Is LSU Done With Marquee Openers? | Brian Kelly Addresses Nussmeier Criticism

Brian Kelly met with reporters Tuesday and discussed a bevy of topics from whether or not LSU will contiue to play marquee openers, his perceived ciriticism of Garrett Nussmeier and how Harold Perkins fared in the new defense. Matt Moscona reacts to it all and gives an injury update on three Tigers.
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[@jedolivier2688]

You’re going to see a huge improvement in LSU’S performance from week 1 to week 2 because their opponent is Nicholls.

[@wcfenderson5609]

Over the summer, Lincoln Riley was dragged in the media, with people saying he was trying to get out of the LSU game and Ole Miss because he was scared. Shouldn't the same narrative apply? By the way, that was a great game... Period! Instant classic. My wife and I had a great weekend in Vegas for our 23rd anniversary, which included the game.

[@ghostwalker89]

Ehh? LSU is literally the only team playing these kick off classics, every, single, year. LSU is the only SEC team in the last 4 years, who hasn't played a cupcake in the opening game. THE ONLY SEC TEAM. That includes current teams Texas and Oklahoma.

[@wcfenderson5609]

@@ghostwalker89 nothing you said addressed the point I was making. You’re way in left field. ESPN (mainly) Paul Finebaum said Riley was scared, and it grew like wildfire in the media, and so-called Sports Vlogs, the 247Sports and On3 etc. I never said LSU didn’t play anyone. I also was addressing the question “Is LSU done with marquee openers.”

[@ghostwalker89]

@wcfenderson5609 how is that out of left field? 😂 You are literally talking about should the narrative apply about him trying to get out of tough opening games. Not once has Kelly said anything against playing tough opponents. You don't even make sense. Riley was the one trying to get out of them, so the media brought it up. Give me a time where there was any rumor of Kelly trying to get out of any of these games.

[@Pete-m4q]

I like this team as a whole more than last year. We need ti make a statement at S Carolina. On the road Sec opponent and a chance to show what we're made of

[@Paxdad5]

Morning Matt, and this was not the year IMHO that was suppose to be the year for a championship run....it was last year with a half decent defense, but next year was because of the new parts on offense including OC.

[@Cdrop63]

9-3 sounds about right to me as well. But if they run the table the rest of the regular season they aren’t losing in the playoffs in my opinion. Do I think that happens? Nope, but stuff can get interesting if Texas loses to Michigan this weekend.

[@michaelconvey8017]

`no team is going undefeated,I dont see Georgia or Alabama ,Tenn,OLE MISS, or any sec team going undefeated same in the big ten too many really good teams and the road games get harder also you have to stay healthy key injuries Hey big games is why we have football

[@Nathan-Main]

What do the analytics say about chances of winning the game when your offense loses on a goal-line stand on the opening drive of the game?

[@Nathan-Main]

Next I want to know the same scenario against a top 25 opponent. What ever happened to not wanting to be the team that blinks first. A goal-line stand is about the best thing that can happen for a team. Probably more impactful than a 99 yard touchdown pass.

[@Nathan-Main]

Defense is more important than offense overall.

[@scottwalker7982]

It’s the first game of the season. Don’t panic. All kinds of stuff will happen this season. Keep the games as scheduled.

[@alecunkel2471]

one thing brian kelly needs to get through his thick skull is that you take the points, always. you do not risk it when you have a chip shot field goal. it hurt them all game long. remember how detriot lost to the 49ers in teh playoffs? if they took field goal they wouldnt have lost....

[@A100-ND]

Coaching 101, you take the points early in a game.

[@tremoore61]

We better not run from playing these types of games. I agree with BK, it'll make us better.

[@FunkyD50]

I’m more impressed by BK in his losses than when he wins. He’s a heck of a person and a great coach. BK all the way.

[@footballfan3091]

Matt - you are going to drive yourself insane analyzing the difference in what BK says from day to day. His story always changes. You may choose to only focus on your 2 year sample size, but the prick's been coaching for a long time...and it's a rollercoaster, not a rocket.

[@victorbernard1256]

Les Miles was fired and desirably so. But ready opening day he had that down. It could be current football practices are to timid

[@HiddenKey_210]

Morning Scone!!!!

[@kingmj205]

We sound so soft talking about getting out of these openers.. elite schools would never

[@jedolivier2688]

Well the problem is that LSU’S head coach isn’t capable of winning them for some reason. That’s the more disturbing issue.

[@robertbinder2743]

Most playoff contenders did not play tough games week 1. Who did Alabama, Ole Miss, Ohio State, Oregon, Texas, Michigan or Oklahoma play?

[@GeauxRilla]

I'm with you because we heard, allegedly, how Lincoln was trying to dodge US. Why turn heel and say we want to avoid other ranked components? I understand you're not rewarded by the win and punishment by loss... But BK is partially right here in that you find out who your team is week one.

