Saturday’s 34-24 win against Syracuse University was the Tigers’ 50th straight nonconference win in the regular season — the longest in the nation. The streak dates back to the beginning of the 2002 season, after LSU’s loss to Virginia Tech. LSU coach Les Miles has led the last 40 victories, including all eight wins against ranked opponents. During the streak, LSU’s largest margin of victory is 56 points, which happened twice, and both were last season. The Tigers’ smallest margin of victory was a one-point win in overtime against Oregon State in 2004, during which the Beavers missed three extra points. Here are a few more numbers that illustrate LSU’s dominance and the length of their success against non-Southeastern Conference foes:
Since LSU’s last nonconference regular season defeat, which was a 26-8 road loss to Virginia Tech on Sept. 1, 2002:
LSU has averaged 41.2 points in nonconference games and given up an average of 11.3 points in those games.
LSU averaged 208.42 rushing yards in nonconference games and given up an average of 86.52 rushing yards in those games.
LSU passed for an average of 217.68 yards in nonconference games and allowed an average of 158.28 in those games.
Against ranked nonconference opponents, LSU averaged 35.6 points per game and allowed 21.9 points per game.
When the regular season streak started against The Citadel on Sept. 7, 2002:
The No. 1 song in the United States was “Dilemma” by Nelly, featuring Kelly Rowland.
The No. 1 movie in the United States was “Signs,” starring Mel Gibson and Joaquin Phoenix.