Brian Kelly is getting his first taste of SEC play this week when LSU plays host to Mississippi State. Of course, he got a bit of a dose with it a couple of years ago when Notre Dame enhanced its partnership with the ACC during the pandemic.

Now the SEC West will be different. Kelly shared thoughts on that topic on the SEC coaches media teleconference.

“No doubt. Having the opportunity to play for a conference championship, I enjoyed it when we had that opportunity for one year at Notre Dame due to COVID. It gives you something to look forward to,” Kelly said. “… It makes every SEC game even more special. … Love the opportunity to be in a conference, especially one like the SEC where the West is a side that’s a challenge each and every week.”

As for the quarterback situation, Kelly explained how Jayden Daniels edged out Garrett Nussmeier for the starting nod.

“I think it was very close,” Kelly said. “Jayden’s experience maybe edged out Garrett at the end in terms of his poise. Garrett is a guy that has a lot of skills but maybe a little less experience, but that wasn’t his fault. … At times that showed. … You could see the poise and confidence that 3 years of starting gives you. Maybe that was the edge he had.”