Week 1 in college football is usually a time for teams to shake off the rust, give young players some game reps, and hopefully secure a win to start the season. However, for LSU’s Brian Kelly, Week 1 has turned into an annual struggle that leaves him frustrated and seeking answers.
Late Sunday night at Allegiant Stadium, Kelly faced the media after a heartbreaking 27-20 loss to No. 23 USC, marking his third consecutive season-opening defeat at a neutral site. The usually composed coach did not hold back in expressing his anger and disappointment at the outcome. Blaming costly penalties and the team’s inability to close out the game, Kelly’s frustration boiled over as he vowed to do better as a coach.
Despite a strong effort from his team, including a solid performance from quarterback Garrett Nussmeier, the Tigers fell short in the final moments, allowing USC to claim victory with a late touchdown. Kelly’s post-game comments revealed his deep disappointment in the team’s inability to maintain a killer instinct and finish off their opponents when in a winning position.
This early-season setback has become a familiar theme for Kelly, who has struggled to get his teams to deliver in crucial moments. While there were signs of improvement, particularly on defense, Kelly knows that there is work to be done to eliminate costly mistakes and instill a winning mentality in his players.
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Looking ahead, Kelly knows that his team must learn from this defeat and grow stronger as the season progresses. His fiery post-game remarks serve as a wake-up call to his players, urging them to elevate their performance and show the resilience needed to compete at the highest level.
While the loss stings, it also presents an opportunity for LSU to regroup, refocus, and come back stronger in the games to come. With the talent and determination within the team, there is no doubt that they can turn this early-season disappointment into a rallying point for the rest of the season.
(Photo: Candice Ward / Getty Images)
