Lane Kiffin dropped a bombshell after LSU’s 63-14 demolition of McNeese, and it wasn’t about the scoreboard. When officials hit him up at halftime asking if he wanted to shorten the second half, Kiffin’s answer was a flat out no. This isn’t just some technicality; it’s a statement about what Kiffin demands from his Tigers, especially with a tough stretch ahead.
Why Kiffin Pulled the Plug (On Shortening the Game, Anyway)
With LSU up 35-0 at the half, the idea of shortening the game wasn’t crazy. College football rules allow for abbreviated quarters in a blowout if both teams agree. But Kiffin wasn’t having it. When asked about a timeout he called to kick off the third quarter, Kiffin revealed the halftime conversation. Harlem Berry had just returned the kickoff to the LSU 19-yard line, and Kiffin immediately used his first timeout of the half. Why? To make sure his squad got the message.
“Well I just wanted to make sure they understood,” Kiffin said. “We talked in the locker room and then came out and there was a conversation where [officials] asked me about, do you want to run the clock in the third and fourth quarter? And said no, I don’t believe in that. You play the game, we decide when the game’s over by the way that we play. And how physical that we play.” That’s the kind of old-school mentality that makes you want to run through a wall.
LSU Didn’t Just Talk, They Played
Kiffin didn’t stop there. He challenged his players to back up his stance. “So I told the guys, I told them that we don’t do that. And challenged them to come out and play really well. And set a tempo of how you play and a standard regardless whether you’re first, second or third team of how you play at LSU.” And you know what? His team delivered. LSU scored at least 14 points in every single quarter. Three different quarterbacks saw playing time, and eight different players, including defensive tackle Deuce Geralds, got at least one carry. Geralds even capped off that opening drive of the second half with a one-yard TD run. This wasn’t just running up the score; it was about laying down a physical, consistent standard. Kiffin isn’t the only coach with this mindset this year, either; Portland State’s Chris Fisk also rejected Oregon’s offer to shorten quarters during an 84-0 loss earlier in Week 3.
This huge win moves LSU to 4-1 overall. But the real test starts now. They’ve got five games in seven weeks against teams ranked in the AP Top 25. Next up, LSU hits the road to visit Kentucky in Week 6, then they’ll host Mississippi State in Week 7. If they play with the same fire Kiffin demanded in that second half, they’ll be ready for whatever comes next.
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by Yahoo Sports.
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