Brian Kelly shows he's still not satisfied with his LSU Tigers' mentality coming off USC loss in Week 1

Just a few short days after going off on his LSU Tigers team in the post-game presser following the loss to USC in Las Vegas, Brian Kelly still clearly isn't happy about how his team handled things down the stretch in Week 1.

On Wednesday, during Brian Kelly's SEC media availability call, media members beat around the bush when it came to asking about his post-game rant. There were some questions on some key 3rd down failures, to which Kelly gave some rather candid answers to. The team did indeed struggle on third downs in key moments. Kelly was well aware of exactly when and where they had failed, and even took a brief dive into how you adjust for those failings with a look at play calling. But finally, near the end of the call he decided to just jump in and address his main concerns (that led to his rant on Sunday).

"This [USC game] was about taking advantage of the opportunity and when we were up 17-13 we didn't execute our best when our best was needed...The whole issue here is, having a sense of urgency. When the game is on the line you need to put it away. And we did not put this game away. We left the door open for USC to come in and snatch it from us. It was in our grasp. We had come up with a big stop when it was 17-13 with 8:36 to go in the game. Yet we went three and out."

Kelly knew the exact moment at which his team should have finished USC off. He had clearly watched the tape several times since the game's conclusion. It was that failed drive that ended with a quick three downs and out that triggered the most pivotal opportunity of the game for USC.

The Trojans of course immediately went on to score on a deep touchdown pass from Miller Moss to Ja'Kobi Lane (and yes, he did push off at the point of catch), inevitably taking a 20-17 lead.

"You know obviously, they go and score. We come back with a drive and it results in only three points, which just ties the game and gives them the opportunity now to kind of dictate what they wanted to do. If we score a touchdown there, the play calls defensively are a lot different. So this is about finishing . This is about having that mentality that when you have your opportunities late in the game you've got to go finish. And that's what has to happen with our football team. That's what we've talked about this week. You've got to have that mentality, that you want to dominate for four quarters.

Brian Kelly wrapped things up talking about how happy he's been with his team bouncing back this week, working hard, looking ready to move forward. LSU shouldn't have any problems getting ready for this week's game as they look set to dominate Nicholls at home in Baton Rouge. Expect to see the Tigers to play angry, hoping to set the tone for the rest of the season after the bitter loss in Las Vegas. If they don't, we're likely going to get more angry Brian Kelly here soon.

Be looking for more LSU Tigers coverage here at A to Z Sports all year long! Follow me (@FF_TravisM) and A to Z Sports (@AtoZSportsNFL) on X for all the latest football news!