What Is 2014 LSU Tigers football team

Overview

The 2014 LSU Tigers football team represented Louisiana State University during the 2014 NCAA Division I Football Bowl Subdivision (FBS) season. Led by head coach Les Miles, who was in his ninth year at the helm, the team competed in the Western Division of the Southeastern Conference (SEC) and played its home games at Tiger Stadium in Baton Rouge, Louisiana.

LSU finished the regular season with an 8-4 overall record and a 5-3 mark in conference play, securing a spot in the Texas Bowl. The team was known for its strong defensive performance and physical style of play, hallmarks of Miles-era LSU football. Despite high expectations entering the season, the Tigers did not win the SEC West but still achieved a winning record and postseason berth.

• Record: The Tigers finished the season with an 8-5 overall record, including a 5-3 conference record in the SEC, placing second in the Western Division.
• Coach: Les Miles was the head coach, serving his ninth season at LSU and maintaining a reputation for conservative yet effective game management.
• Stadium: Home games were played at Tiger Stadium, also known as 'Death Valley,' which has a capacity of over 102,000 and is one of the largest in the SEC.
• Bowl Game: LSU defeated the Texas Longhorns 35-33 in the 2015 Texas Bowl on January 2, 2015, in Houston, Texas, marking a season-ending victory.
• Defensive Strength: The defense ranked among the national leaders, allowing just 19.8 points per game, showcasing LSU's traditional emphasis on defensive dominance.

Season Performance

The 2014 campaign featured a mix of dominant defensive performances and inconsistent offensive output. LSU faced a challenging schedule that included several ranked opponents and intense rivalry games, testing the depth and resilience of the team throughout the season.

• September Games: Opened the season with a 63-14 win over Mississippi State, scoring 35 points in the first quarter, setting a tone for early dominance.
• Quarterback Play: Anthony Jennings started most games, throwing for 1,308 yards, 10 touchdowns, and 7 interceptions, showing flashes of potential under pressure.
• SEC Rivals: Lost to ranked opponents including Ole Miss (42-35) and Auburn (21-14), both of which were critical setbacks in the SEC West race.
• Running Game: Jeremy Hill, a senior running back, rushed for 1,104 yards and 11 touchdowns before departing for the NFL Draft after the season.
• Defensive Standouts: Defensive end Jordan Dupont recorded 7.5 sacks, while safety Jalen Mills contributed 4 interceptions and was named first-team All-SEC.
• Final Rankings: The team was unranked in the final AP Poll but finished 24th in the final Coaches Poll, reflecting a solid but unspectacular season.

Comparison at a Glance

Below is a comparison of the 2014 LSU Tigers with the previous season and a top SEC competitor, Alabama, to contextualize performance trends.

The table illustrates that while the 2014 LSU team improved offensively compared to 2013, it regressed defensively. Alabama remained the SEC standard-bearer, reaching the national title game. LSU’s bowl win provided a positive note, but the season was seen as a step back from prior years’ dominance.

Why It Matters

The 2014 season was a transitional year for LSU football, reflecting both the strengths of its defensive tradition and the growing need for offensive innovation. It marked the final season for several key seniors and set the stage for future roster changes and coaching adjustments.

• Recruiting Impact: A modest season did not hinder recruiting, as LSU continued to attract elite talent, including future NFL players like Leonard Fournette.
• Coaching Evaluation: Les Miles faced increased scrutiny for offensive stagnation, sparking debates about his long-term viability as head coach.
• Player Development: The season helped develop young quarterbacks and defensive backs who would become starters in subsequent years.
• Bowl Exposure: The Texas Bowl appearance provided national visibility and valuable game experience for underclassmen.
• Program Trajectory: Though not a championship contender, the team maintained LSU’s reputation for toughness and defensive discipline.
• Historical Context: This season is remembered as a bridge between eras, preceding more significant changes in offensive philosophy in later years.

Ultimately, the 2014 LSU Tigers exemplified the program’s resilience, finishing with a winning record despite challenges, and preserving its status as a consistent SEC contender.