What Is 2019 LSU Tigers football team

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Last updated: April 15, 2026

Quick Answer: The 2019 LSU Tigers football team represented Louisiana State University in the 2019 NCAA Division I FBS football season, finishing with a perfect 15–0 record and winning the College Football Playoff National Championship on January 13, 2020, defeating Clemson 42–25.

Key Facts

Finished the season with a perfect 15–0 record
Won the 2020 College Football Playoff National Championship on January 13, 2020
Defeated Clemson 42–25 in the national title game
Joe Burrow won the Heisman Trophy in 2019 with 60 passing touchdowns
First team in modern college football history to go 15–0

Overview

The 2019 LSU Tigers football team delivered one of the most dominant and historic seasons in college football history. Led by head coach Ed Orgeron, the team achieved a perfect 15–0 record, culminating in a national championship victory over Clemson.

The season marked a turning point for LSU football, showcasing unprecedented offensive firepower and national prominence. Quarterback Joe Burrow, who won the Heisman Trophy, led a record-setting attack that redefined expectations for college offenses.

15–0 record: The Tigers became the first team in modern college football history to finish a season with a perfect 15–0 mark, setting a new standard for excellence.
National Champions: LSU defeated the Clemson Tigers 42–25 in the College Football Playoff National Championship game on January 13, 2020, in New Orleans, Louisiana.
Joe Burrow’s Heisman season: Quarterback Joe Burrow threw for 5,671 yards and 60 touchdowns, the most in a single FBS season, earning him the Heisman Trophy unanimously.
SEC dominance: LSU won the SEC West and defeated Georgia 37–10 in the SEC Championship Game on December 7, 2019, securing their playoff berth.
Historic offense: The team averaged 48.7 points per game, the highest in FBS history at the time, powered by a fast-paced, pass-heavy offensive scheme.

How It Works

The success of the 2019 LSU Tigers was built on a combination of elite talent, innovative coaching, and a high-octane offensive system. Each component played a crucial role in achieving a perfect season.

Offensive Scheme: The Tigers ran a spread, pass-heavy offense under offensive coordinator Joe Brady, emphasizing quick throws and downfield aggression. This system maximized Joe Burrow’s decision-making and arm strength.
Quarterback Play: Joe Burrow completed 76.3% of his passes for 5,671 yards and 60 touchdowns, posting a 202.0 passer rating—the highest in FBS history for a single season.
Wide Receiver Talent: Ja'Marr Chase, Justin Jefferson, and Terrace Marshall Jr. formed a historic receiving trio; Chase alone caught 77 passes for 1,780 yards and 20 touchdowns.
Defensive Turnaround: The defense, led by linebacker Patrick Queen and cornerback Kristian Fulton, improved dramatically mid-season, allowing only 16.8 points per game in the final eight contests.
Coaching Strategy: Head coach Ed Orgeron and coordinator Joe Brady adapted game plans weekly, tailoring attacks to exploit defensive weaknesses, especially in high-stakes matchups.
Team Chemistry: Players credited strong locker room unity and a 'why not us?' mentality for driving their historic run, especially after a close win over Alabama in November.

Comparison at a Glance

Here's how the 2019 LSU Tigers compare to other recent national champions in key statistical categories:

Team	Record	Points Per Game	Passing TDs	Championship Result
2019 LSU	15–0	48.7	60	W 42–25 vs Clemson
2018 Clemson	15–1	39.4	36	L 25–44 vs LSU
2017 Alabama	13–1	39.8	28	W 26–23 vs Georgia
2016 Clemson	14–1	39.2	39	W 35–31 vs Alabama
2013 Florida State	14–1	45.6	42	W 34–31 vs Auburn

The 2019 LSU team stands out not only for its undefeated record but also for its offensive dominance. With 60 passing touchdowns and over 48 points per game, it surpassed all previous champions in scoring efficiency and quarterback production, setting a new benchmark in the College Football Playoff era.

Why It Matters

The 2019 LSU Tigers redefined what was possible in college football, both in terms of offensive output and national championship success. Their season influenced recruiting, coaching strategies, and perceptions of program potential.

Historic legacy: The 15–0 season is considered one of the greatest in college football history, often compared to the 2005 Texas and 2001 Miami teams.
Heisman impact: Joe Burrow’s 60-touchdown season set a new FBS record and inspired future quarterbacks to pursue elite statistical benchmarks.
Recruiting boost: LSU’s national title significantly elevated its recruiting profile, helping secure top-10 classes in subsequent years.
Offensive evolution: The team’s success popularized the 'Baton Rouge spread' offense, influencing playbooks across the SEC and beyond.
Player development: LSU sent 10 players to the 2020 NFL Draft, including three first-round picks: Burrow, Chase, and Jefferson.
Cultural significance: The championship brought immense pride to Louisiana and LSU, uniting fans and alumni in celebration of a once-in-a-generation team.

The 2019 LSU Tigers remain a gold standard for college football excellence, combining record-breaking performance with a storybook season that captivated fans nationwide.