For the third-straight season, a Brian Kelly-coached team opened its season playing Florida State. And things are not trending in the right direction.
Kelly’s Notre Dame blew a big lead but ultimately prevailed over the Seminoles in 2021’s opener. In 2022, Kelly’s first game as LSU’s coach went poorly, as a botched extra-point attempt led to the Tigers losing by a point. But the ugly win and even frustrating loss look a lot better than what happened on Sunday.
While things were bumpy at times, the Tigers carried a 17-14 lead into the locker room at halftime. But the second half was all Seminoles. Florida State took the lead late in the third quarter, then scored three touchdowns in the fourth quarter. LSU scored the final touchdown of the game, breaking what was a second-half shutout. But the Seminoles still came away with a decisive 45-24 win over Kelly and the Tigers.
Final from Orlando pic.twitter.com/SWT3vpGAVg
— LSU Football (@LSUfootball) September 4, 2023
Kelly was slammed for another poor showing in a big game against a top team, especially given that LSU was winning at halftime.
what was Brian Kelly’s halftime speech? pic.twitter.com/3H7GPe5xYn
— Warren Sharp (@SharpFootball) September 4, 2023
The Brian Kelly struggle face pic.twitter.com/mS43SYS5X3
— CJ Fogler account may or may not be notable (@cjzero) September 4, 2023
Damn. Brian Kelly out here predicting the future pic.twitter.com/686OCHc4IH
— Courtney McKinney (@CourtAnne1225) September 4, 2023
LSU was doomed from the start in this era when Brian Kelly went with the fake southern accent, never ever forget pic.twitter.com/bHh0sX6EUh
— Alex Micheletti (@AlexMicheletti) September 4, 2023
Brian Kelly breaking out another accent when he is introduced as the new Head Coach at Rutgers in a few years. pic.twitter.com/YysTJfQYfE
— TheOGfantasyfootball (@TheOGfantasy) September 4, 2023
Brian Kelly and LSU fall to 0-1. Tigers getting embarrassed by an ACC school!!!
— Here Come The Irish (@herecometheiris) September 4, 2023
Brian Kelly’s Non-Existent Halftime Adjustments in Big Games is glaring and undeniable.
Florida State has outscored LSU 31-0 in the second half. THIRTY ONE TO ZERO. (Before the garbage time TD pass)
Unbelievable performance from FSU tonight, Norvell earned Big-Time Respect 🔥 pic.twitter.com/qK22Ah62qc
— College Football Report (@CFBRep) September 4, 2023
Brian Kelly on the sideline right now:#GeauxTigers | #GoNoles pic.twitter.com/1lYZgzKiIw
— FanDuel (@FanDuel) September 4, 2023
As a College Football fan, there’s nothing better than seeing a defeated Brian Kelly pic.twitter.com/qKt1ZJ2omE
— JJ Gruden (@TakingThePoint5) September 4, 2023
LSU’s loss is even worse when we remember what Kelly said only days before the game. The coach did clarify that LSU is young and inexperienced in some places. That, however, did nothing to dull his confidence, as he bluntly said, “We’re going to beat the heck out of Florida State.”
Kelly and the Tigers will look to bounce back against Grambling next week before starting the SEC schedule against Mississippi State on Sept. 16.