While they may not be winning conference titles with regularity, the LSU Tigers are always a tough out for even the best college football teams – particularly when they’re visiting the iconic Tiger Stadium.
In a recent feature for 247Sports, college football analyst Brad Crawford named LSU’s stadium the most intimidating environment and toughest to play in in college football. He said that the decibel level is incredible and pointed out that many of LSU’s best wins come when they’re playing at home.
“Ole Miss, Alabama and Oklahoma. LSU’s going to entertain all three in Baton Rouge this fall. The decibel level inside Tiger Stadium, at night, is second to none in college football. It feels like the LSU faithful is right on top of you when you’re on offense trying to call out signals or a snap at the line of scrimmage. Some of Brian Kelly’s best wins of his early tenure thus far have come at home. That showdown against the Crimson Tide in November will be dripping with expanded playoff and SEC implications,” Crawford wrote.
Through the years the Tigers have beaten some truly incredible teams from within the confines of their home in Baton Rouge – more than earning the nickname “Death Valley.” Even the legendary Bear Bryant loathed playing there despite dominating the Tigers during his decades of coaching in the SEC.
The height of the Alabama-LSU rivalry in the Nick Saban era also saw the Tigers pull of some huge home victories in from of over 102,000 fans against some Crimson Tide teams that were filled to the brim with future NFL stars.
The toughest environment indeed.