KTBS 70th Anniversary: National Championship for LSU in 2019
KTBS 70th Anniversary: National Championship for LSU in 2019
As KTBS celebrates its 70th anniversary, it provides an opportune moment to reflect on one of the most iconic seasons in college football history—the 2019 LSU Tigers’ journey to the National Championship. This landmark year not only cemented LSU’s legacy as a powerhouse in the SEC and across the nation but also marked a defining moment in the career of head coach Ed Orgeron, who led the team to an undefeated season and a dominant victory in the College Football Playoff National Championship.
The 2019 season stands as a testament to the program’s commitment to excellence, from the emergence of Joe Burrow as a Heisman-winning quarterback to the explosive offensive scheme implemented by first-year offensive coordinator Joe Brady. Their combined efforts, along with a strong supporting cast and a defense that stepped up when needed, made the Tigers unstoppable.
As KTBS celebrates this milestone anniversary, we look back at the thrilling season that captured the imagination of LSU fans and football fans everywhere. From the early season struggles to the triumphant finish, the Tigers’ 2019 National Championship run is a story of perseverance, coaching genius, and unparalleled teamwork.
A Historic Build-Up: The Road to Glory
When the 2019 season began, LSU was already a well-established program with a rich football tradition. However, the team entered the season with some key questions—most notably, whether they could finally break through and capture a national title. LSU had experienced some highs in previous years but had never quite been able to make it to the summit. The 2019 season promised to be different, and it didn’t take long for LSU to show that they were indeed on a mission.
The Tigers had experienced some challenges in recent seasons, particularly with their offensive scheme. LSU’s offense had often been criticized for being too conservative, especially when compared to the high-flying, fast-paced offenses of their SEC rivals like Alabama. The arrival of new offensive coordinator Joe Brady in 2019 was a game-changer. Brady brought a fresh approach to LSU’s offense, implementing a spread-based, pass-heavy system that catered to the talents of the team’s quarterback, Joe Burrow.
The opening weeks of the 2019 season saw LSU come out with explosive performances, scoring at will against opponents. Joe Burrow quickly established himself as one of the top quarterbacks in the country, setting the tone for a year that would redefine his legacy. By the time LSU faced off against Texas in Week 2, it was clear that they were not just a good team—they were a team to be reckoned with.
LSU’s offense under Brady was dynamic, aggressive, and high-powered. Burrow was throwing the ball with precision, and the Tigers’ receivers, led by Ja’Marr Chase and Justin Jefferson, were creating mismatches all over the field. LSU was putting up points at a level that had never been seen before in Baton Rouge, and the Tigers were starting to get national attention.
But the offense wasn’t the only part of the team that was performing well. The defense, led by coordinator Dave Aranda, was still one of the best in the nation, even if it wasn’t as dominant as some of LSU’s previous defenses. The defensive line, featuring players like Rashard Lawrence and K’Lavon Chaisson, applied consistent pressure on opposing quarterbacks, while the secondary, led by Derek Stingley Jr., was a lockdown unit.
By the time LSU faced Alabama in early November, the Tigers had already earned an undefeated record and were a legitimate contender for the national championship. The matchup with Alabama was poised to be the defining game of the season, and it did not disappoint.
The LSU-Alabama Showdown: The Turning Point
LSU’s 46-41 victory over Alabama in Tuscaloosa on November 9, 2019, was the game that truly solidified the Tigers as the best team in the country. The matchup had been hyped up for weeks, with both teams coming into the game undefeated and ranked No. 1 and No. 2 in the country. For LSU, it was the chance to finally knock off their SEC rivals and prove that they were capable of winning big games on the road.
The game lived up to the hype, with both offenses putting on a show. Joe Burrow was magnificent, throwing for 393 yards and three touchdowns, while Ja’Marr Chase caught two touchdown passes and racked up 227 yards. The victory over Alabama not only gave LSU the edge in the SEC West standings but also firmly positioned them as the top team in the nation.
