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Charlie McClendon coached his last game for LSU on this date in 1979
Posted on 12/22/25 at 4:45 pm
Posted on 12/22/25 at 4:45 pm
LSU defeated Wake Forest, 34-10 in the then Tangerine Bowl. McClendon finished his career at LSU with a 137-59-7 record and an SEC Title in 1970. Technically LSU had two head coaches at the time. Bo Rein was named McClendon's successor on December 1st.(Sadly, Rein died in a plane crash 19 days later)
Strange times for LSU football. McClendon was basically fired after the 1978 Alabama game but supposedly Paul Dietzel worked out a succession path for McClendon as "Cholly Mac" was due to be president of the American Football Coaches Associtation. So, he was a lame duck in 1979 with a rather decent recruiting class, including "Edward Orgeron."
1979 schedule was brutal. LSU played three unbeaten teams in the regular season, Southern Cal,Alabama and Florida State.
Strange times for LSU football. McClendon was basically fired after the 1978 Alabama game but supposedly Paul Dietzel worked out a succession path for McClendon as "Cholly Mac" was due to be president of the American Football Coaches Associtation. So, he was a lame duck in 1979 with a rather decent recruiting class, including "Edward Orgeron."
1979 schedule was brutal. LSU played three unbeaten teams in the regular season, Southern Cal,Alabama and Florida State.
14
Posted on 12/22/25 at 4:48 pm to I-59 Tiger
I was there.
Posted on 12/22/25 at 4:58 pm to I-59 Tiger
I wasn't at the bowl game but I was at every home.game in the student section in 1979.
It wasn't a face mask on Benji Thibodeaux.
It wasn't a face mask on Benji Thibodeaux.
Posted on 12/22/25 at 5:00 pm to Missouri Waltz
watched it on TV. I remember bc there weren’t many LSU games on TV then. was that not david woodley’s last game?
also had the 1978 and 1979 team poster calendars in my room and just remember marveling at Willie Teal’s hair. dude was badass too.
I was thrilled to get that calendar and think about giving it to one of my kids today. Dad what the hell is this?
also had the 1978 and 1979 team poster calendars in my room and just remember marveling at Willie Teal’s hair. dude was badass too.
I was thrilled to get that calendar and think about giving it to one of my kids today. Dad what the hell is this?
Posted on 12/22/25 at 5:05 pm to I-59 Tiger
first LSU game that I can remember watching, I was 6
Posted on 12/22/25 at 5:17 pm to Red Stick Tigress
Also there for every home game in the student section, lady. Brought a flask of bourbon to each one as no one at the gates seemed to care.
The USC game noise still rings in my ears…
The USC game noise still rings in my ears…
This post was edited on 12/22/25 at 5:26 pm
Posted on 12/22/25 at 5:23 pm to I-59 Tiger
Charlie was a great friend of my grandfather’s. I have many pieces of LSU memorabilia from the 50’s, 60’s, and 70’s that were given to my grandfather and grandmother by him.
Including a game worn helmet from that 1970 season that Charlie had turned into a lamp. Not only does it still work, it’s in great condition and can be seen proudly displayed at one of my cigar stores
Including a game worn helmet from that 1970 season that Charlie had turned into a lamp. Not only does it still work, it’s in great condition and can be seen proudly displayed at one of my cigar stores
Posted on 12/22/25 at 5:36 pm to I-59 Tiger
Posted on 12/22/25 at 5:42 pm to I-59 Tiger
My final game in TGBFTL. Great trip for a poor college student, marched in the morning parade at Disney and got free run of the park afterwards. The GG’s were out of my league, but the flag girls were more than willing to enjoy the trip. 
I grew up around the corner from Mac, he lived in a very modest home compared to those that came after. His wife was quite the Belle, and his son Scott was a tank in our neighborhood tackle football games.
Simpler times.
I grew up around the corner from Mac, he lived in a very modest home compared to those that came after. His wife was quite the Belle, and his son Scott was a tank in our neighborhood tackle football games.
Simpler times.
Posted on 12/22/25 at 5:45 pm to I-59 Tiger
I remember watching this game as a kid.
Posted on 12/22/25 at 6:35 pm to lurking
Lurking, where are your tobacconist stores, baw?
Posted on 12/22/25 at 6:44 pm to Missouri Waltz
Me too. I remember walking out and hearing LSU LSU!
Posted on 12/22/25 at 6:46 pm to I-59 Tiger
My junior year in TS. USC game was incredible, my first date with my girlfriend (now my wife of 44 years) was at Alabama game. She sat with me the entire game in the pouring rain with only garbage bags for panchos. Yeah, she was a keeper!! Help Mac pack was the chant to try a new approach. So sad that Bo Rein didn’t get to coach here. Great memories and why I love LSU!!
Posted on 12/22/25 at 6:47 pm to RedPop4
Cholly Mac will always be fondly remembered. I attended LSU in mid to late 70s and saw some great battles.
Posted on 12/22/25 at 6:49 pm to lurking
Very cool
Posted on 12/22/25 at 6:51 pm to I-59 Tiger
Watched that game on tv but listened to most of them via radio. Coach Mac was an LSU legend. One of the best.
Posted on 12/22/25 at 6:52 pm to RedPop4
I don’t want to get too specific, but NC.
Posted on 12/22/25 at 6:56 pm to I-59 Tiger
Played 2 number 1 teams Alabama lost 3-0 and USC we all know how that ended.
Posted on 12/22/25 at 6:58 pm to I-59 Tiger
I remember it like it was yesterday. I was negative 6 years old...
Posted on 12/22/25 at 7:32 pm to southsidedell
ChollyMac represented LSU with honor 
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