In a game that left many LSU Tigers fans frustrated and disappointed, the team suffered a heartbreaking loss to USC, with a final score of 27-20. This season opener, held in Las Vegas, was supposed to be a strong start for LSU, ranked No. 13, against No. 23 USC. But despite moments of promise, the Tigers fell short, and the aftermath has been filled with questions and criticism, especially from their head coach, Brian Kelly.
The Build-Up and the Collapse
The game started with LSU showing signs of potential dominance. They moved the ball well, and their first drive covered 74 yards on 13 plays, consuming over seven minutes of the clock. However, this promising start ended with no points on the board. This missed opportunity was an early indication of the struggles that would continue throughout the game.
Throughout the first half, LSU found themselves trailing, but they managed to take the lead twice in the third quarter. At one point, they held a four-point lead with just under six minutes left in the game. It looked like LSU was in a strong position to secure a victory. But instead of finishing strong, the team faltered. USC capitalized on LSU’s mistakes, including costly penalties and a lack of effective ground game, to mount a comeback.
Brian Kelly’s Frustration
After the game, LSU’s head coach, Brian Kelly, did not hold back his frustration. In a post-game press conference, Kelly slammed his fist on the table, a rare public display of anger that underscored just how upset he was with his team’s performance. Kelly’s outburst was a reflection of his disappointment not just in the loss itself, but in how the loss happened.
“We had some guys play their butts off tonight, and we’re sitting here again, talking about the same things!” Kelly exclaimed. His frustration was palpable as he talked about the team’s inability to finish the game. He pointed out that despite being in a position to win, the team seemed to think the game was already in the bag, which led to complacency.
Kelly was particularly critical of what he called the team’s lack of a “killer instinct.” This was the first time during his time at LSU that he felt this angry with his team. He acknowledged that this wasn’t just about the players but also about his own coaching. “I’ve got to coach them better because it’s unacceptable for us not to have found a way to win this football game. It’s ridiculous. It’s crazy,” he said.
What Went Wrong for LSU?
Several factors contributed to LSU’s loss. Despite racking up 421 yards of offense and controlling the time of possession by six minutes, they failed to convert these advantages into a win. One of the biggest issues was the team’s inability to capitalize on scoring opportunities. Their opening drive, for example, ended with no points despite its promise.
Another major problem was penalties. LSU had 10 penalties for 99 yards, compared to USC’s six. These penalties often came at crucial moments, hampering the Tigers’ ability to maintain momentum. For example, during USC’s game-winning drive, a targeting penalty on LSU put USC in a favorable position inside the red zone, allowing them to score the decisive touchdown with just eight seconds left.
The ground game was also a significant issue. Earlier in the week, LSU offensive lineman Will Campbell had confidently stated that the Tigers would run the ball effectively against USC. However, by the end of the game, LSU had only managed 117 yards on the ground. This forced the team to rely more on quarterback Garrett Nussmeier, who had a solid game, throwing for over 300 yards and two touchdowns. But after LSU took the lead in the third quarter, the offense stalled, and they couldn’t put together the drives needed to seal the victory.
On top of these issues, LSU struggled on third downs, converting only five of 13 opportunities. This inability to sustain drives put additional pressure on their defense, which, despite playing well for much of the game, couldn’t hold off USC’s offense in the final moments.
The Implications of the Loss
This loss has significant implications for LSU. Starting the season with a loss, especially in a game they were expected to win, puts the team in a difficult position. It raises questions about their ability to perform under pressure and whether they can contend for a top spot this season.
Brian Kelly’s public frustration suggests that changes may be coming, both in terms of how the team is coached and how they approach games. He emphasized the need to eliminate “foolish mistakes” and develop a mentality that doesn’t let up when the team is ahead. This loss could serve as a wake-up call for the players and coaching staff alike, forcing them to address these issues head-on.
