Following a frustrating 27-20 loss to USC in the Vegas Kickoff Classic, LSU head coach Brian Kelly didn’t hold back his anger. In a tense postgame press conference, Kelly’s frustration was palpable as he pounded the table, nearly knocking over his water bottle. “We’re sitting here again… we’re sitting here again,” he vented, emphasizing the team’s repeated failure to finish games when they have the chance to secure a win.
LSU coach Brian Kelly slams fist on table after ‘ridiculous’ loss to USC: ‘It’s unacceptable’ #Karma #LetsGoIrish https://t.co/H9NudeUR4G
— Marmee (@Marmee60) September 2, 2024
Despite being ranked No. 12 in the preseason US LBM Coaches Poll, LSU couldn’t maintain their four-point lead with less than six minutes remaining, allowing the No. 23 Trojans to drive down the field and score the decisive touchdown in the final two minutes. This marked the third consecutive season opener loss for Kelly since he became LSU’s head coach, a streak that has left him visibly displeased.
“This is the first time in three years that I’ve been this angry with my team,” Kelly admitted. “I have to do something about it. I’m not doing a good enough job as a coach. It’s unacceptable for us not to have found a way to win this football game. It’s ridiculous.”
Brian Kelly slams table while discussing LSU’s loss to USC – via @ESPN App. This man knows he’s on the hot seat https://t.co/MAGmjftDW0
— Tyler Harrison (@CarolinaCSTalk) September 2, 2024
The loss extends LSU’s unfortunate streak of season-opening defeats, making it five years in a row that the Tigers have started their season with a loss. The game’s closing moments were particularly frustrating for Kelly and the LSU team. A crucial 15-yard targeting penalty on LSU safety Jardin Gilbert moved the ball to the Tigers’ 13-yard line, setting up USC’s Woody Marks to run 13 yards into the end zone on the next play, breaking a 20-20 tie and securing the win for the Trojans.
Key Points:
i. Frustrated LSU Coach: Brian Kelly expressed his frustration after LSU’s 27-20 loss to USC, emphasizing the team’s inability to close out games.
ii. Repeated Failures: LSU, ranked No. 12, lost the lead late in the game, allowing USC to score a game-winning touchdown in the final minutes.
iii. Kelly’s Anger: Kelly, visibly angry, took responsibility for the loss, stating he needed to coach better as it was unacceptable not to secure the win.
iv. Ongoing Streak: The defeat marked LSU’s third straight season opener loss under Kelly and the fifth consecutive season-opening loss for the team.
v. Crucial Penalty: A 15-yard targeting penalty on LSU set up USC’s game-winning touchdown, sealing the Trojans’ victory in the Vegas Kickoff Classic.
Al Santana – Reprinted with permission of Whatfinger News
