Can Brian Kelly Replicate Third-Year Successes

By Jay Berry

Is this the year Brian Kelly has a breakthrough season at LSU?

Brian Kelly has a history of having his best season in his third year at a program. This year's 12-team playoff and a new-look SEC with realignment and no Nick Saban make this a big year for the LSU head coach. However, the SEC will be as tricky as ever this year.

This may be Kelly's toughest third-year hill to climb

His third season at Cincinnati was an undefeated regular season and the Big East title. Kelly left Cincinnati for Notre Dame , and did not coach in the bowl game. At Notre Dame, his third team also went undefeated, making the BCS National Championship. That Notre Dame season ended with a blow out loss to Alabama .

"Year 3 is a level of accountability in every program I have taken over," Kelly shared during SEC media days. "There's a trust factor and accountability level within our process that I would kind of say pops. That's this year. This will be the most accountable football team this year. This will be a team that trusts each other at the highest level. That has historically led to on-field success."

Offensive Production and Defensive Improvement

LSU needs to replace a significant amount of offensive production after losing QB Jayden Daniels to the NFL and its top two pass-catchers from last year, Malik Nabers and Brian Thomas Jr.

Garrett Nussmeier will lead the team at quarterback this season and may look to fifth-year player Kyren Lacey as a primary target on offense.

During SEC media days, Kelly said they have six to eight receivers who will get the opportunity to make an impact.

If Brian Kelly is to replicate his year three successes, he must significantly improve the defense.

In 2023, the Tigers ranked No. 43 in the nation in sacks and 65th in tackles for loss. They were also ranked second-to-last in the Southeastern Conference in rushing yards allowed and No. 85 overall in the country.

LSU opens its season on September 1 in Las Vegas against USC.