Brian Kelly is in a much better mood these days than he was earlier in the season, when LSU began 2024 with a neutral-site loss to USC and seemed in disarray.
That’s all ancient history, at least for now.
Since the loss to the Trojans in Las Vegas, No. 13 LSU has reeled off 4 straight wins and now prepares for Saturday night’s showdown with No. 9 Ole Miss in Death Valley. Kelly will have his hands full against Lane Kiffin’s offense, but during this winning streak Kelly has been mighty impressed with his defense, which has only allowed a combined 27 points in the past 2 games.
The Tigers will take a drastic step up in competition when Jaxson Dart and the Rebels come to Baton Rouge, but Kelly has confidence in his defense.
“We’re getting off the field on third (down) and creating havoc,” Kelly said during the SEC coaches teleconference on Wednesday. “Overall, we’re a better-functioning defense and are playing more complementary football. We didn’t do that at all last year. It was score as many points (as you can).”
Kelly on #LSU defensive improvement: We're getting off the field on third and creating havoc. Overall we're a better-functioning defense and are playing more complimentary football. We didn't do that at all last year. It was score as many points (as you can).
— Scott Rabalais (@RabalaisAdv) October 9, 2024
So far this season, LSU has allowed its opponents to convert 35% of third-down opportunities. That’s down from 44.8% in 2023.
Kickoff between LSU and Ole Miss is set for 7:30 p.m. ET on Saturday night.
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Cory Nightingale, a former sportswriter and sports editor at the Miami Herald and Palm Beach Post, is a South Florida-based freelance writer who covers Alabama for SaturdayDownSouth.com.