[@tremoore61]

​@@GeauxRilla 100% agree! And, dope ass name.

[@mcdonoghrahloh459]

You absolutely right, They would never!

[@hakeembatiste4619]

I love we got Clemson the next two years.plus no one is invested in week one cupcakes.thats both players and fans

[@mykecheckk]

Playing easy schools week 1 and 2 will help u work kinks out without screwing up the season early and since its easy schools u can play all the players u want to evaluate for next man up. If the team is ready for a major match up fine. But LSU obviously isn't there yet with losses 5 year in a row. Recruits are gonna look elsewhere if we keep losing like this.

[@deanhovey8348]

Alabama plays powder puffs thier first couple games every season ... Weak stance in my view ...

[@Retiredjournalist88]

Perhaps Kelley can't win the big Marquee games so he wants them to go away....SO THAT HIS annual 10,000,000 dollar CONTRACT WON'T GO AWAY! ROFL

[@jedolivier2688]

Yeah, 9-3 sounds familiar doesn’t it? Typical BK close but not quite. 9-3 every season isn’t saving his job as head coach.

[@cheetahturner4576]

Yes it will fool lsu dont have 60mill

[@jedolivier2688]

@@cheetahturner4576 If there’s one thing that I’ve learned from watching LSU football over the last 30 years is that when the LSU powers above have had enough, coaches will get their walking papers. Regardless of how much money is owed, if they want you gone bad enough, they’ll find the money, TRUST ME THEY WILL.

[@jedolivier2688]

@@cheetahturner4576 Just because his contract is for 10 years, don’t be foolish or naive to believe or think that he’s staying for 10 years. It’s not going to happen.

[@noahlejeune3154]

1. A possession in the 2nd half will ALWAYS be worth more than starting the game with the ball, no matter the halftime score. 2. In the last 2 years, LSU has come back from being behind 7 or more points MANY times. Scoring first isn't nearly as important as an extra 2nd half opportunity. 3. Defer and there's 0 chance of your opponent having more possessions than you in the 2nd half. 4. If you elect to defer, you also have a 50/50 shot of having back to back possessions, which is just an added bonus. The fact that BK has been coaching for decades and still doesn't understand this is truly concerning.

[@Sarge226]

You’re making way too much a deal of the coin toss. And they were on defense first anyway…

[@mcdonoghrahloh459]

I've got a good feeling too coach!I think you have to know who are your go to guys,and milk them.

[@knothyselfknotruth]

Ahhh The Great Dilemma: what separates LSU from the rest of those cowards in the SEC is that u guys r willing to play any1 anywhere! However in doing that u often expose urself to a lost to other conferences. Saban's Bama played ONLY 1 TRUE ROAD game OOC in the last DECADE! Absolutely Pathetic, but that strategy, 8 conf gms + FCS in NOV makes 4 an easy road to a 🏆. Imagine if evry conference manipulated their schedule like the SEC does. Stay honorable LSU!

[@Zerokool55]

Correct me if I am wrong but lsu didn’t want to come to LA hence the neutral site.

[@cheetahturner4576]

You wrong sir game always goin be in vegas usc cant sell out crap

[@kenjohnson6789]

We will see what happens but I feel a lot better about the potential for the rest of the season this week after watching the Tigers lose the opener than I did the previous four season opening losses. I know this sound pitiful but it’s true.

[@iconcrystaljeff]

Whg lsu wong have a great season Average rbs Bad DBs Average ti max lbs Onky 1 great wr Bad depth dl

[@jedolivier2688]

Until BK’S gone, I’ll be watching Tulane instead. GEAUX GREENIE!

[@jamesharvey818]

One of the few people in the comments with some damn sense.

[@jamesharvey818]

By the way Tulane would've beaten us

[@cheetahturner4576]

Stop bs fool

[@cheetahturner4576]

Bye fool lsu wont miss you

[@jedolivier2688]

@@jamesharvey818 Yes, they would’ve. Did you watch the highlights against Southeastern? I know that it was an inferior opponent, but they did what all or most really good teams do, they shut them out with a 52-0 score. John Sumerall has this team playing inspired football. #18 Kansas St vs Tulane 12 Eastern this upcoming Saturday. Win or lose, this will be a close game.

[@victorbernard1256]

This coaching staff seems incapable of getting a team ready for a big opening day. It seems it takes several games before they figure things out. Should avoid big opening days. Take the Bama approach and schedule a weak sister yo open. Maybe UL

[@clandestinesyndicate3463]

3rd year in a row, different places, different teams, different conferences. The opponents didn't have "tune up" games. BK and Co. NOT ready and he admitted it

[@cheetahturner4576]

Team was ready u act like was blowout usc made more plays

[@JackPringles]

A couple of weeks ago you were whinny about playing smaller schools. Now you want it. Check your logic. From a La Tech and LSU guy.

