Brian Kelly gives two-word answer as to why this LSU Tigers team won’t succumb to old habits and familiar letdowns
The LSU Tigers continue to ride high after beating the Clemson Tigers on the road in Week 1. Star quarterback Garrett Nussmeier is in the thick of Heisman Trophy discussions and head coach Brian Kelly is as boisterous as ever, snapping back at Dabo Swinney about how LSU played. Life is good in the bayou, […]
The LSU Tigers continue to ride high after beating the Clemson Tigers on the road in Week 1. Star quarterback Garrett Nussmeier is in the thick of Heisman Trophy discussions and head coach Brian Kelly is as boisterous as ever, snapping back at Dabo Swinney about how LSU played. Life is good in the bayou, and Kelly has a good explanation for what’s changed since past seasons.
Media members have gone so far as to call LSU the favorite in the SEC, a national title contender, and the best team in the country. They might be right, as a revamped defense that was built through the transfer portal has redefined LSU’s ceiling. If they can limit offenses to 10 points most weeks, this team is terrifying.
Kelly was asked recently what is different about this LSU team, and he quickly gave credit elsewhere.
Brian Kelly Addresses LSU Tigers’ Biggest Improvement
Kelly was asked on his teleconference on Thursday morning what the biggest difference is between this year’s team and his last three LSU teams in the season opener: “Better players,” he quipped.
There’s usually an angle or narrative that coaches are looking to push with responses like this, but Kelly is genuinely correct.
Familiar Tigers like Nussmeier, Caden Durham, and even Harold Perkins Jr. were great. The unknown of a defense that was pieced together through the portal was a looming factor for this matchup. In review, they defined this game and proved the Tigers are National Championship-worthy.
We don’t need advanced stats and grading to prove the premise, as we all watched the game. However, they do reinforce just how effective several of the seven new additions played. In fact, four of PFF’s top five LSU defensive grades were from the portal: Mansoor Delane, Patrick Payton, Bernard Gooden, and A.J. Haulcy.
Delane paired with five-star freshman DJ Pickett and sophomore PJ Woodland for an excellent display from the cornerbacks. Delane allowed only one reception on eight targets for 21 yards. Pickett didn’t give up a completion, and Woodland gave up only 37 yards on three catches.
Haulcy, a safety added from Houston, split time between the slot and free safety spots, and was one of the team’s best tacklers. Payton and Gooden dominated the Clemson offensive line, opening opportunities for Perkins and Whit Weeks to rush through open lanes.
The 17-10 victory set the expectation for what LSU can accomplish this season. The passing game was efficient despite going up against two elite defensive linemen. The defense withstood an up-and-coming offense that appeared title-worthy. That’s a massive statement win for Kelly and company as they seek out a College Football Playoff berth.
