For the second consecutive week, LSU suffered a tough loss, this time at the hands of Florida, in what many deemed a winnable game. The Tigers struggled to contain Florida’s dynamic quarterback, DJ Lagway, a mobile playmaker who took advantage of LSU’s defensive vulnerabilities. This defeat, coupled with last week’s blowout loss to Alabama, underscores a troubling pattern for LSU under Brian Kelly’s leadership: the inability to stop mobile quarterbacks and secure wins in critical matchups.
Lagway didn’t replicate the eye-popping performance of Alabama’s Jalen Milroe, who rushed for over 190 yards and four touchdowns against LSU. Still, he made key plays that ultimately sealed Florida’s victory. Now sitting at 6-4, LSU is effectively eliminated from SEC Championship and College Football Playoff contention, reducing their season goals to bowl eligibility—a disappointing reality for a program with LSU’s storied expectations.
The SEC Reality Check for Brian Kelly
Brian Kelly’s transition from Notre Dame to the SEC was supposed to mark a new era for LSU, but the results have fallen short of expectations so far. At Notre Dame, Kelly excelled with a less rigorous schedule, avoiding weekly clashes against NFL-level talent like Alabama, Georgia, and Florida. While Notre Dame could secure playoff berths by dominating a relatively soft schedule, they often faltered on the big stage, suffering lopsided losses to elite competition.
Kelly came to LSU to recruit more elite talent without being restricted by Notre Dame’s stringent academic standards. The SEC, however, has proven to be an entirely different animal. Every week presents a gauntlet of formidable opponents, and even middle-tier SEC teams now have the resources to assemble competitive rosters, thanks to the impact of NIL and the transfer portal.
Recruiting vs. Reality
Although Kelly has brought talented players, LSU’s roster does not meet the SEC’s elite standards. NIL has reshaped college football, and while LSU has a competitive NIL budget, it hasn’t yielded the depth or impact players needed to compete with Alabama or Georgia consistently. Programs like Ohio State have effectively leveraged NIL to secure top-tier rosters, and Kelly may need to adopt a similar approach to restore LSU’s dominance.
While Kelly has prioritized building through a measured approach, focusing on developing talent over time, the current SEC landscape demands immediate results. Last season, despite boasting a championship-caliber offense, LSU’s lackluster defense and questionable coaching decisions exposed weaknesses that have persisted into 2024.
The Challenges Ahead
Even with a potentially historic recruiting class on the horizon—headlined by stars like Bryce Underwood and Harlan Berry—the transition from high school to SEC competition is steep. True freshmen, no matter how talented, rarely make an immediate impact in a league where seasoned players with NFL aspirations dominate. LSU’s reliance on transfers and portal additions has also fallen short. While the Tigers have brought in quality players, they lack the elite, game-changing talent necessary to contend with the SEC’s best. Kelly’s cautious NIL approach might need to evolve if LSU hopes to bridge the talent gap with programs like Georgia, Alabama, and Texas.
Coaching Questions and Systemic Issues
Kelly’s coaching decisions have also come under scrutiny. The absence of Mike Denbrock as offensive coordinator has hampered LSU’s offensive cohesion, and his replacement, Joe Sloan, has yet to deliver consistent results. Making changes to the coaching staff is risky, especially considering Sloan’s role in recruiting Underwood. LSU faces the challenge of balancing immediate improvements with long-term stability, particularly with key players like Underwood potentially entering the transfer portal if a change is made at offensive coordinator.
Additionally, LSU’s defense remains a glaring weakness. Despite facing top-tier offenses in the SEC, the Tigers’ inability to contain mobile quarterbacks and generate consistent stops highlights deficiencies in scheme and execution.
The SEC: A Different Ballgame
Unlike Notre Dame, where Kelly could dominate against teams like North Carolina, Army, and Navy, the SEC offers no such reprieve. Every opponent boasts NFL-level talent and depth, exposing LSU’s vulnerabilities weekly. This harsh reality forces Kelly to confront the league’s relentless competition and adapt his strategies accordingly.
At LSU, the stakes are higher than almost anywhere else in college football. A 9-3 record, which might be celebrated at other programs, is considered underwhelming in Baton Rouge. LSU fans and stakeholders demand championships, playoff appearances, and dominance—not merely bowl eligibility.
A Critical Crossroads for Brian Kelly
Brian Kelly’s tenure at LSU is at a pivotal moment. He must reassess his recruiting strategies, NIL approach, and coaching staff to compete at the level expected by the program’s passionate fanbase. Whether through securing elite transfer portal talent, refining defensive schemes, or embracing the modern realities of college football, Kelly must prove he can adapt to the SEC’s demands.
The 2024 season must be a wake-up call for Kelly and his staff. While this year’s disappointing results highlight the areas LSU must address to return to its championship-winning form. There is little margin for error in the SEC, and Kelly’s ability to rise to the challenge will determine whether LSU reclaims its place among college football’s elite—or remains mired in mediocrity.
This season will be remembered as a test of Brian Kelly’s ability to evolve and thrive in the nation’s most competitive conference. Can he meet LSU’s lofty expectations, or will the SEC continue to expose his shortcomings? The answers will shape the trajectory of both Kelly’s career and the program’s future.
