Most Americans consider October the beginning of fall. But for LSU, October brings with it something different.
The month typically associated with trick or treating and costumes means ranked Southeastern Conference opponents and brutal gridiron matchups for the Tigers.
In the Les Miles era, the Tigers have amassed an 89-22 record for an 0.802 winning percentage, including a 0.914 percentage in the month of September.
But those numbers drop off drastically in October games, falling to a 0.759 winning percentage.
The significant decline in winning percentage can be most directly related to the increased competition for the Tigers with 17 ranked opponents in the Miles era — five more than November and eight more than September.
Three out of the past five seasons have seen some of the most significant drops in offensive production in the month of October.
The Tigers’ 2013 schedule features October games at Mississippi State and No. 24 Ole Miss and home games against No. 18 Florida and Furman, but history shows that October could pose a serious threat to LSU.
Month – games – total points for – total points against – avg. points for – avg. points against – avg margin of victory
2008
Sept- 3 – 101 – 48 – 33.67 – 16 – 17.67
Oct- 3 – 83 – 120 – 27.67 – 40 – (-)12.33
Nov- 5 – 139 – 130 – 27.8 – 26 – 1.80
2009
Sept- 4- 115 – 61 – 28.75 – 15.25 – 13.5
Oct- 4 – 96 – 36 – 24 – 9 – 15
Nov- 4 – 95 – 95 – 23.75 – 23.75 – 0
2010
Sept- 4 – 106 – 48 – 26.5 – 12 – 14.5
Oct – 4- 98 – 77 – 24.5 – 19.25 – 5.25
Nov – 4 – 141 – 88 – 35.25 – 22 – 13.25
2011
Sept- 4 – 155 – 57 – 38.75 – 14.25 – 24.5
Oct – 4 – 159 – 35 – 39.75 – 8.75 – 31
Nov – 4 – 144 – 35 – 36 – 8.75 – 27.25
2012
Sept – 5 – 193 – 63 – 38.6 – 12.6 – 26
Oct – 3 – 53 – 54 – 17.67 – 18 – (-).33
Nov – 4 – 115 – 86 – 28.75 – 21.5 – 7.25