Brian Kelly watches LSU get bullied into submission in season-defining loss to Vanderbilt
In a matchup where LSU was a road underdog against Vanderbilt and dealing with more injuries to some of their star players, the Tigers had the opportunity to deliver a strong message to doubters and SEC contenders. Instead of enduring a spirited effort and predictably dynamic performance from Vandy quarterback Diego Pavia, Brian Kelly’s Tigers […]
In a matchup where LSU was a road underdog against Vanderbilt and dealing with more injuries to some of their star players, the Tigers had the opportunity to deliver a strong message to doubters and SEC contenders. Instead of enduring a spirited effort and predictably dynamic performance from Vandy quarterback Diego Pavia, Brian Kelly’s Tigers were bulldozed.
Vanderbilt outlasted and pulled away late in a 31-24 victory, and LSU failed to deliver a game-tying touchdown drive with more than two minutes on its final drive. Quarterback Garrett Nussmeier played well despite still showing signs of his oblique strain, but LSU couldn’t give him a clean pocket or run game, and the defense reverted to its unreliable tendencies.
Kelly’s career at LSU and Notre Dame has been filled with these moments where his program falls short of its ceiling. To make matters worse than dropping to 5-2 on the season and 2-2 in the SEC was how the Tigers lost.
LSU’s season is on the ropes after loss to Vanderbilt
There were some positives for LSU despite a loss that most saw coming. Tight end Trey’Dez Green continues to evolve into a superstar as he caught five passes for 74 yards and a touchdown. Nussmeier played relatively well despite being hit throughout the day. A.J. Haulcy, West Weeks, and Davhon Keys had some nice moments on defense.
But Pavia continued to move the chains and gash the defense when they needed it most. He torched LSU for 86 rushing yards and two scores, and was an efficient 14-of-22 for 160 yards with one touchdown through the air. It didn’t come as difficult for Vandy as they battered the LSU front before mixing in some quarterback runs.
LSU got caught up in the offensive display, giving Caden Durham and Harlem Berry only 18 carries for 114 yards despite their effectiveness. Kelly took the bait of getting into an offensive shootout, and LSU simply hasn’t been equipped to win those battles this year. Dropped passes and continued pressure on Nussmeier nuked LSU’s unbalanced gameplan.
Now, the Tigers will sit closer to the bottom of the top 25 rankings than the top, and they’ll face No. 4 Texas A&M next week. Kelly should be feeling the heat after another disappointing outing in a big game. Once again, his team was less clutch, organized, and disciplined.
James Franklin’s recent firing was a good reminder that the money from boosters will stop flowing if faith is lost, and we may be only a few weeks away from LSU reaching that same conclusion as Penn State did. Next week’s monstrous matchup will ultimately make-or-break the Tigers’ quest for the College Football Playoff.
