What Is 2016 LSU Tigers football team

Overview

The 2016 LSU Tigers football team represented Louisiana State University during the 2016 NCAA Division I FBS football season. Competing in the Southeastern Conference (SEC) Western Division, the team experienced significant coaching changes and a mid-season turnaround that led to a winning record and a bowl appearance.

Under the leadership of interim-turned-full-time head coach Ed Orgeron, LSU finished the season with an 8–4 overall record and a 5–3 conference mark. The team’s performance culminated in a victory at the 2016 Citrus Bowl, marking a pivotal year in the program’s transition period.

• Started the season 2–2: After losses to Wisconsin and Auburn, LSU struggled early but rebounded strongly in October and November.
• Les Miles was fired on September 25: Following a 2–2 start, longtime head coach Miles was dismissed after 11+ seasons leading the Tigers.
• Ed Orgeron took over as interim head coach: Orgeron, previously the defensive line coach, was promoted and later named permanent head coach after a strong finish.
• Won six consecutive games: From late October through the regular season finale, LSU defeated teams including Ole Miss, Arkansas, and Texas A&M.
• Defeated Louisville 29–9 in the Citrus Bowl: The victory on January 2, 2017, was LSU’s first bowl win since 2013 and showcased Orgeron’s defensive focus.

Season Highlights and Key Players

The 2016 campaign featured standout individual performances and a revitalized defense under Orgeron’s leadership. The team leaned heavily on its defensive strength, particularly in the second half of the season.

• Arden Key: The sophomore defensive end recorded 13.5 sacks and 18.5 tackles for loss, emerging as one of the nation’s top pass rushers.
• Dwayne Harris Jr.: The senior safety led the defense with 90 total tackles and was a consistent presence in the secondary.
• Derrius Guice: Rushed for 1,153 yards and 14 touchdowns, surpassing Leonard Fournette as the primary ball carrier after Fournette’s injury.
• Brandon Harris (QB): Threw for 1,211 yards and 10 touchdowns but struggled with consistency, leading to a quarterback rotation late in the season.
• Leonard Fournette: Despite missing four games due to injury, he still rushed for 873 yards and 10 touchdowns in just eight appearances.

Comparison at a Glance

Here’s how the 2016 LSU Tigers compared to the previous and following seasons in key performance categories:

The 2016 season served as a transitional bridge between the Les Miles era and the eventual national title run in 2019. While win totals were similar to 2015 and 2017, the coaching change and strong defensive identity under Orgeron marked a shift in program culture and direction.

Why It Matters

The 2016 LSU Tigers season was pivotal in reshaping the program’s trajectory, setting the foundation for future success under Ed Orgeron. The mid-season coaching change and subsequent turnaround demonstrated resilience and organizational adaptability.

• The firing of Les Miles ended an 11-year tenure and signaled LSU’s commitment to competing at the highest level.
• Ed Orgeron’s promotion revitalized player morale and led to immediate on-field improvements, especially in defensive discipline.
• The 29–9 Citrus Bowl win restored confidence in the program after three consecutive losing bowl games.
• Development of Derrius Guice and Arden Key proved crucial for future seasons and NFL prospects.
• Established a new standard for defensive intensity, which became a hallmark of Orgeron’s coaching philosophy.
• Set the stage for the 2019 National Championship, as many core players and coaches from 2016 remained key contributors.

Ultimately, the 2016 season was more than just an 8–4 record—it was the beginning of a cultural shift that culminated in LSU’s dominant 2019 championship campaign.