Monday, September 02, 2024

Man, I just watched 18 and a half minutes of highlights of the SC-LSU game and boy I'd be pissed if I was Brian Kelly too. Number 2 for LSU got two personal foul penalties, the first after he made a TD catch to tie the game 7-7. I didn't see what he did. Must have been a celebration penalty. That foul was enforced on the kickoff and did allow, as Kelly said, USC to get a field goal. They got a great runback on the kickoff that set them up because of the penalty. The second though, again, also on number 2, was crucial. It was on SC's final winning drive. The pass was complete for a first down and then number 2 hit the receiver in the head with his helmet, clearly targeting. That moved the ball half the distance and SC got the touchdown. Argh!

In terms of game play LSU got enormous, sustained pressure on the quarterback, who was outstanding, also as Kelly said, but the "Tigers" D was thus vulnerable to the run and SC made them pay again and again with runs right up the gut. SC's sterling QB play was complemented by their tremendous receivers. LSU definitely had the advantage in smash-mouth, but SC had the superior players at the skill positions. Kelly underestimated both quarterback and receivers and his defense was unprepared. And then the costly, costly big penalties just killed the "Tigers". Exasperating game for Kelly and LSU fans, who really should have won the game. And Kelly was really, most sincerely exasperated afterwards.