LSU coach Brian Kelly shares frustration after ‘ridiculous’ loss to USC

LSU coach Brian Kelly shares frustration after ‘ridiculous’ loss to USC

Vaseline

Emotions ran high in Las Vegas on Sunday evening.

The USC Trojans held on to defeat the LSU Tigers when a final-minute touchdown run by transfer running back Woody Marks of 13 yards put the Trojans over LSU coach Brian Kelly’s Tigers in the final eight seconds. Kelly was not exactly pleased about suffering another defeat in the season opener.

“It’s the first time since I’ve been here that I’ve been really mad at our football team,” Kelly said. “We had some guys play their asses off tonight, and here we are again talking about the same things.”

Kelly pounded his fist on the press conference table during his tirade and went on to explain how LSU could have overcome USC’s last-minute drive.

“Not finishing when you have an opponent in a position to put them away, but what we do on the sideline is feel like the game is over. I’m so angry about it. I’ve got to do something about it. I’ve got to coach them better,” Kelly said.

Sunday night’s loss is the Tigers’ third season opener under Kelly and fifth in a row.

Kelly added that it was “ridiculous” and “crazy” that the visiting Tigers couldn’t win. But for Trojan fans, the win removed any doubt about the team’s ability to transition from Heisman Trophy winner Caleb Williams to Miller Moss.

Southern California Trojans quarterback Miller Moss (7) throws a pass against the LSU Tigers

Sep 1, 2024; Paradise, Nevada, USA; Southern California Trojans quarterback Miller Moss (7) throws a pass against the LSU Tigers during the first quarter at Allegiant Stadium. / Stephen R. Sylvanie-USA TODAY Sports

Moss was a powerhouse, completing 378 passes and a touchdown. At the end of the game, he made a key 20-yard pass to Kyron Hudson, which helped USC decide the game.

Kelly indicated he felt his defense made key plays when needed, but was unable to close the gap when needed due to penalties.

“The penalties are selfish. They both led to scores. They’re undisciplined penalties,” Kelly said. “We clearly didn’t do a good enough job. It affected the game.”

Southern California Trojans cornerback Jaylin Smith (2) breaks up a pass to LSU Tigers wide receiver Kyren Lacy (2)

Sep 1, 2024; Paradise, Nevada, USA; Southern California Trojans cornerback Jaylin Smith (2) breaks up a pass to LSU Tigers wide receiver Kyren Lacy (2) during the fourth quarter at Allegiant Stadium / Stephen R. Sylvanie-USA TODAY Sports

Kelly did offer some credit to the Trojans’ defense, which took a step forward when LSU was on the attack offensively.

“We ran the ball well enough to win this game, but you can’t win it if you don’t score touchdowns in the areas we were in. Or if you can’t get away with anything at the three-yard line,” Kelly said.

LSU’s missed opportunity came from a turnover on downs from USC’s three-yard line, which prevented the Tigers from scoring due to an incomplete fade route.

The Trojans take their winning streak home on Saturday when they take on Utah State at Memorial Coliseum.

You can listen to Kelly’s full post-match comments below:

MORE: College Football Rankings: How High Will USC Trojans Rise in AP Poll After Beating LSU?

MORE: WATCH: ‘Angry’ LSU Tigers’ Brian Kelly vs. Elated USC Trojans’ Lincoln Riley Reaction

MORE: USC Defensive Coordinator D’Anton Lynn Wins MVP After Trojans Beat LSU Tigers

MORE: Reggie Bush Sideline at USC vs. LSU: First Game Back Since Heisman Trophy Reinstated

MORE: Four immediate takeaways from USC Trojans’ thrilling upset over LSU Tigers

MORE: USC Trojans Quarterback Miller Moss Emotional Reaction to Surprising Win Over LSU Tigers