[@rockspikker3k124]

We gotta beat the best to be the best. Saddle up to Clemson next fall don’t run from it

[@thomasvstewartjr300]

Kiss&Tell USC said Y'all shut up Louisiana, shut that noise up. We owe you guys for Tulane beating us in the Cotton Bowl. Shut up!

[@deanhovey8348]

Coach is showing flawed logic ... 1st team that scores has a higher win percentage sure - but no one scores on a games 1st possession it's a giveaway opportunity

[@evsthejedi]

I want to like Brian Kelly, I really do... But there is something about him I don't trust and I can't even put my finger on it. I guess it's some of the play callings that bother me, and he reminds me of a politician

[@marlinford9188]

Stop opening with ranked opponents turn up a few games

[@thomasguidroz1711]

All they need is a good like c-usa or somebody like Tulane to play week 1 not a fcs school just a school that will challenge you an beat you if u are caught sleeping but also a team that you should beat an show what you have an what you can do ya know

[@Zerokool55]

I didn’t see a block in the back. But I did see a holding that wasn’t called on the lsu 2nd td

[@cheetahturner4576]

Yes block in back

[@heatcheck3]

Remember y’all, it’s Bama that is burning.

[@GeauxRilla]

There will never be a Nick Saban again. The tides reality has shifted dramatically. Yes, bama is burning 🔥

[@Olytiger93]

Just not week 1!!!!

[@unclejj13er75]

This team is so close. The refs sucked. Not blaming them, but there were 2-3 calls that would have been huge, one being the block in the back not called on the big return. That said, this team is so close. The defense is real. The offense is explosive and needs to find a wrinkle or two and avoid predictability. Keep the foot on the gas. Special teams looks like a strength. Nuss is the real deal. Talent and speed all around. This team is so close, if they can avoid the STUPID PENALTIES. That's a big deal. Look at those great Bama teams. They didn't beat themselves. LSU beat themsleves (not taking 3 at the start) because they let it slip away against a very good USC team, that might win the BIG10. I still believe. This team is bound for the post season but they have to earn it. Then anything can happen. Geaux Tigers.

[@chrishigginbotham1929]

I hope so. 😂

[@ymvrr]

So who is saying that Nussmeier “outplayed” Moss? No one. What a nonsensical argument.

[@bigswolletx]

I believe LSU was the only one who played a ranked team

[@GeauxRilla]

When

[@A100-ND]

UGA vs. Clemson and A&M vs. ND were both "ranked vs. ranked"

[@lifeislikeaboxofchocolates5383]

I think lsu jus isn't a good team this year well coached so they'll play close games but for the first time in a while they don't have the horses

[@txkevin3467]

I thought Nussmeier did a great job. He missed one pass on the move near the end of the game. It was a critical pass but ...why was it critical? The Defensive Backs were a problem as advertised and gave up far too many large plays. Certainly improved but a 5''10 DB is going to have problems with 6'4 WRs. Defense was improved overall which is good and the Oline gave good protection. The play calling was WAY to conservative and just poor near the end of the game when LSU looked to be in control. Of course, the "Kelly Kurse" was in effect with USC putting the ball on the ground 3 times and LSU having an interception chance 3 times ...and we got ZERO of those turnovers. My biggest concern about this game was how undisciplined LSU players are. They have the get the stupid "street thug" mentality out and discipline in these players somehow. Our penalty yards were ridiculous and inexcusable.

[@jamesharvey818]

Let it go! Nusemeir played well but he can't take over a game in crunch time situations. And you won't make it in the SEC by just sitting in the pocket. There's a reason why he got beat out by 2 different quarterbacks. And the defense did their damn job, problem is they were on the field too long because they had to clean up the offenses mess. So you can't expect to be perfect every play because they were tired.

[@SoChillGamer]

Geaux Tigers 🐅

[@hakeembatiste4619]

Nah man.we shouldnt have to duck any snoke on week 1!if your team is prepared then you'll win.unfortunately we have not been ready for the last 5 years.beating Arkansas tech 63-7 aint getting you better to play the next power 5 team

[@dstone2233]

Matt. I thought guy I knew kick, receive and defer. But maybe I don’t. So I’ll go obvious first. Kick means you kick off and get to receive in second. Receive means you get call in first and kickoff in second. Defer means you win toss but allow loser of toss to decide if they want to kick or receive in first q. Then winner of toss gets to decide in 2nd half on if they want to kick receive. But no one can really decide how many possessions any team gets due to punts/turnovers/scores. You’ll know at end of half. I always wanted to kick off so we the opposing team’s defense has to clock in first and that’s what you’d want since the idea is to get them tired first. Are you also suggesting that there is scenario where when you defer and you’re told to kick in the first half that you’d ever want to kick off in the second half as well? I thought I knew this but maybe I did not think of it enough.

[@iconcrystaljeff]

Wow - yea that’s exactly what he said - and way he says I didn’t is disturbing

[@rickeywolf5084]

Get ride off Brian Kelly no good.