LSU Coach Brian Kelly Slams Table After ‘Unacceptable’ Loss to USC

Following yet another disappointing season opener, LSU head coach Brian Kelly expressed his frustration in no uncertain terms. The coach was visibly upset after his team’s 27-20 loss to USC during the Vegas Kickoff Classic on Sunday.

In the postgame press conference, Kelly’s irritation was palpable as he slammed his fist on the table, almost toppling his water bottle. “We’re sitting here again … we’re sitting here again,” he exclaimed, underscoring his displeasure. “We’re talking about the same things, about not finishing when you have an opponent in a position to put ’em away.”

Ranked No. 12 in the preseason US LBM Coaches Poll, LSU held a four-point lead with under six minutes remaining. However, they allowed the unranked Trojans, ranked No. 23, to drive down the field in the last two minutes, ultimately leading to the game-winning touchdown.

Kelly admitted that this was the most dissatisfied he has felt in his three years coaching LSU. “I’m so angry about it that I’ve got to do something about it,” he stated. “I’m not doing a good enough job as a coach. I’ve got to coach ’em better because it’s unacceptable for us not to have found a way to win this football game. It’s ridiculous.”

This loss marks a significant point for the Tigers, who have now lost their opening game for five consecutive seasons. The frustration was not just about the loss itself but also the circumstances surrounding it. A crucial moment came when LSU’s safety, Jardin Gilbert, committed a 15-yard targeting penalty that advanced USC to the Tigers’ 13-yard line. On the very next play, USC’s Woody Marks ran 13 yards into the end zone, breaking a 20-20 deadlock and securing the win for the Trojans.

Kelly’s reaction reflects a deeper concern within the program. The inability to finish games has become a recurring theme for the Tigers, and this latest defeat only intensifies the scrutiny surrounding the team. The coach’s stern words highlight the urgency for improvement, not just from the players but also from himself as their leader.

The loyal LSU fanbase will undoubtedly be looking for signs of progress in the coming weeks. With each opener lost, the pressure grows on Kelly to turn the program around. After a hard-fought game that slipped through their fingers, the players and coaching staff have critical lessons to learn. It will be interesting to see how LSU responds to this setback in the weeks ahead.

This game exemplified the razor-thin margins that often define college football contests. While the Tigers showcased moments of promise, the finish left much to be desired. Fans will be hoping that Kelly’s anger translates into tangible improvements as the season progresses.

The home opener is fast approaching, and a sense of urgency permeates the air. Will LSU be able to shake off this disappointing start and gain momentum? Only time will tell, but for now, Kelly’s determination to address the team’s shortcomings must translate into more focused practices and a winning mindset.

With eyes on the future, the focus must shift towards preparation and execution. LSU has the talent, but as the saying goes, potential means nothing without performance. As they gear up for their next challenge, all eyes will be on how the team, and Coach Kelly, respond to this painful lesson learned in Las Vegas.

Source: USA Today