Coach Bernie Moore lost 13 of his first 22 players to graduation from his 1936 SEC Championship team. He would have to count on seven sophomores to play key roles if the Tigers were to defend their title.

The young squad, with only two seniors in the starting lineup, began the season by domi­nating the visiting Florida Gators 19-0. Sophomore back Young Bussey scored two touch­downs as LSU racked up 346y to just 30 for Florida.

The Tigers' next opponent was the Texas Longhorns under first-year Coach Dana X. Bible. The Longhorns defeated Texas Tech 25-12 in their opener.

Whatever game plans the two coaching staffs put together flew out the window because of the weather. A "swirling rainstorm" inundated Baton Rouge starting at 4 AM Saturday and continuing to the 8 PM kickoff and beyond. Nevertheless, "a crowd surprisingly large consid­ering the elements sat dripping in the stands for nearly three hours." The teams took the field 20 minutes late while the fans huddled beneath the stadium.

One reporter described the eerie scene this way: "Rain was falling so heavily in a shifting wind that it looked like swirling smoke as it dropped below the floodlights."

The conditions negated both teams' speed and favored the bigger squad, which was LSU. The teams combined for a paltry 13 first downs, with the Tigers holding the Longhorns to just three. Neither team completed the one pass each tried.

LSU dominated play from the start. Because they received the opening kickoff, the Long­horns started every possession deep in their own territory. After receiving a punt at the 34, the Tigers drove to the one only to lose the ball when HB Guy "Cotton" Milner fumbled.

Texas kicked out of danger, but a minute later LSU HB Pinky Rohm punted out on the one. Charlie Haas blasted an amazing punt that traveled all the way to the LSU 40. Rohm took it on the fly and raced back up the sideline on the sloshy field in the heavy rain for a touchdown. Milner booted the extra point. LSU 7 Texas 0

Just as the first period was played almost entirely in Texas territory, the change of directions caused the second quarter to be battled primarily on LSU's side of midfield.

Texas came close to scoring on the second play of the period. 205lb FB Hugh "Big Bad" Wolfe started around left end but, facing wall of Tiger tacklers, reversed his field and broke into the clear. Just as it appeared he was on his way to the end zone, he lost his footing and fell at the LSU 17. The slip proved costly when Barrett Booth intercepted a pass two snaps later to end the threat. The half ended with no more scoring.

The rain dwindled to a drizzle in the second half, but the teams still had problems with the muddy field and soggy ball. Rohm indirectly set up the Tigers' second score early in the third quarter. With the ball on the LSU 35, Pinky darted through a hole at right tackle, cut back sharply, and slogged to the Texas 15 before being pulled down from behind. When four plays gained only five yards, the ball went to Texas on downs.

B. F. Bryan immediately dropped back into his end zone to kick. But a high pass from center went through his hands and out the back of the end zone for a safety. LSU 9 Texas 0

After receiving the free kick, LSU marched right back inside the ten, but the drive ended on the four when Rohm fumbled.

LSU's second unit took the field in the fourth quarter. Bussey and Jabbo Stell took turns carrying the ball for 55y and a first down on the UT five. But the fumble bug bit again, causing a 7y loss and gave the ball to Texas.

Bussey fumbled the ensuing kick to give the Longhorns the ball at their 40. But LSU held and got the ball back deep in their territory. When Bussey punted, Texas partially blocked the kick to take possession on the 26. The visitors quickly made first downs at the 26 and 15, but on fourth down, the pass from center was fumbled to end the threat.

On the first play, Bussey broke through the line and darted into the clear. But Bryan raced up from the rear and tackled him on the 10. Two plays later the game ended.

The Tigers outgained the Steers 210-104.

Coach Bible said: "Louisiana had a fine, hard-charging line and some fast backs. What more can you want on a wet field?"

Coach Moore: "It was a great game. ... Our line was superior, helping our backs to get moving."