Brian Kelly blasts LSU field goal operation after struggles vs. Texas A&M
LSU had the opportunity to extend its 17-14 third-quarter lead against Texas A&M on Saturday with a field goal. Instead, another blunder on a growing list of special teams mistakes cost the Tigers points at a pivotal moment in the game.
From there, the Aggies would score on its next four drives en route to a 38-23 victory over the Tigers. LSU head coach Brian Kelly expressed his frustration with his field goal unit after the game.
“That’s twice now that’s happened,” Kelly said postgame. “It’s unacceptable. We’re gonna have to — we’ll get it fixed. It’s never going to happen again, ever.”
Whether Kelly was addressing the media or the field goal team — the point stands. Kelly isn’t pulling any punches when addressing how LSU must improve its field goal operation moving forward.
If one thing was clear, it was that he made sure to address his punter/holder Peyton Todd. The ESPN broadcast panned to Kelly on the sideline, who was giving Todd some stern words of encouragement. Todd wasn’t prepared for the snap and caused kicker Damian Ramos to have to recover the fumble, which forced a turnover on downs.
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“You gotta get out there and get the f***ing operation going,” Kelly could be heard telling his punter.
Instead, that was the final stand for the Tigers before Texas A&M took control of the game. They were outscored 31-6 in the second half after the Aggies offense came alive behind quarterback Marcel Reed, who rushed for three touchdowns during the second half.
LSU finished the day 1 of 3 on field goal attempts, which is even more frustrating for the Tigers considering the botched field goal was ruled a fumble on the final box score. They also had three turnovers on the night.
The loss snaps the Tigers’ six-game win streak, but have the opportunity to right their wrongs from Week 9 when they host Alabama in Week 10. That matchup is a must-win for both programs, who are both still in the mix in the chase for an at-large bid into the College Football Playoff.