Brian Kelly addresses unique celebrations, unsportsmanlike conduct penalty following Cheez-It Citrus Bowl win

It was one giant party for LSU during 63-7 thumping of Purdue during the Citrus Bowl Monday afternoon. Even head coach Brian Kelly got in on the fun.

After the game, Kelly discussed the celebratory nature of the Tigers’ sideline throughout the afternoon, which concluded with Cheez-It angels and a group photo on the Cheez-It bed alongside the bowl game’s mascot. Kelly was also penalized during the game, which he owned up to after the game.

“Obviously, I probably crossed the line a little bit and got a penalty. That is out of character for me,” Kelly admitted during his postgame press conference. “I didn’t apologize for the team, but they will hold me accountable for it with SWAT points probably.

“Look, if they were to do something that was demeaning to the other team or not in good sportsmanship, we would have taken action, but they were having fun with each other. If a bunch of old men can’t get out of the way of that, we are in a bad spot, so let them have fun and enjoy it. At least that is the way I saw it.”

In the final moments of the game, Kelly was showered in Cheez-Its on the sideline. With the oodles of Cheez-Its on the grass, Kelly didn’t hesitate to pick some up and begin eating them. And what coach wouldn’t in that situation?

LSU’s 49-point victory is the largest winning margin of the season for the Tigers, and have only surpassed to 60-point threshold once this season – a 65-17 win over Southern in September.

The win summed up what was an outstanding turnaround for LSU in season one under Kelly’s leadership. Now, he can soak up the 2022 season in all its glory with Cheez-Its in one hand, and Citrus in the other.