The 2001 LSU Tigers football team represented Louisiana State University in the college football season of 2001–2002. Coached by Nick Saban, the Tigers played their home games at Tiger Stadium in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. LSU went 10–3 and won the SEC West and represented the division in the 2001 SEC Championship Game for the first time. After a 31–20 upset of favored Tennessee, LSU played in the 2002 Sugar Bowl in New Orleans, Louisiana, and defeated yet another higher ranked opponent, Illinois, 47–34.