How a single offensive shift created the greatest college football team ever
In short: For years, LSU football was defined by a one-dimensional run game. That changed in 2019 when the hiring of offensive coordinator Joe Brady transformed the Tigers into a high-powered passing machine, leading them to a perfect 15-0 season and a national championship.
The 2019 LSU Tigers season remains a benchmark for excellence in college football. Led by head coach Ed Orgeron, the team achieved an undefeated 15-0 record, securing their fourth national title. This success was driven by a radical shift in offensive philosophy. Previously reliant on a run-heavy scheme, the program hired Joe Brady from the New Orleans Saints, who implemented a pass-heavy offense that averaged 48.4 points per game and scored 40 or more points in 12 of their 15 contests.
At the center of this dominance was quarterback Joe Burrow, who transferred to LSU from Ohio State in 2018. In his two seasons, Burrow achieved unprecedented statistical heights, throwing for 5,671 yards and 60 touchdowns with only 6 interceptions. His performance earned him the Heisman Trophy by the largest margin in the award's history, alongside several other major honors including the Maxwell and Walter Camp awards. Burrow's efficiency was reflected in a record-breaking quarterback rating of 202.0.
The offense was bolstered by elite receiving talent, including Ja'Marr Chase, who recorded 1,780 yards and 20 touchdowns, and Justin Jefferson, who tallied 1,540 yards and 18 touchdowns. The roster's depth was remarkable, featuring at least 14 future NFL players, including players like Clyde Edwards-Helaire and Patrick Queen. LSU's strength of schedule was immense, requiring seven wins over top-ten opponents—including Alabama, Georgia, and Oklahoma—to secure their perfect season and national championship victory over Clemson.
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Sources
- Summary by Intellect · source: The Perfect Season: How the 2019 LSU Tigers Became the Greatest Team in College Football History | garrett-sports
- Also: 2019 LSU Tigers football team
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