What Is 2013 LSU Tigers football team

Overview

The 2013 LSU Tigers football team represented Louisiana State University during the 2013 NCAA Division I Football Bowl Subdivision (FBS) season. Led by head coach Les Miles, the team competed in the Southeastern Conference (SEC) Western Division and played their home games at Tiger Stadium in Baton Rouge, Louisiana.

The Tigers entered the season ranked No. 5 in the Associated Press (AP) Poll but faced inconsistent performances throughout the year. Despite high expectations, the team finished the regular season with a 7-5 record before becoming bowl-eligible and earning a spot in the Chick-fil-A Bowl.

• Record: The team finished with an 8-5 overall record, including a 4-4 mark in SEC conference play during the regular season.
• Head Coach: Les Miles was in his eighth season as LSU’s head coach, maintaining a strong defensive identity while adapting to offensive changes.
• Stadium: Tiger Stadium, known as 'Death Valley,' hosted all home games and averaged over 92,000 fans per game in 2013.
• Season Start: LSU began the season ranked No. 5 in the AP Poll but dropped after a 35-21 loss to No. 6 Ole Miss on October 12.
• Bowl Game: The Tigers defeated the No. 25 Iowa Hawkeyes 21-14 in the Chick-fil-A Bowl on December 31, 2013, in Atlanta, Georgia.

Season Performance and Key Players

The 2013 campaign featured a mix of strong defensive showings and inconsistent offensive execution. While LSU remained competitive in most games, turnovers and red zone inefficiency limited their success in key matchups.

• Zach Mettenberger: The senior quarterback threw for 3,082 yards and 22 touchdowns with only seven interceptions, emerging as a leader.
• Jarvis Landry: A dynamic wide receiver, Landry recorded 727 receiving yards and seven touchdowns, forming a key connection with Mettenberger.
• Zach Stone: LSU’s offensive line improved late in the season, allowing only 18 sacks all year, a testament to better protection.
• Defensive Strength: The defense ranked 12th nationally in scoring defense, allowing just 19.8 points per game on average.
• Key Loss: A 35-21 defeat to Ole Miss on October 12 marked a turning point, ending LSU’s top-10 ranking and derailing playoff hopes.
• Running Game: Jeremy Hill led the ground attack with 1,401 rushing yards and 16 touchdowns, including a 28-carry, 216-yard performance against UAB.

Comparison at a Glance

The 2013 season compared to recent years in several key statistical and competitive areas:

The data shows a decline in performance compared to the dominant 2011 and 2012 seasons. While the defense remained strong, LSU’s offense struggled with consistency, particularly in conference play. The drop in final AP ranking—from top-11 finishes in prior years to unranked—reflected the team’s underwhelming season. However, the bowl victory over Iowa provided a positive note to close the year.

Why It Matters

The 2013 season was a transitional year for LSU football, highlighting both the program’s resilience and its vulnerabilities. Despite falling short of national championship contention, the team laid groundwork for future success through player development and coaching adjustments.

• Player Development: Quarterback Zach Mettenberger improved significantly, setting the stage for future NFL opportunities and offensive evolution.
• Bowl Momentum: Winning the Chick-fil-A Bowl helped maintain LSU’s streak of consecutive bowl appearances, reinforcing program stability.
• Recruiting Impact: Strong performances by underclassmen like Leonard Fournette boosted recruiting momentum for the 2014 class.
• Coaching Evaluation: Les Miles faced increased scrutiny, but the bowl win helped secure his position for the following seasons.
• SEC Competition: The season underscored the rising competitiveness of the SEC West, with teams like Auburn and Alabama dominating.
• Legacy Building: Though not a championship year, the 2013 season contributed to LSU’s long-term reputation as a national powerhouse.

In summary, the 2013 LSU Tigers football team served as a bridge between eras, balancing veteran leadership with emerging talent. While not their most successful season, it provided valuable experience and set the tone for future campaigns.