After three seasons without a College Football Playoff appearance, the pressure is undeniably mounting on Brian Kelly at LSU. The former Tigers legend and ESPN analyst Booger McFarland has voiced his concerns, emphasizing that it’s time for Louisiana State to re-enter the national title conversation.
Booger McFarland’s Call to Action
Speaking candidly on the podcast “Andy and Ari On3,” McFarland didn’t hold back when discussing the potential of a College Football Playoff game at Tiger Stadium. “You know what? I don’t want to imagine it. I want to see it. That’s what I text BK (Brian Kelly) all the time. Like, it’s time, you know. I don’t want to imagine,” he stated. This sentiment echoes the frustrations of many fans who have high expectations for the storied program.
McFarland further elaborated on his loyalty to LSU, saying, “Every coach that comes to LSU, I tell them all the same thing. I’m loyal to the three letters, not to you. So you’re always going to get honesty from me because I am loyal to my program and loyal because I want to see those kids win and I want to see LSU be successful.” This kind of passion reflects the deep-rooted culture of college football, where loyalty to the program often outweighs personal affiliations.
Brian Kelly’s Journey at LSU
Brian Kelly made a significant move when he left Notre Dame to sign a lucrative 10-year, $95 million contract with LSU in 2021. However, his first three years in Baton Rouge have not yielded the expected results, as the Tigers have yet to make it to the College Football Playoff. In 2022, they reached the SEC Championship but suffered a disappointing defeat to Georgia, losing 50-30.
Despite these setbacks, Kelly and the Tigers wrapped up the 2024 season with a respectable 9-4 record, culminating in a 44-31 victory over the Baylor Bears in the Texas Bowl. Looking ahead, the Tigers are ranked first in 247Sports’ transfer portal rankings and will retain quarterback Garrett Nussmeier, which could bode well for their future.
Fans React to Kelly’s Remarks About Notre Dame
Adding another layer to the narrative, Kelly’s departure from Notre Dame was not without controversy. In a recent interview with CBS Sports, he expressed his support for the Fighting Irish, stating, “I’m happy for all those guys, I pull for them. A lot of the guys there that are on both sides of the ball, I recruited. Obviously, I want to see those guys win it all, and I think they’re in a great position. Totally excited for those guys.”
This statement sparked a mixed reaction among fans. Many questioned his loyalty, especially since he left South Bend with the intent to find “an environment where I have the resources to win a national championship.” While Kelly’s current team has yet to make a CFP appearance, the Fighting Irish are gearing up to face Ohio State for the national title.
The Legacy of Brian Kelly at Notre Dame
During his 11-year tenure at Notre Dame, Kelly led the Fighting Irish to some competitive seasons, most notably reaching the National Championship Game after an undefeated 2012 season. However, that game ended in a crushing defeat, with Alabama dominating 42-14. This history looms large as Kelly navigates his current role at LSU, where expectations are sky-high.
The contrast between his past achievements at Notre Dame and his current struggles at LSU raises questions about his coaching abilities and the future of the Tigers. As LSU fans eagerly await the return to glory, they wonder if Kelly can turn things around and bring the program back to national prominence.
The Road Ahead for LSU
As the Tigers prepare for the upcoming season, the pressure on Kelly will only intensify. With a strong recruiting class and the return of key players like Nussmeier, there is hope that LSU can reclaim its status as a powerhouse in college football.
The upcoming season will be pivotal for Kelly and the Tigers. Can they finally break through and make a run for the College Football Playoff? The stakes are high, and the eyes of the college football world will be watching closely.
In a sport where tradition and loyalty run deep, the expectations for LSU are not just about winning games; they are about restoring a legacy. The fans are ready, the players are eager, and the time is now for Brian Kelly to deliver on the promise of greatness that LSU football embodies. Will this be the year that the Tigers roar back into the national title conversation? Only time will tell, but one thing is for sure: the passion for college football remains as strong as ever in Baton Rouge.
