LSU faced another significant defeat on Saturday, this time against Florida.
Just a week after suffering a 42–13 loss to Alabama, LSU managed to score only 16 points in a 27–16 loss in Gainesville. Adding to the woes, their previous game before the Alabama matchup ended in a 38–23 defeat to Texas A&M, and they also lost their season opener to USC, leaving them with a record of 6–4 with two games remaining this season.
Last week, I posed the question, “Is 9–3 Brian Kelly’s ceiling?” So far, it appears that the answer is affirmative.
In his first two seasons at Baton Rouge, Kelly started with a 6–2 record and concluded at 9–3. This season, he also began 6–2 but now faces four losses, with two games left to play.
As the 2024 season approaches, Kelly has historically had his best season during his third year at a new program. The current year’s 12-team playoff, the revamped SEC due to realignment, and the absence of Nick Saban made this season particularly significant for the LSU head coach.
Unfortunately, the season has been more challenging than anticipated for Kelly and the Tigers.
During preseason SEC media days, Kelly emphasized the importance of accountability.
“Year 3 brings a level of accountability in every program I’ve led,” Kelly stated then. “There’s a trust factor and accountability level within our process that I believe really becomes evident. This year, we will have the most accountable football team, one that trusts each other at the highest level. Historically, that leads to success on the field.”
With only two games remaining and no playoff prospects, Kelly and his staff must be held responsible for this disappointing outcome and ensure they finish the season strong before the offseason.
The loss to Florida has underscored a disappointing season for LSU. With their fourth loss, LSU will not achieve the 9-win regular season or double-digit victories that marked Kelly’s first two years at the helm. Given his substantial contract, expectations will be high for Brian Kelly in the 2025 season.
Kelly’s 10-year contract, which runs through 2031, includes a significant guarantee of $95 million, ranking among the largest contracts in college football. His initial annual base salary of $9 million began in 2022 and will gradually increase, reaching $10 million by 2031, assuming he remains with the program that long.
The season will wrap up with upcoming games against Vanderbilt and Oklahoma.
