LSU Football Coach Brian Kelly had a hard time keeping his emotions down during his media availability Sunday night after USC was able to capitalize on what Kelly would characterize as a lack of discipline in a 27-20 loss.
Kelly hit his first ball on the table during his post-match press conference as he explained his frustrations with the team, which included several personal fouls that resulted in scoring opportunities for The Trojans and an offense that simply couldn't convert in the red zone.
LSU wide receiver Kyren Lacy, #2, attempts to fend off a tackle by Southern California cornerback Jaylin Smith during the first half of an NCAA college football game Sunday, Sept. 1, 2024, in Las Vegas. (AP Photo/Steve Marcus)
“We had some players that played really hard tonight, and we're sitting here again, we're sitting here again talking about the same things! About not finishing when you have an opponent in position to take them out, but what we're doing on the sidelines is feeling like the game is over,” shouted an animated Kelly.
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“I'm so angry about it that I have to do something about it. I'm not doing a good job as a coach and I have to coach them better because it's unacceptable that we haven't found a way to win this football game. It's ridiculous.”
LSU held a four-point lead in the third quarter, but USC managed to tie the game with two minutes left on the clock, enough time for Miller Moss to connect with Kyron Hudson to put the Trojans within field goal range.
However, LSU's Jardin Gilbert was penalized for targeting, putting the Trojans at the LSU 13-yard line and Woody Marks would run in for The winning score.
Southern California wide receiver Zachariah Branch, #1, avoids a tackle attempt by LSU linebacker Harold Perkins Jr., #7, during the first half of an NCAA college football game on Sunday, Sept. 1, 2024, in Las Vegas. (AP Photo/Steve Marcus)
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“I think this is the first time since I've been here that I've been pretty upset with our football team. Generally speaking, we didn't play a very complementary football… But what I'm more concerned about is the personal fouls. The fouls that are selfish. Both of those led to goals and they're undisciplined fouls,” Kelly said.
“We pride ourselves on running a disciplined program, but clearly we haven't done a good enough job there because it impacted the game.”
“We had a chance to beat this team, but we got complacent and made more mistakes when we were ahead instead of having better focus and a steely killer instinct, and that's disappointing.”
LSU head coach Brian Kelly, left, talks to referees during the first half of an NCAA college football game against Southern California on Sunday, Sept. 1, 2024, in Las Vegas. (AP Photo/Steve Marcus)
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The Tigers face an uphill battle this season. Sunday marked the third straight season-opening loss under coach Brian Kelly and fifth straight overall. LSU also had its four-game winning streak dating to last season snapped.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
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