LSU head coach Brian Kelly didn’t mince words after his team’s 45-24 loss to Florida State on Sunday night, labeling it “a total failure.” The No. 5 Tigers entered halftime with a lead but allowed the No. 8 Seminoles to score 31 unanswered points in the second half. This article explores Kelly’s candid assessment of the game and LSU’s need to bounce back.
A Second-Half Collapse:
Despite holding a 17-14 halftime lead, LSU couldn’t contain Florida State in the second half. The Seminoles, led by quarterback Jordan Travis and wide receiver Keon Coleman, surged ahead with 31 consecutive points. The loss marked LSU’s largest defeat as a ranked team in a season opener since the inception of the AP poll era in 1936.
Acknowledging Failure:
Coach Kelly didn’t shy away from taking responsibility for the team’s performance. He stated, “This is a total failure from a coaching standpoint and a player standpoint that we have to obviously address and we have to own.” Kelly recognized that adversity is an inherent part of the game and emphasized the need for his team to respond effectively.
Missed Opportunities:
LSU had several opportunities in the first half to build a substantial lead but failed to capitalize on them. Notably, they were unable to convert on fourth downs from the 1-yard line. Despite amassing yardage, the inability to convert crucial plays hampered their momentum.
Playing a Full Game:
Kelly stressed the importance of playing with intensity and determination for all four quarters of the game. He acknowledged that the team appeared to lose focus in the second half and emphasized the need to maintain a winning mentality throughout the game.
Rallying and Responding:
Looking ahead, Coach Kelly expressed confidence in his players and coaching staff’s ability to bounce back from the disappointing loss. He emphasized that the choices the team makes in response to this setback will define their character and trajectory moving forward.
LSU’s loss to Florida State was a bitter disappointment for the team and its supporters. Coach Brian Kelly’s candid assessment and commitment to addressing the issues will be crucial as the Tigers seek to rebound from this early-season setback. The choices they make in the aftermath of this loss will determine their path in the upcoming games.
