Brian Kelly on electric environment: As long as we settle into the game we'll be fine
Moments before kickoff ahead of one of the most exciting matchups in Week 1 of the college football season, ESPN’s Holly Rowe asked LSU head coach Brian Kelly what the keys to victory will be as his squad takes on Florida State to open up the season yet again.
“Managing the crowd, obviously a part of the crowd tonight,” Kelly said as Florida State’s fanbase filled the stadium with their iconic War Chant. “And then listen, you’re gonna have to do the little things the right way. Can’t have turnovers like we did last year in the opener, we gotta make the little plays. As long as they settle into the game, do the little things the right way, we’ll be fine.”
Kelly was also asked how his quarterback Jayden Daniels has grown as a passer ahead of the matchup after he dominated last year’s game particularly with his legs as a runner.
“I think just confidence and poise, those things take some time and he knows our offense so much better,” Kelly said. “I look for him to have a great night.”
Last year’s edition of Tigers versus Seminoles was a thrilling matchup, but one that the in LSU losing 24-23 in heartbreaking fashion following a blocked extra point after the Tigers seemingly scored the game-tying touchdown on the final play of the contest.
Both quarterbacks dazzled with their dual-threat ability in last year’s matchup, with Daniels throwing for 209 yards and rushing for 114 while Florida State quarterback Jordan Travis threw for 260 yards and ran for 31 yards, as each threw a pair of touchdown passes.
The two QBs return for this year’s matchup along with various other players with NFL potential, as this star-studded matchup has stayed close so far, tied at 7-7 at the end of the first quarter.
Keon Coleman scores first touchdown with Florida State
No. 8 Florida State has drawn first blood in its showdown with No. 5 LSU on Sunday evening, with Michigan State transfer Keon Coleman doing the damage.
Just inside LSU territory, Coleman lined up out wide left and ran a simple slant. He caught the pass from quarterback Jordan Travis, slipped inside a defender and then outraced another to the end zone for a 40-yard touchdown. It was his first touchdown for the Seminoles.
Coleman was one of the prized gets out of the transfer portal this offseason, hailing from Michigan State.