Reminiscing about the most memorable poor weather games in LSU football history
Reminiscing About the Most Memorable Poor Weather Games in LSU Football History
Weather has a profound impact on college football, influencing not just the strategy and pace of the game but also how players, coaches, and fans experience a contest. For LSU football, a program renowned for its dominance in the SEC and national prominence, some of the most memorable games in history have taken place under less-than-ideal weather conditions. From torrential rain to freezing temperatures, LSU has faced it all, making for some of the most compelling and iconic moments in the program’s storied history.
In this article, we’ll take a look back at some of LSU football’s most memorable poor-weather games. These games featured storms, snow, and blustery winds that created challenges for players, coaches, and fans. Yet, in each instance, LSU’s resilience and grit stood out, turning these weather-challenged games into unforgettable moments in the program’s legacy.
1. LSU vs. Florida (2007) – The “Torrential Downpour” Game
One of the most unforgettable games in LSU football history took place on October 6, 2007, against the Florida Gators. This game had it all: high stakes, heavy rain, and incredible drama. LSU, fresh off a national championship victory, entered the game ranked No. 1 in the nation, while Florida was looking to assert itself as a contender in the SEC. But it was the weather that would dominate the narrative of the night.
The Storm Hits: As the game kicked off, the weather began to deteriorate quickly. A tropical storm began to dump heavy rain on Tiger Stadium, and what started as a light drizzle soon turned into a torrential downpour. By halftime, the field was a literal swamp, with puddles of water pooling across the turf. The fans in the stands, many of them drenched and trying to shield themselves with makeshift rain covers, became part of the spectacle.
Impact on the Game: Despite the horrendous conditions, the game went on as planned. The heavy rain made it difficult for players to maintain their footing, and ball control became a major issue. LSU quarterback Matt Flynn struggled at times with ball handling and timing, while Florida’s offense, led by quarterback Tim Tebow, also faced challenges as they tried to execute their plays in the slippery conditions.
But LSU’s defense, led by Glenn Dorsey and Chevis Jackson, thrived in the chaos. The Tigers managed to get key stops, and a crucial interception by Jonathan Zenon set up a game-changing touchdown. Despite the challenges posed by the storm, LSU came out on top with a hard-fought 28-24 victory, clinching their position as one of the nation’s elite teams.
Legacy: This game is remembered not only for the incredible weather but also for the way LSU handled the adversity. The game’s intensity and the team’s ability to persevere despite the conditions became a symbol of the Tigers’ resilience under Coach Les Miles. It was a defining moment in LSU’s 2007 national championship season and one of the most iconic weather-affected games in college football history.
2. LSU vs. Ole Miss (2015) – The Freezing Cold and Ice Storm Game
Though LSU is known for playing in the sweltering heat of the deep South, the Tigers have also had to contend with some unusually cold weather over the years. One of the most memorable instances of this was in November 2015 when LSU played Ole Miss in a game marked by an ice storm that left many fans and players freezing in the stands and on the field.
The Arctic Front Moves In: The game took place on November 21, 2015, and while the initial forecast suggested a mild day, an unexpected arctic front moved in quickly, bringing freezing rain and sub-30-degree temperatures. Fans huddled in their seats, trying to stay warm as the wind chill made it feel much colder. By the second half, ice was forming on the field, and players found themselves slipping and sliding on the turf, unsure of their footing.
The Impact on the Game: For the players, the freezing temperatures and slick field conditions presented a unique challenge. The ball became difficult to grip, and the cold weather contributed to a slow, grinding style of play. LSU’s offense, led by Leonard Fournette, struggled to find its rhythm, with the ice making it difficult to execute the fast-paced running game that had powered much of the team’s success earlier in the season.
Defensively, LSU was able to hold off Ole Miss, but the conditions made it tough to contain Rebels quarterback Chad Kelly, who was able to make some plays despite the freezing cold. The Tigers eventually secured the win with a 38-21 victory, but the real story of the day was the way both teams endured the extreme conditions. Coaches had to make adjustments on the fly, and players had to dig deep to push through the adversity of one of the coldest games in recent memory.
