The LSU 2011 Football Roster: A Year of Highs and Lows in the Bayou
The 2011 LSU football season was a year of great expectations and crushing disappointment for the Tigers. The team was led by head coach Les Miles and featured a roster packed with talent, including several future NFL stars. Despite a strong start to the season, LSU's 2011 campaign ultimately ended in heartbreak, with the team falling to Alabama in the BCS Championship Game. In this article, we'll take a closer look at the 2011 LSU football roster, highlighting the standout players, key stats, and memorable moments from the season.
The 2011 LSU roster was a deep and talented one, with 105 players listed on the team's official website. Among the key contributors were quarterback Jordan Jefferson, who started 12 games for the Tigers, and wide receiver Rueben Randle, who finished the season with 849 receiving yards and 10 touchdowns. The team's defense was led by star linebacker Kelvin Sheppard, who recorded 94 tackles and 3.5 sacks on the year.
LSU's 2011 season got off to a promising start, with the team winning its first four games against non-conference opponents. The Tigers then opened Southeastern Conference (SEC) play with a 9-6 win over Mississippi State, but things started to unravel with a 41-13 loss to Tennessee. Despite bouncing back with a 38-10 win over Auburn, LSU stumbled to a 33-29 loss to Alabama in the penultimate game of the regular season. The team's hopes for a BCS Championship bid were dealt a further blow with a 42-14 loss to Arkansas in the regular season finale.
Standout Players
While the 2011 LSU roster was deep and talented, several players stood out for their individual performances. Here are a few of the standout players from the team:
Quarterback Jordan Jefferson
Jordan Jefferson was the clear leader of the LSU offense in 2011, starting 12 games for the Tigers and throwing for 2,427 yards and 12 touchdowns. While Jefferson struggled with consistency at times, he was also known for his ability to make plays with his legs, rushing for 312 yards and 3 touchdowns on the year.
Wide Receiver Rueben Randle
Rueben Randle was one of the top receivers in the SEC in 2011, finishing the season with 849 receiving yards and 10 touchdowns. The junior wideout was a key target for Jefferson and was often the Tigers' go-to option in the red zone.
Linebacker Kelvin Sheppard
Kelvin Sheppard was a dominant force on the LSU defense in 2011, recording 94 tackles and 3.5 sacks on the year. The senior linebacker was a key leader for the Tigers and was named a First-Team All-American by the Associated Press.
Key Stats
Here are some key statistics from the 2011 LSU football roster:
- Wins: 9
- Losses: 4
- Points scored: 394
- Points allowed: 293
- Yards gained: 5,491
- Yards allowed: 4,465
Memorable Moments
The 2011 LSU football season was filled with memorable moments, both on and off the field. Here are a few of the most notable:
The LSU-Auburn Game
LSU's 38-10 win over Auburn in 2011 was a dominant performance for the Tigers, with Jordan Jefferson throwing for 311 yards and 2 touchdowns and Rueben Randle catching 6 passes for 122 yards and a score. The win helped keep LSU's BCS Championship hopes alive and was a key moment in the team's season.
The Alabama Game
LSU's 33-29 loss to Alabama in 2011 was a heartbreaking defeat for the Tigers, who fell behind 24-10 in the second quarter but managed to pull within a point in the fourth quarter. The loss ultimately proved to be a turning point for LSU, which dropped to 2-2 in SEC play with the loss.
Coaching Staff
LSU's coaching staff in 2011 was led by head coach Les Miles, who was entering his eighth season at the helm of the Tigers. Miles was assisted by several experienced coaches, including offensive coordinator Greg Lewis, defensive coordinator John Chavis, and special teams coach Greg McMahon.
"I think our team showed a lot of resilience and character this season," Miles said after the Alabama loss. "We faced some adversity, but we never gave up. I'm proud of the way our players responded and fought to the end."
Challenges and Weaknesses
Despite its talented roster, the 2011 LSU football team faced several challenges and weaknesses throughout the season. Here are a few of the most notable:
Consistency Issues
LSU's offense struggled with consistency in 2011, with Jordan Jefferson struggling to connect with his receivers at times and the team's running game failing to produce a consistent threat. The Tigers' passing game was particularly inconsistent, with Jefferson throwing for 258 yards or more in just three games all season.
Defensive Backfield Issues
LSU's defensive backfield struggled in 2011, with the team ranking 112th in the nation in passing defense. The Tigers' cornerbacks and safeties were frequently beaten by opposing receivers, and the team's secondary was often forced to play catch-up.
Conclusion
The 2011 LSU football roster was a talented and deep one, but the team's season ultimately ended in disappointment. Despite a strong start to the year, the Tigers fell to Alabama in the BCS Championship Game and finished the season with a 9-4 record. While there were certainly challenges and weaknesses to be addressed, the 2011 LSU roster showed a lot of promise and laid the foundation for future success. As Les Miles noted, the team's resilience and character were key in the face of adversity, and the Tigers will look to build on those qualities in the years to come.
