While the LSU Tigers lost all chances of a potential College Football Playoff with their latest loss to Texas A&M, head coach Brian Kelly and company had a chance to secure an SEC Championship with a big win over Georgia on Saturday.
Things certainly did not go to plan for Kelly and the Tigers, appearing overmatched for much of the game in a blowout 50-30 loss.
Georgia quarterback Stetson Bennett was able to largely get whatever he wanted offensively, recording four touchdown passes in the game, all of which came in the first half.
The Bennett/Bowers connection strikes again for the Bulldogs. pic.twitter.com/utDetMGV2n
— CBS Sports (@CBSSports) December 3, 2022
@GeorgiaFootball TD!!! The @UGAAthletics Go Up 21-7 On The @StetsonIv Touchdown Pass To @universityofga WR @laddmcconkey02…#GoDawgs
🔴⚫️🐾🐾🐾🏈🏈🏈#SECChampionship #BeatLSU#GeorgiaBulldogs#GeorgiaFootball pic.twitter.com/R0cnVmV49Z— Dawgs On Demand (@ugafbnews) December 3, 2022
Stetson Bennett is having fun.
Judging by Brian Kelly's reaction, don't think he is. pic.twitter.com/b507ue5ueg
— CBS Sports (@CBSSports) December 3, 2022
@GeorgiaFootball TD!!! @UGAAthletics QB @StetsonIv Touchdown Pass To @universityofga WR @dillonbell6_…Dawgs On Top 35-10 At The Half…#GoDawgs
🔴⚫🐾🐾🐾🏈🏈🏈#SECChampionship#BeatLSU#GeorgiaFootball#GeorgiaBulldogs pic.twitter.com/n66fMZAsgY— Dawgs On Demand (@ugafbnews) December 3, 2022
On the offensive side of the ball, LSU struggled with turnovers for much of the game, and for the most part, had issues despite scoring some garbage-time points while the game was well in hand for Georgia.
CRAZY OFF-THE-HELMET INT FOR GEORGIA! 🏈🏆 pic.twitter.com/GBOpt0rsyT
— The Comeback (@thecomeback) December 3, 2022
Jalen Carter is ridiculous! 🏈💪 pic.twitter.com/9QyR4IXL21
— The Comeback (@thecomeback) December 3, 2022
It was ultimately a domination by Georgia, which has led to some criticism toward Brian Kelly on social media. Many are saying that he was thoroughly out-coached by Georgia head coach Kirby Smart.
Kirby Smart is baptizing Brian Kelly tonight. #GoDawgs
— Dan Cohen (@DanRCohen14) December 4, 2022
Georgia going for 2 up 25
Kirby letting Brian Kelly know who runs the SEC
— Football (@BostonConnr) December 4, 2022
Dog, shotgun handoff against Georgia on fourth down?
This is Brian Kelly’s playcalling?
— Brett Alper (@TheRealAlper) December 3, 2022
Brian Kelly, you’re an idiot
— Stuckey (@Stuckey2) December 3, 2022
Brian Kelly practicing his southern accent to distract people from this atrocious performance by LSU pic.twitter.com/vlIXwFtHdx
— BetMGM 🦁 (@BetMGM) December 3, 2022
Brian Kelly right now😬 pic.twitter.com/CO88RUBhZ8
— CBS Sports HQ (@CBSSportsHQ) December 3, 2022
It is certainly a tough ask for anyone to look good against this Georgia team, which looks destined to be the No.1 ranked team in the upcoming College Football Playoff.
That being said, while LSU came out extremely flat in the first half, the Tigers had a chance to take an early lead. That failed when Georgia blocked a field goal. The Bulldogs then took an early lead themselves on one of the greatest mental errors we’ve seen in a while.
GEORGIA BLOCKED FG TD RETURN! 🏈🏆 pic.twitter.com/xk3vgeyb7k
— The Comeback (@thecomeback) December 3, 2022
Much of that blame certainly has to land on the head coach.
LSU undoubtedly had some bright spots to their season, highlighted by an upset win over Alabama earlier this year.
Regardless, Kirby Smart and Georgia showed that they are a class above everyone else in the SEC.
Brian Kelly will undoubtedly need to make some adjustments if he wants to someday fulfill the high expectations that come with being the head coach at LSU.
[CBS Sports on Twitter, The Comeback on Twitter]
