During Hodson's sophomore season (1987), he led LSU to its first AP Top 5 finish since 1961. Major victories included No. 6 LSU's 17–3 victory at No. 15 Texas A&M, No. 9 LSU's 34–9 victory at Tennessee (LSU's first win ever at Neyland Stadium), No. 4 LSU's 13–13 tie with No. 7 Ohio State, No. 7 LSU's 13–10 victory over No. 19 Florida, No. 7 LSU's 26–23 victory at No. 16 Georgia, and No. 7 LSU's 30–13 victory over No. 8 South Carolina in the Gator Bowl.