasing the team’s trademark physical style and disciplined play-calling.

Season Performance

The 2012 campaign was marked by dramatic highs and critical setbacks, particularly in marquee matchups. While the Tigers showed resilience, losses to top-tier teams ultimately shaped their postseason trajectory and final standing.

Week 2 Victory: LSU defeated Washington 41–3 in a dominant home performance, highlighting offensive improvements under offensive coordinator Steve Kragthorpe.
Loss to Florida: A 14–6 defeat to Florida on November 17 ended LSU’s College Football Playoff hopes and exposed offensive inefficiencies in crucial games.
Alabama Rivalry: The Tigers lost twice to Alabama in 2012—first in the regular season 9–6 and again in the SEC Championship, marking the first time since 2006 they were swept by the Crimson Tide.
Zach Mettenberger: Quarterback Zach Mettenberger threw for 2,609 yards and 20 touchdowns, emerging as a reliable leader despite inconsistency in high-pressure moments.
Odell Beckham Jr.: Wide receiver Odell Beckham Jr. contributed 1,118 receiving yards and 5 touchdowns, becoming a key target in LSU’s passing attack.
Home Field Advantage: LSU maintained a perfect 7–0 home record at Tiger Stadium, known as one of the most intimidating venues in college football.

Comparison at a Glance

Comparing the 2012 LSU Tigers to the previous season highlights shifts in performance, rankings, and postseason outcomes.

Category	2011 Season	2012 Season
Overall Record	13–1	10–3
Final AP Ranking	No. 1 (preseason), No. 2 (final)	No. 14
SEC Record	8–0	6–2
Bowl Game	Lost BCS National Championship to Alabama	Won Chick-fil-A Bowl vs. Clemson
Points Per Game	38.3	31.5

The 2012 season saw a decline in dominance compared to 2011, particularly in scoring and win consistency. While LSU remained a top-tier program, offensive struggles and losses to Alabama and Florida limited their ceiling. The Chick-fil-A Bowl victory provided redemption and showcased continued defensive excellence.

Why It Matters

The 2012 season was a transitional year for LSU football, balancing high expectations with the realities of roster turnover and tough competition. It underscored the volatility of college football and the importance of depth and adaptability.

Program Momentum: Despite falling short of a title, the season maintained LSU’s status as a national powerhouse under Les Miles’ leadership.
Player Development: The year helped develop future NFL talent like Odell Beckham Jr. and Zach Mettenberger, enhancing LSU’s pro pipeline.
Recruiting Impact: Continued success bolstered recruiting, helping LSU secure a top-5 national class for 2013.
Bowl Revenue: The Chick-fil-A Bowl appearance generated over $3 million in revenue for the athletic department.
SEC Competition: The season highlighted the growing strength of the SEC, particularly Alabama’s dominance during that era.
Coaching Evaluation: Les Miles faced increased scrutiny for offensive play-calling, sparking debate about strategic evolution in modern college football.

In summary, the 2012 LSU Tigers exemplified the challenges of sustaining elite performance in a competitive landscape. Their season, while not culminating in a championship, reinforced LSU’s place among college football’s elite programs.