re: Why Is LSU's Defense Called The Chinese Bandits?

quote:

---

I know. I was trying to be nice.

---

That is like a white Rhino on this forum!

And yes that is the Rice yell.

THE STORY OF THE LSU CHINESE BANDITS

Back in 1958, Paul Dietzel who was coach then had a problem. He had a lot of talent, especially in the backfield. Back then, substitution rules were very different. There was a new substitution rule that allowed any player -- not just starters -- to come off the field and go back in again once each quarter. The rule stopped short of permitting a return to two-platoon football, so Dietzel went with the next best thing—three platoons: a two-way unit of his best players, an offensive second team, and a defensive second team. If a player came out, he could not go back in for a while. So, most teams would platoon players in, eleven at a time. The first string would go both ways, offense and defense, the second string was offense only, and the third string was defense only. In the first few games, when LSU was leading by quite a few points, the 3rd string would go in on defense. Now, it was not that the 3rd string was not good, on most teams, they would be starters. Well, they would smother the offense of the other team. A lot of the defense was made up of big fast backs. They were the defensive ends, and line backers mostly. And even the defensive line was very fast. Very seldom would you see a single player making a tackle, it was usually gang tackling. And, since they were still third string, they played with the idea of moving up, so I think they played with more heart.

Anyway, after one game, the reporters were commenting and asking questions to coach Paul. He made the comment that they played like a bunch of Chinese Bandits. Now, a very popular comic strip back then was "Terry and the Pirates". He was always in conflict with, what else, Chinese bandits.

Folklore said that Chinese bandits attacked and plundered with that same reckless abandon. The defensive subs were known as the "Chinese Bandits" and their inspired play (they didn't give up a touchdown all season) symbolized LSU's remarkable 11-0 campaign. The Tigers reached No.1 the seventh week of the season and went on to win their first Sugar Bowl in five tries.

The name stuck, thanks to the reporters. So, the first string was the "White team", the second string became the "Go team" and the third string became the "Chinese Bandits". The "Bandits" were getting more press than just about anyone else. It was sealed when "Sports Illustrated" did an article on them. In those days they would always list minutes each kid played in a game and seldom did any member of the Bandits play more than 10 minutes.

This is awesome.

Interesting Story: Origin of the Chinese Bandits
September 27, 1958: Bear Bryant's first game as Alabama head coach – in Mobile against LSU. Early in the game, Bama's Duff Morrison plucked a Billy Cannon fumble out of the air and rambled 45 yards to the LSU 5. Tiger coach Paul Dietzel waved in an entire new team of defensive specialists. The group of five juniors and six sophomores held the Tide to one yard in three plays, forcing a field goal. LSU went on to win 13-3 for its second victory in what became a 10-0 national championship season.

After the game, Dietzel referred to his defensive unit for the first time publicly as the "Chinese Bandits," a term from his favorite comic strip, "Terry and the Pirates." He had actually used the monicker for the defensive unit at Cincinnati in 1950 while coaching under Sid Gillman. However, the name didn't catch the nation's attention until LSU won game after game in 1958.

The Bandits were one of three platoons Dietzel employed to fit the new NCAA substitution rules. A player in the game at the beginning of a quarter could return only once during that quarter, and a player not in the game at the start of the quarter could not come back until the next quarter. Pepsodent Paul put his best two-way athletes on the White Team. The Go Team were offensive specialists while the Bandits concentrated on defense. The added depth wore down opponents throughout the season.

The Bandits scored one offensive TD that year. With the score tied 6-6 against Duke, DE Gaynell Kinchen (whose two sons later played for LSU) recovered a fumble at the Blue Devil2. Dietzel kept the Go Team on the sidelines and let the Bandits, who knew a few offensive plays in case the substitution rules forced them to stay on the field after a change of possession, score the go-ahead TD.

After LSU ascended to #1 in the AP Poll, Life magazine did an article on the Bayou Bengals. It did not feature star RB Billy Cannon or any other White team player. Instead, it focused on the Chinese Bandits. Called the "best third team in football," the undersized but quick unit specialized in Gang Tackling. For the season, opponents gained only 0.9 yard per play against them!

The Tiger Stadium P.A. announcer would shout "Here come the Chinese Bandits!" when they entered games. This undoubtedly started the tradition whereby Tiger fans yell loudly and spur on the defense. The Golden Band from Tigerland still plays the Chinese war chant (actually written by a Memphis DJ) whenever the defense leaves the field after a stop.

That's some good stuff

quote:

---

Yeah, but it's not as bad as dressing up a mascot.

---

I am not here to judge, just here to learn. Almost every major southern university has a checkered past with this kind of stuff.

Awesome extra info on Ole Miss, thank you!



Let this thread be proof the Rant works sometimes.