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Everything Brian Kelly said before LSU’s Week 2 contest against Grambling State
By Sydney Hunte
Published:
Brian Kelly met the media on Thursday to preview LSU’s upcoming game against in-state FCS team Grambling State on Saturday.
The Tigers suffered a disappointing loss 45-24 against Florida State in Orlando on Sunday. That said, they figure to have much less trouble against Grambling, led by former NFL head coach Hue Jackson in his 2nd season.
One player that will be on the field for the Tigers will be true freshman Lance Heard, a 5-star in-state recruit in 2023 and the program’s top-rated recruit in the class.
Brian Kelly is here: Said plan is to play freshman RT Lance Heard with the first team at times Saturday against Grambling. #LSU
— Scott Rabalais (@RabalaisAdv) September 7, 2023
Tigers fans will also see the first of Logan Diggs in an LSU uniform on Saturday. The Notre Dame transfer recorded 165 carries and 822 yards with the Irish in 2022, scoring 4 times. He also made 10 receptions for 211 yards and 2 touchdowns.
Brian Kelly says Logan Diggs, who did not play against FSU, should play Saturday. Coming off an injury, Kelly said RBs coach Frank Wilson "didn't feel comfortable" playing him in the opener.
— Sheldon Mickles (@MicklesAdvocate) September 7, 2023
Interestingly enough, it’s the first time the Tigers (and Tigers) will meet on the gridiron. If Kelly has his way, it won’t be the last. It’s the 2nd straight year LSU has played an in-state FCS team for the first time: it played Southern, just a 15-minute drive away from Tiger Stadium, in 2022.
Kelly expresses an interest in continuing to play in-state schools as part of the non-conference scheduling process. Open to continuing to include FCS schools like Grambling, which is Saturday's opponent. #LSU
— Scott Rabalais (@RabalaisAdv) September 7, 2023
Here’s what else Kelly said from the podium:
Brian Kelly on playing Grambling
“It speaks to the proud tradition of football in the state of Louisiana”
— LSU_Capital (@lsu_capital) September 7, 2023
Kelly on team mindset this week: We've reached a level of preparation I'm more comfortable with. The intensity level. I've got to take full responsibility for not getting us there (Vs. FSU) and looking to where we need to go. #LSU
— Scott Rabalais (@RabalaisAdv) September 7, 2023
Brian Kelly says he thinks LSU is calling the type of plays that lead to “explosiveness”
Thinks it comes down to execution. Said the offense had 11 plays of 20 yards or more in the passing game.
“That’ll get it done.”#LSU
— Glen West (@glenwest21) September 7, 2023
Kelly on Brayden Swinson: He brought a lot of energy and with his ability to run the passer. #LSU
— Scott Rabalais (@RabalaisAdv) September 7, 2023
When it comes to Javien Toviano, Brian Kelly said #LSU will have to make a redshirt decision with him. He’s learning how to play nickel. All depends on how many games are left once they think he’s ready.
— Wilson Alexander (@whalexander_) September 7, 2023
Kickoff from Death Valley is scheduled for 7:30 p.m. ET. It’s a streaming-only game on ESPN+.
Sydney is an Atlanta-based journalist who has covered everything from SEC and ACC football to MLS, the U.S. men's national soccer team and professional tennis. His work has appeared on such platforms as SB Nation, Cox Media Group and FanSided.