As for where LSU sees themselves after this loss, it’s clear that the team needs to regroup quickly. They will need to learn from this game, particularly in how they handle themselves when they have a lead. If they can address the issues that plagued them against USC, there’s still time to turn the season around. However, if these problems persist, it could be a long and challenging season for the Tigers.
Conclusion
The loss to USC was a tough pill to swallow for LSU and its fans. Despite moments of promise, the Tigers’ inability to finish strong, combined with penalties, a struggling ground game, and a lack of killer instinct, led to a disappointing outcome. Brian Kelly’s anger and frustration highlight just how unacceptable this loss was for a team with high expectations. Moving forward, LSU will need to address these issues if they hope to compete at the highest level this season. This game will likely be a defining moment for the team, serving either as a catalyst for improvement or as a sign of deeper issues that need to be resolved.
Labor Day Special Discount
The Best Fresh Baked Cookie Assortment Gift Box filled with Chocolate Chip-Oatmeal Raisin-Peanut Butter-Cranberry White Chip.
Features:
- Absolutely Fresh Items
- Organic Gluten Free Stroopwafels
- Caramel Filled Inside
- Wheat Free, Kosher
- Nut Free
- Filled with Oatmeal and Raisin
- Peanut Butter-Cranberry White Chip
- Tastes Really Great
Dulcet Gift Baskets Classic Bakery Gift Box- Traditional Black and white Cookies, Fudge Brownies, Assorted Rugelah.
Features:
- Fresh Items Available
- Contains Black and White Cookies
- Assorted Brownies
- Assorted Rugelah
- Tastes Really Great
Labor Day Special Discount on Amazon – Valid for Today – Go Grab it!!!
Amazon’s Labor Day Sale is here, offering incredible discounts on a wide range of electronics. This offer is only for U.S. citizens and is valid for Today. From the latest smartphones and laptops to top-tier home entertainment systems, this is the perfect time to upgrade your gadgets. Don’t miss out on limited-time deals with eye-catching prices that make these offers too good to resist. Whether you’re looking for new tech or stocking up on accessories, Amazon’s Labor Day Sale has something for everyone.
Hurry - Buy this now or Pay More - Get Huge Discounts
JBL Tune Flex – True Wireless Noise Cancelling Earbuds (Black), Small) – Huge Discount
Buy on Amazon-Pay $49 – 50% Discount
Bose QuietComfort Bluetooth Headphones, Wireless Headphones, Over Ear Noise Cancelling Headphones with Mic, Up To 24 Hours of Battery Life, White Smoke – Discounted Rate
Buy on Amazon – Save $43.00 (72%)
Massage Gun, Muscle Massage Gun for Athletes Handheld Electric Deep Tissue Back Massager, Percussion Massage Device for Pain Relief with 30 Speed Levels 9 Heads
Amazon Echo Dot (5th Gen, 2022 release) | With bigger vibrant sound, helpful routines and Alexa | Glacier White
SAMSUNG Galaxy Tab S6 Lite (2024) 10.4″ 64GB WiFi Android Tablet, S Pen Included, Gaming Ready, Long Battery Life, Slim Metal Design, Expandable Storage, US Version, Mint, Amazon Exclusive
JBL TUNE 770NC – Adaptive Noise Cancelling with Smart Ambient Wireless Over-Ear Headphones, Bluetooth 5.3, Up to 70H battery life with speed charge, Lightweight, comfortable & foldable design (Blue)
Upgraded 3-in-1 Car Phone Holder Mount [Powerful Suction] Phone Mount for Car Dashboard Air Vent Windshield,for All iPhone Android Phone (Black)
Bluetooth Speaker with HD Sound, Portable Wireless, IPX5 Waterproof, Up to 24H Playtime, TWS Pairing, BT5.3, for Home/Party/Outdoor/Beach, Electronic Gadgets, Birthday Gift (Black)
All selected products from Amazon having huge Discounts. Offer Valid for Today!!!
2 thoughts on “Miller Moss and USC stun LSU – Kelly Furious on Football Team”