Brian Kelly opens up on the significance of LSU's Week 2 matchup against Southern

Brian Kelly left Notre Dame for LSU and immediately the expectations were incredibly high for him in his first season. Then, in Week 1, LSU lost to Florida State. Now, heading into Week 2 against FCS Southern, the Tigers need to figure a few things out in Week 2. Significantly, this is the first time these two schools, both based in Baton Rouge, have ever played one another.

While speaking to the media, Brian Kelly was asked about the importance of this game for both the city and the players participating in it.

“I think it’s exciting for the city to have two teams playing together, celebrates the accomplishments of both universities,” Brian Kelly said.

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“You know, the city itself, you know a flagship university like LSU and certainly a great institution, a traditional HBCU University like Southern, bringing them both together I think is an incredible thing for this city,” Brian Kelly said.

“This doesn’t happen. I mean, how many teams get together from the same city? Maybe UCLA and USC. I can’t think of many more that are in the same city that play each other. So, it’s a big deal. It’s pretty cool. I’m excited and I know our players are too.

During Brian Kelly’s entire tenure at Notre Dame, he never coaches against an FCS opponent. Southern is coming into the game off an 86-0 win over Florida Memorial, an NAIA school.

Brian Kelly on special teams issues

One thing that Brian Kelly knows LSU needs to work on is special teams. They, arguably, cost the Tigers their opener against the Seminoles. Now, against an FCS opponent, LSU needs to solve some of these issues.

“We had the first muffed punt and it was my decision to stick with Malik. We always are benefited by hindsight. I felt like he’s an elite athlete, he’s confident, and I wanted to show that confidence in him. That’s my call in that situation,” said Brian Kelly. “So, one of them is on him and the other was on Coach Kelly sticking with him I guess you could say.”