For head coach Ed Orgeron, the win over Alabama was a long-awaited achievement. Orgeron, who had taken over as head coach in 2016, had been under pressure to bring LSU back to the top of the college football world. His victory over Alabama, along with the Tigers’ continued dominance throughout the rest of the regular season, gave Orgeron the validation he needed. It was a moment of redemption, both for him and for the LSU program.
The Alabama game also set the stage for LSU’s dominance in the College Football Playoff. With the SEC Championship win over Georgia and a high-powered offense that was unstoppable, LSU had made their case as the team to beat in college football.
Joe Burrow: The Heisman Winner and a Legend
The 2019 LSU season will forever be remembered as the year Joe Burrow solidified his status as one of the greatest quarterbacks in college football history. Burrow’s performance in 2019 was nothing short of extraordinary. He set multiple NCAA records, including the single-season record for touchdown passes, passing yards, and total yards.
Burrow’s leadership was evident both on and off the field. He was the heart and soul of LSU’s offense, directing the high-powered passing attack with poise and confidence. His ability to read defenses, make quick decisions, and throw accurately to all areas of the field was unparalleled. Burrow’s Heisman Trophy win was a testament to his outstanding season, and he received widespread praise for his maturity and leadership.
One of the standout moments of Burrow’s season came in the national championship game, where he threw for 463 yards and five touchdowns against Clemson. Burrow’s ability to stay calm and perform under pressure was a key factor in LSU’s success that year, and his performance in the championship game only solidified his place as a legend in college football.
In addition to his performance on the field, Burrow became a fan favorite for his humility and his connection to the LSU community. His “Joe Burrow Foundation,” which aimed to help children in need, became a symbol of his commitment to making a difference off the field. Burrow’s success in 2019 was not just about football—it was about being a leader, an ambassador for his school, and a role model for young athletes everywhere.
The National Championship: LSU vs. Clemson
On January 13, 2020, LSU took on the Clemson Tigers in the College Football Playoff National Championship at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome in New Orleans. The matchup was a highly anticipated one, with Clemson entering the game as the defending national champions and boasting an undefeated record of their own. LSU, however, was determined to prove that they were the best team in the country.
From the opening whistle, it was clear that LSU’s offense was on a different level. Joe Burrow led the Tigers with surgical precision, spreading the ball to his playmakers and exploiting weaknesses in Clemson’s defense. Ja’Marr Chase was a standout, catching nine passes for 221 yards and two touchdowns. Burrow connected with multiple receivers, and the offense appeared unstoppable, even against a talented Clemson defense.
Clemson, led by quarterback Trevor Lawrence, tried to mount a comeback, but LSU’s defense came through when it mattered most. While they weren’t as dominant as some LSU defenses of the past, they made key stops and allowed the offense to stay in control. LSU’s 42-25 victory gave the program its fourth national championship and its first since 2007.
The win was a crowning achievement for Coach Ed Orgeron, who had been hired in 2016 to bring LSU back to national prominence. Orgeron’s no-nonsense approach, fiery passion, and ability to motivate his players had transformed LSU into a juggernaut. His success in 2019 validated his tenure as head coach and put him in the pantheon of great LSU coaches.
The Legacy of the 2019 LSU Tigers
The 2019 LSU Tigers will go down in history as one of the greatest college football teams ever assembled. Their combination of offensive brilliance, leadership, and heart made them an unstoppable force. Joe Burrow’s record-breaking season, the innovative offense led by Joe Brady, and the leadership of Coach Ed Orgeron all played a part in LSU’s rise to the top.
For KTBS, the 2019 LSU championship season holds special significance. As a Louisiana-based station, KTBS was able to witness firsthand the excitement, passion, and joy that LSU’s victory brought to the state. The Tigers’ national championship was a moment of pride for the entire Louisiana community, uniting fans across the state and showcasing LSU’s place in college football history.
The 2019 National Championship will forever be remembered as a milestone in the history of LSU football. It was a season that embodied excellence, resilience, and the unrelenting pursuit of greatness. As KTBS celebrates its 70th anniversary, the story of LSU’s 2019 triumph serves as a reminder of the power of sports to inspire, unite, and elevate a community.
