The LSU Tigers kicked off their season with sky-high hopes, aiming for a National Championship. With key players returning and Brian Kelly investing in a strong transfer class, the expectations were set. The Tigers' early road victory against Clemson seemed to confirm their potential.
However, the following weeks told a different story. Struggles against Louisiana Tech, a narrow win over a struggling Florida team, and a victory against Southeastern Louisiana revealed cracks in the armor. The Tigers then hit a rough patch, losing to Ole Miss, Vanderbilt, and suffering a heavy defeat by Texas A&M, leading to the end of Brian Kelly's tenure.
A pivotal moment in LSU's turbulent season was Garrett Nussmeier's oblique injury during the summer. Despite not being fully healthy, Nussmeier continued to play, with Kelly publicly criticizing him post-game. As Nussmeier prepares for the NFL Draft, he has spoken about the severity of his injury, raising questions about the decision to keep him on the field.
Tyrann Mathieu, on his podcast "In The Bayou With Tyrann Mathieu," criticized Kelly for not safeguarding his quarterback, suggesting this was when Kelly lost the team's trust. Mathieu's comments highlight the internal awareness of Nussmeier's condition, making Kelly’s decision to play him even more questionable.
While it's possible Nussmeier downplayed his injury, the visible impact on his performance should have been a red flag for Kelly. This oversight may have been a turning point, leading to Kelly's downfall at LSU.
Now, with Lane Kiffin at the helm, LSU fans are optimistic about a National Championship in the future. Meanwhile, Pete Golding steps into his first head coaching role with the Rebels.
As for Brian Kelly, his future in major college football remains uncertain. After leaving Notre Dame on rocky terms and missing a golden opportunity at LSU, his next career move will be closely watched. Whether he lands another Power 4 job or not, his journey will be an intriguing one to follow.