After a heartbreaking loss to Alabama on Saturday, LSU football is turning the page toward Florida, as the Tigers head to Gainesville this weekend for a mid-day matchup.
With two conference losses, LSU’s playoff hopes have come crashing down, but it will look to finish the season strong, knowing anything can happen in the SEC.
Head coach Brian Kelly addressed the media on Monday to recap Saturday’s game, preview Florida and explain how the team is preparing for the road.
Alabama recap: inconsistency vs consistency
When looking at this loss, Kelly said inconsistency was the biggest factor. Alabama came out in the first quarter and established consistency, and LSU couldn’t create that same rhythm.
“They came out and were consistent in what they wanted to be in this game, took care of the football, controlled the line of scrimmage,” Kelly said. “Our response was that we were inconsistent.”
LSU had costly turnovers, which made the Tigers struggle with stirring up any kind of momentum during the game. LSU couldn’t get off the field on third downs and allowed Alabama to convert 10 out of 13 third downs, as well.
The Tide’s offense powered through the LSU defense, led by quarterback Jalen Milroe who had 185 rushing yards and four rushing touchdowns.
“You had a really good football team in Alabama that went back in the bye week and said, ‘You know what? This is who we’re going to be,’” Kelly said.
While there were many negatives to pull from Saturday’s game, a major positive was the fan turnout. From the first snap the crowd was roaring, helping create false starts.
“Incredible atmosphere,” Kelly said. “Our fans came out. They were incredible. Created a great atmosphere.”
READ MORE: Three takeaway’s from LSU football’s blowout loss to Alabama
Florida preview: an opportunity to bounce back
Ahead of the matchup in Gainesville, Kelly acknowledged the challenge of playing in the swamp, saying it’s “always a difficult place to play.”
When faced with a tough road environment, the team will have to show its ability to stay consistent from the get-go.
Starting Gator quarterback DJ Lagway didn’t play this past weekend against Texas after hurting his hamstring.
He’s practiced on Monday, which means LSU has to prepare to see him on Saturday.
The Gators have three consecutive losses but have shown resilience this season amid injuries. They put on a strong performance against Georgia, keeping the game close until the fourth quarter.
LSU’s ability to establish consistency will be necessary against a Florida team who will be ready to upset the Tigers.
“That’s what’s most important, not the playoffs, not anything else,” Kelly said. “Consistency in the way we play. Play in and play out is the most important thing against the Florida team that certainly has shown their ability to play consistent.”
Moving ahead, Kelly explained the coaching staff has to work on putting their guys in better positions where they can succeed. He stated while the loss to Bama is disappointing, there’s no loss in faith for what this program can be.
“I’m not in a position to worry about what people are saying about the overall health of the program,” Kelly said. “We have one of the top recruiting classes in the country. Those things are only going to continue to get better, and a championship program is what we’re going to have here.”
