For the first time since 2016, a Brian Kelly-led team will not win at least 10 games. As the No. 22 LSU Tigers fell to the Florida Gators on Saturday with a score of 27-16, they now sit at 6-4 for the season. With only two games left, the Tigers’ hopes for a playoff appearance have all but vanished.
### A disappointing streak for LSU
This loss marks LSU’s third consecutive defeat, a troubling trend that has left fans and players alike questioning the direction of the program. After starting the season with a loss to USC in Las Vegas, the Tigers have also suffered setbacks against Texas A&M and Alabama. The mounting losses have created a palpable sense of frustration in Baton Rouge.
Adding to the sting of defeat, the Florida Gators’ social media team took the opportunity to poke fun at Kelly’s postgame press conference from earlier in the season. In that appearance, Kelly famously banged the table while lamenting missed opportunities in the USC game. The Gators capitalized on this moment, posting a cheeky tweet that read, “Please don’t damage our tables coach,” alongside a humorous image.
### The Gators strike first
In Saturday’s matchup, the Gators, who entered the game with a 4-5 record, wasted no time in asserting their dominance. Florida’s quarterback, DJ Lagway, connected with wide receiver Elijhah Badger for a 23-yard touchdown on a swift five-play drive. This early score set the tone for the game, showcasing Florida’s ability to capitalize on opportunities.
While Lagway only threw one touchdown pass during the game, Badger emerged as a standout player, racking up an impressive 131 receiving yards. This performance was crucial for the Gators, who needed to build momentum against a struggling LSU team.
### A back-and-forth battle
Despite the shaky start, LSU fought back to tie the game at seven in the second quarter. Quarterback Garrett Nussmeier found wide receiver Aaron Anderson for a 28-yard touchdown, igniting hopes for a comeback. The teams traded field goals in the middle quarters, resulting in a 10-10 tie at halftime and a 13-13 deadlock entering the final quarter.
However, it was Florida’s successful fourth-quarter offense that ultimately sealed the victory. Ja’Kobi Jackson’s one-yard touchdown run put the Gators ahead, while LSU could only manage a 38-yard field goal in response. Jadan Bough’s electrifying 55-yard touchdown run capped off the scoring, solidifying Florida’s 27-16 triumph.
### LSU’s struggles on offense
The Tigers faced significant challenges in the second half, particularly with ball security. Nussmeier, who finished the game with 260 passing yards and one touchdown, struggled with fumbles, losing the ball twice. In a particularly chaotic moment, Nussmeier lost possession only for it to be recovered by offensive lineman Emery Jones Jr., who then fumbled the ball himself, handing it back to the Gators.
These mistakes proved costly, as LSU’s offense failed to capitalize on opportunities. Nussmeier completed just 27 of his 47 passes, resulting in a completion percentage of 57.4%. The inability to convert drives into points has become a recurring theme for the Tigers this season.
### Brian Kelly’s response
Following the game, Brian Kelly addressed the media, expressing his frustration with the team’s performance. Despite dominating time of possession—holding the ball for 41:48 compared to Florida’s 18:12—LSU struggled to put points on the board. Kelly emphasized the need for his team to convert drives into touchdowns, stating, “We can’t keep taking points off the board. Drives have to be converted. You can’t just continue to move the ball up and down the field and not convert it into points.”
Kelly also acknowledged Florida’s performance, noting that they played well despite their own struggles this season. “They played well,” he remarked. “We did not do enough to eliminate some of the mistakes that have been haunting us the couple of weeks.”
### Looking ahead
With only two games remaining in what has become a disappointing 2024 campaign, Kelly urged his players to show resilience. “Do you want to fight or not? Do you want to fight and take responsibility as coaches and players that we’re not playing well and we’re struggling right now?” he asked, emphasizing the importance of overcoming adversity.
As the Tigers prepare for their final stretch of the season, fans are left wondering if this team can rally and finish strong. The upcoming games will be crucial for LSU, not only for their record but also for restoring confidence in a program that has faced significant challenges this year. With the right mindset and determination, the Tigers can still salvage their season and provide a glimpse of hope for the future.
