LSU’s massive hype train just slammed into a brick wall, dropping a brutal 31-13 loss to No. 5 Alabama. This isn’t just another loss for the Tigers, it’s a cold dose of reality for Lane Kiffin’s squad, who are now sitting at a painful 0-3 against ranked opponents.
Hype Collides With Hard Knocks
The pre-game scene at the Tiger Walk before the Alabama game was a full-on celebrity spectacle. We’re talking Shaquille O’Neal and Angel Reese flanking Lane Kiffin, with Kevin Costner himself walking behind him and shaking hands. Kiffin’s seven-year, $91 million contract, which ties him for the second-highest in college football, and the sport’s priciest roster, nearing $50 million according to 247Sports, definitely set the stage for massive expectations. But once the whistle blew, that “Field of Dreams” turned into a total nightmare.
No. 14 LSU absolutely collapsed under the weight of that expectation against the Tide. After taking a 13-10 lead in the third quarter, the Tigers allowed 21 unanswered points. This marks Kiffin’s sixth straight loss against Alabama, and honestly, the game was a blowout. Alabama had LSU’s number in every high-leverage moment. The Tide held LSU to a field goal after first-and-goal, forced a missed field goal and then scored a touchdown from great field position. LSU turned the ball over on downs three times, including twice in the fourth quarter, and coughed up two total turnovers.
Offensive Struggles and a Postseason Drought
This isn’t an isolated incident, folks. LSU, now 6-3 overall, has yet to beat a single ranked team this season. Their most impressive showing might just be that one-point road loss to No. 6 Kentucky. Kiffin has certainly raised LSU’s floor, absolutely burying unranked teams, but he has been a complete no-show against real national competition.
His signature offense, the one he built his career on, got completely outmaneuvered by Alabama defensive coordinator Kane Wommack. LSU put up 457 yards, sure, but the numbers go way deeper than that. They finished in the 19th percentile for yards per play, 20th for EPA per play, and an abysmal 1st percentile for Explosive Play Rate, according to Game on Paper. Essentially, LSU didn’t do anything to truly force Alabama’s defense to adjust. That’s a gut punch for someone touted as an “offensive savant.” Remember, Pete Golding led Ole Miss to the national semifinals last year with Kiffin’s roster left behind. Kiffin, himself, has still never actually coached a postseason game.
With two more ranked matchups coming against No. 7 Texas and No. 13 Tennessee, LSU’s path doesn’t get any easier. If they manage a split, they’d end up 8-4 with a 1-4 record against CFP Top 25 opponents. That postseason drought for Kiffin? It’s likely going to continue this year. And with most of their best players heading to the NFL after this season, the future looks pretty shaky for all that pricey talent.
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by CBS Sports.
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