Legacy: The 2015 Ole Miss game is remembered as a true test of willpower. The icy conditions were a rarity in the SEC, but LSU’s ability to stay focused and come away with a victory made it a memorable chapter in their history. The game underscored the toughness and grit that LSU football teams are known for, proving that no matter the weather, the Tigers could fight through anything.
3. LSU vs. Alabama (2008) – The “Tornado” Game
In college football, the LSU-Alabama rivalry has often produced dramatic, high-stakes games. The November 8, 2008 contest between the Tigers and the Crimson Tide would go down as one of the most memorable in the series, not just because of the intensity of the game but because of the extreme weather conditions.
A Tornado Watch: As LSU and Alabama took to the field at Tiger Stadium, the skies began to darken, and a tornado watch was issued for the Baton Rouge area. The threat of severe weather loomed large over the game, but the teams were determined to play on. As the game progressed, the wind began to pick up, making it difficult for both offenses to execute their plays. Strong gusts affected the kicking game, and players had to contend with swirling winds that made it almost impossible to predict the flight of the football.
The Impact on the Game: Despite the intense weather conditions, LSU and Alabama battled through the storm. The game was a defensive slugfest, with both teams struggling to score. The wind and rain forced both offenses to abandon deep passing attempts and focus on the ground game. LSU’s defense, led by players like Jacob Hester and Barkevious Mingo, rose to the occasion, keeping Alabama in check throughout the game.
In a tightly contested affair, LSU quarterback Ryan Perrilloux connected with Brandon LaFell for a critical touchdown pass that would give the Tigers a slim 27-21 lead. Alabama had a chance to tie the game late, but LSU’s defense came up big, forcing a turnover and securing the win.
Legacy: The 2008 LSU-Alabama game is remembered as a true test of will, with both teams battling through extreme weather and heavy winds. The fact that LSU was able to pull out the victory in such a turbulent atmosphere solidified their reputation as a team that could handle any challenge, no matter how unpredictable. This game stands as one of the most iconic in the LSU-Alabama rivalry and remains a reminder of the challenges posed by severe weather.
4. LSU vs. Auburn (1996) – The Monsoon Game
Some of the most dramatic and unforgettable games in LSU history have been played in the rain, and one of the most iconic “rain games” took place on October 26, 1996, when the Tigers hosted Auburn in a downpour that made for a surreal and memorable atmosphere.
The Rainstorm Hits: The game was already charged with tension, as both teams were battling for position in the SEC standings. As the teams took the field at Tiger Stadium, the rain began to fall in sheets, quickly turning the field into a slippery mess. The turf became so saturated that players had difficulty maintaining their footing, leading to fumbles, slips, and all manner of mistakes. The fans, soaked to the bone, could only watch as the storm intensified.
The Impact on the Game: The driving rain made it nearly impossible for quarterbacks Jamie Howard and Patrick Nix to throw accurate passes, and the game was reduced to a ground-and-pound contest. LSU’s Kevin Faulk, one of the top running backs in the country, became the focal point of the offense as the Tigers sought to run the ball and control the clock. Despite Auburn’s tough defense, LSU’s power running game prevailed, and Faulk ran for over 100 yards, helping LSU secure a 19-15 victory.
Legacy: The 1996 LSU-Auburn game is often cited as one of the most memorable rain games in Tiger Stadium history. The constant downpour created an atmosphere of chaos, but LSU’s ability to execute on the ground and maintain control in the elements made it a defining moment for the program. The game has since become a part of LSU lore, illustrating the team’s ability to overcome any weather-related obstacle to secure victory.
5. LSU vs. Mississippi State (2010) – The Deluge Game
In 2010, LSU faced off against Mississippi State in a game that featured relentless rainfall and challenging conditions. The steady rain transformed the field into a muddy quagmire, and both teams struggled to get anything going offensively. LSU’s ability to play through the storm, combined with a dominant defensive performance, led to a hard-fought victory.
The Tigers emerged victorious, 29-7, but the game was notable for how both teams fought through the rain and mud to maintain their focus. The conditions made for a gritty, grind-it-out style of football, and LSU’s ability to dominate on defense helped them secure the win despite the weather.
