Cody Slovensky
LSU Writer
Life is buzzing on the Bayou! Fresh off a College World Series triumph, LSU’s athletics program is riding a wave of momentum. Now, all eyes turn to head football coach Brian Kelly as he faces a pivotal question: Can he finally conquer the primetime, opening-weekend game that has eluded him during his tenure at LSU?
Entering his fourth season, Kelly boasts a strong 29-11 overall record (17-7 in SEC play) at LSU. His time in Baton Rouge has been marked by significant achievements: an SEC Championship game appearance, Jayden Daniels’ Heisman Trophy win, and four first-round NFL Draft picks. Yet, the glaring blemish remains with a 0-3 record in season-opening primetime games.
In 2022, Kelly’s debut ended in heartbreak as a blocked PAT handed Florida State a 24-23 victory. LSU did bounceback from this moment and went on to not only defeat Alabama in one of the best moments in LSU history, but also make an appearance in the SEC Championship before falling to the eventual National Champions Georgia 50-30.
In 2023, LSU started strong but ran out of steam, with Florida State capitalizing in the second half to score on all five possessions, overpowering the Tigers. It was extremely frustrating for Tiger Nation, but the season did have some very positive moments.
While the team as a whole underachieved, Jayden Daniels did win the Heisman Trophy and LSU produced 6 NFL Draft picks with three coming in the first round. It should also be noted that Omar Speights was a UDFA and signed with the Los Angeles Rams and had an extremely productive rookie season where he finished with 67 tackles.
Last season, a thrilling back-and-forth battle against USC saw LSU in control until a devastating final play with eight seconds left sealed their fate. LSU went on to win six in a row after that game but hit a three-game losing streak before closing out the year on a three-game winning streak.
A recurring theme in these losses is Kelly’s bold, risk-taking approach—often opting for touchdowns over safer field goals. However, the 2025 LSU squad feels different. With a cohesive coaching staff, a roster brimming with experienced veterans and dynamic playmakers, this may be the most complete team that Brian Kelly has ever coached.
To break the opening-game curse, they’ll need to overcome a formidable challenge: a road matchup against consensus top 5 Clemson. Will 2025 be the year Brian Kelly silences doubters, snaps the streak, and propels LSU toward the College Football Playoff? Or will another early stumble leave fans yearning for what could have been? Week 1 promises to set the tone for LSU’s season.
Mark your calendars for August 30, 2025, when the LSU Tigers face the Clemson Tigers in Clemson, SC, at 7:30 PM ET on ABC. This primetime showdown is not to be missed!
