Auburn Football: The Best Defenses Will Muschamp Has Ever Coached
Will Muschamp’s Best Defense: 2003 LSU Tigers
In only his second season as a defensive coordinator, Will Muschamp’s 2003 LSU Tigers unit was the best he’s ever coached.
The stingiest defense in the nation, the Tigers allowed only 11 points per game in 2003. No team scored more than 24 points (LSU beat Arkansas 55-24), and only one other scored more than 14 (the Tigers lost 19-7 to Florida). Overall, the Tigers allowed just 19 touchdowns all season, which were the fewest in the nation.
Want to talk about impressive numbers? LSU also allowed just 252 total yards per game, which led the country. The Tigers were second nationally in passing efficiency defense (89.8) and ranked third overall in rushing defense. The 67 rushing yards the Tigers allowed on average were the fewest by any Southeastern Conference team in the 2000s and the team’s 44 sacks set a school record. LSU led the SEC in every major defensive statistical category.
In the 2004 Sugar Bowl, Muschamp’s defense held Oklahoma’s Heisman Trophy winning quarterback to 102 yards with two interceptions (one returned for a touchdown by Marcus Spears) on 13-for-37 passing. He was sacked four times. The Sooners gained just 154 total yards and averaged only 2.2 yards per play.
The 13-1 Tigers beat Oklahoma 21-14 to capture the BCS National Championship. It was LSU’s first national title in 45 years.
2003 BCS National Championship Game:
Next: Will Muschamp, New Auburn Defense 101
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