Fight breaks out at LSU practice, Brian Kelly voices displeasure

Monday was reportedly a heated day on the LSU practice field. According to multiple reports, including one from Shea Dixon of On3, a “big fight” broke out during LSU practice on Monday.

The fight was reportedly between Tigers offensive players and defensive players and occurred during the 11-on-11 portion of practice. Wilson Alexander of The Advocate tweeted that “punches” were thrown and players were “taken to the ground.”

Alexander added that receivers Malik Nabers and Kyren Lacy were sent to the locker room, while linebacker Harold Perkins didn’t play another snap on Monday after the incident.

Tigers head coach Brian Kelly was apparently not happy, with Dixon reporting that Kelly called the fight a lack of leadership from the players.

According to Glen West, Kelly said: “We have to be able to maintain our emotions, while staying aggressive. It’s up to you all to figure that out, it’s not something that the staff can do for you. Respect your brother out here always.”

Brian Kelly is entering his second season at LSU after spending 12 seasons at Notre Dame. The Tigers impressed in his first season in Baton Rouge, going 10-4 and winning the SEC West. Expectations are high for LSU in Year 2 under Kelly, but clearly his team needs to do a better job of controlling its emotions throughout the rest of preseason camp.

Greg McElroy: LSU has improved at almost every position

If LSU can get everyone on the same page for the 2023 season, the Tigers could be dangerous.

After winning the SEC West last season, ESPN college football analyst Greg McElroy believes LSU still has a higher ceiling to reach. On his YouTube show, McElroy laid out the case for why the Tigers should be improved at a number of positions for 2023.

“This year, you could actually make a strong argument that they have improved or maintained almost every position. I’m cautiously optimistic that Jayden Daniels is going to be better this year. I’m really optimistic about the depth that they have at running back, they can go five deep at that position and probably not miss a beat,” Kell said.

“Even though Kayshon Boutte was a great talent, I think his presence last year was difficult for the coaching staff to get him to buy in to do what he needed to do. So his departure might be addition by subtraction. Now, in comes Malik Nabers, in comes Kyren Lacey, Mason Taylor at tight end is going to continue to get better, and they have other weapons waiting in the wings to take the next step at wide receiver.

“Offensive line, you had two bookends true freshmen. Now they’re going into year Year 2. They bring in a ton of talented players, not just in the recruiting process but in the transfer portal as well.

“This team feels ready to roll. Now, will they ultimately be as good as they were last year? I think they will. Will their win-loss record reflect it? That’s what we need to figure out. … Can’t wait to see what [Brian Kelly] does in year No. 2. If we’re grading Year 1 performance, though: A++ for the head coach of the LSU Tigers.”