Louisiana State Tigers

2005 Season Summary

The glorious Nick Saban era ended at LSU following a 2004 season in which the Tigers went 9-3 straight up and 6-6 against the spread after closing with a heartbreaking last second 25-30 loss to Iowa as 6.5-point chalks in their bowl game. The Saban era reached it's climax in the prior 2003 season as LSU went 13-1 straight up and 11-2 against the spread with a 21-14 win over Oklahoma as 6.5-point dogs in the Sugar Bowl which clinched a share of the national championship.

Not have many Miles to go

Les Miles, who was quite successful in quickly turning around the Oklahoma State football program, replaced Saban who left then cupboard full with 17 returning starters in a program that had gone 48-16 straight up in the previous five seasons. Les would not have many Miles to go to catapult his new team into championship contention.

Natural disaster changed everything

LSU was scheduled to open the Miles era with back-to-back home games against North Texas and Arizona State followed by the conference opener, also at home, against Tennessee. Hurricane Katrina changed everything, however, as the opener was postponed and the Tigers would be forced to open the season on the road at improved Arizona State, who already had a game under their belts.

Miraculous comeback

In their opening game at Arizona State as 1.5-point chalks, LSU felt the responsibility of playing for the entire state of Louisiana on Saturday Night ESPN television. The Sun Devils led late and had the Tigers on the ropes before a miraculous comeback put LSU on top 35-31 for an opening night win and cover. Fortunately, LSU would have two weeks to prepare for their next game, the home and conference opener against Tennessee.

Expectations go through the roof

LSU hosted Tennessee on a Monday Night ESPN national TV game. The "word" out amongst gamblers was that LSU was a "can't miss" proposition as they would come out with fire and desire playing in front of their disaster ravaged fans. Tiger Stadium is a brutally tough venue for visitors in the best of times but with September almost over, the football starved fans would be at an extra fever pitch for this special event type of game. As so often happens, however, when expectations go through the roof, the contrary result occurs, as it did in this game, with unwanted Tennessee scoring a 30-27 upset win.

Back on track

LSU next traveled to rebuilding Mississippi State as a 15.5-point chalk, covering in a 37-7 win. This was followed up with a 34-6 win at upstart Vanderbilt as 17-point chalks to get back on track with two consecutive wins and covers.

Losing while winning

LSU came home to face Florida as a 6-point chalk, scoring a 21-17 win and pointspread failure. Auburn came calling next to Tiger Stadium as a 5.5-point dog and LSU scored a 20-17 decision as they were losing while winning.

Poor value

LSU next played the role of bully as they destroyed North Texas, the team that they were supposed to open the season against, 56-3 as 43.5-point home chalks. A 24-0 win over 1-AA competition followed. LSU stood at 7-1 straight up, which was to help make them into a poor value. As a 3-point chalk at Alabama they earned a 16-13 win/push. That was followed by a 40-7 win at Ole Miss as 17-point chalks. In the home finale against Arkansas with the SEC West title on the line, LSU was a 16.5-point overlay in a 19-17 win. In the SEC title game, the Tigers were a poor value as a 2-point chalk against Georgia, who "upset" the Tigers 34-14.

Power dog bit again

In their bowl against 6-point chalk Miami, LSU scored a shocking 40-3 win as the power dog bit again.