Brian Kelly reveals his post-USC message to LSU: 'We need to finish the game'

It isn’t easy to move on after a painful loss, but it’s essential. During an appearance on “The Paul Finebaum Show,” LSU head coach Brian Kelly explained how his team is putting their 27-20 loss to USC in the rearview mirror.

“You got to move quickly, right? We’re already into our Tuesday preparation,” Kelly said. “Immediately, you address what do we do really well? I think our preparation was outstanding. I wanted to let them know that we had some great effort out there. Our guys played with great effort, flying around, enthusiastic about playing.

CLICK HERE to go to PrizePicks and use code ON3 to receive a guaranteed $50 once you play $5 in lineups!

“What do we need to do better? We need to finish. We need to finish the game. We’re up with eight minutes and 36 seconds to go in the game. We have to finish. There has to be a sense of urgency in how we play this game. And we have to play it with better execution.”

It was a back-and-forth bout between LSU and USC, with three lead changes and numerous tie scores. With just under seven minutes left in the game, LSU boasted a 17-13 lead. Then, USC held the Tigers’ offense and forced them to punt the ball.

Watch College Football Games Live -Try for Free Fubo! Click HERE NOW

The Trojans capitalized on the opportunity, punching in a touchdown on the next drive. LSU attempted to claw its way back into the game, nailing a game-tying field goal. However, USC marched the ball down the field and scored with eight seconds left in the game, eliminating LSU’s hopes of a comeback.

As easy as it would be to reflect on the frustrating loss, Brian Kelly knows his team will have no shortage of future opportunities to find success.

“You just go back to work,” Kelly said. “Look, there’s nothing better than getting back to work. That’s where your belief comes from. Because when you put in all this time and all this effort, that’s where your belief comes.

“When you work so hard at something, you don’t want to give in. You don’t want to give anything but the very best. So, we’ll get back to work and get back on the field and, Paul, that’s the best medicine.”

LSU will have a chance to bounce back on Saturday when it squares off against Nicholls at 7:30 p.m. ET. The game will be broadcast on ESPN+.