The 2018 LSU Tigers football season was a rollercoaster ride, filled with high expectations, thrilling victories, and frustrating defeats. This retrospective dives into the complete schedule, highlighting key games and analyzing the team's performance throughout the year. Let's revisit the highs and lows of the 2018 LSU Tigers season.
LSU Football Game-by-Game Breakdown: 2018 Season
Here's a detailed look at each game from the 2018 LSU football schedule:
September 1st: vs. Miami (FL) - W, 33-17
The season opener against Miami set the tone for a promising start. LSU's defense dominated, and the offense showed flashes of brilliance, hinting at the potential to come. This victory ignited hope for a successful season.
September 8th: vs. Southeastern Louisiana - W, 65-14
A comfortable victory against an FCS opponent allowed LSU to build momentum and confidence heading into the more challenging games ahead. This served as a crucial opportunity for younger players to gain experience.
September 15th: at Auburn - L, 21-27
This game proved to be a pivotal moment in the season. Despite a strong performance, LSU fell short against a tough Auburn team in a close contest. This loss highlighted some of the team's weaknesses and underscored the need for improvement.
September 22nd: vs. Louisiana Tech - W, 42-25
A solid win against Louisiana Tech helped LSU regain some momentum after the Auburn loss. The team showed resilience and continued to refine their game plan.
September 29th: vs. Georgia - L, 13-24
The clash against Georgia exposed the limitations of LSU's offense, especially in crucial situations. Georgia's superior defense stifled LSU's attempts to score, resulting in a decisive defeat.
October 6th: vs. Mississippi State - W, 36-16
LSU's offensive performance improved significantly in this game against Mississippi State. The team demonstrated a better balance of running and passing, leading to a comfortable victory.
October 13th: at Florida - L, 19-27
Another tough SEC road game proved challenging for LSU. Despite a valiant effort, the Gators emerged victorious, leaving LSU with a disappointing record.
October 20th: vs. Alabama - L, 20-29
The annual showdown against Alabama was, as expected, a hard-fought battle. LSU played competitively but ultimately fell short against the dominant Crimson Tide. This loss highlighted the gap LSU needed to bridge to compete for a championship.
October 27th: at Western Kentucky - W, 66-38
A decisive win against Western Kentucky provided a much-needed boost after consecutive losses. The team's high-scoring performance showcased their offensive capabilities.
November 3rd: vs. Arkansas - W, 27-24
A nail-biting victory against Arkansas kept LSU's hopes alive for a successful season. This win emphasized the team's ability to perform under pressure.
November 10th: at Tennessee - W, 30-10
A relatively comfortable road win against Tennessee further solidified LSU's position in the SEC.
November 17th: vs. Texas A&M - W, 24-23
A dramatic win over Texas A&M provided a thrilling conclusion to the regular season. The victory was a testament to the team's determination and resilience.
December 29th: vs. UCF (Citrus Bowl) - W, 40-32
Ending the season on a high note, LSU secured a victory in the Citrus Bowl against UCF, proving that they were a competitive team capable of big plays.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What was LSU's final record in the 2018 season?
LSU finished the 2018 season with a 9-5 record overall.
Who was LSU's head coach in 2018?
Ed Orgeron was the head coach of LSU in 2018.
Did LSU make a bowl game in 2018?
Yes, LSU played in and won the Citrus Bowl in 2018.
What were some of LSU's key games in 2018?
Key games included the season opener against Miami, the losses to Auburn, Georgia, and Alabama, and the victories against Texas A&M and in the Citrus Bowl.
How did LSU's performance in 2018 compare to previous seasons?
The 2018 season was a step in the right direction, but still fell short of the expectations many had for the program at the time. It laid the groundwork for the highly successful 2019 season.
This detailed look at the 2018 LSU football schedule offers a comprehensive overview of the season's events. While not a perfect season, it served as valuable experience and laid the foundation for future success.
