I’ve seen some social media posts following the 35-31 bowl victory over Wisconsin, asking for what the 2-year grade for Brian Kelly would be during his time at LSU. So I decided to play along.
I find it very interesting and convenient that people ask for the 2-year grade and not for just this season. This is so you can always use the “HE ONLY HAD 39 SCHOLARSHIP PLAYERS!” line. I always imagine that being yelled by the way. But again, I’ll play. For a 2-year grade I would give a solid B. Not a B+ or B-, just a B. Now I would like to break that down a bit to explain.
Year 1 Grade: A-
SEC West Champs in year 1?! How can it be less than an A? We stumbled (and fumbled) out of the gate against FSU and Tennessee, but rebounded with big wins over Florida, Ole Miss and of course Bama. The loss to A&M took a little luster off of the season in my opinion and the SEC Championship Game was more of a “it’s just great to be here” kind of game. Beat Bama and make it to Atlanta after what you inherited deserves an A- for sure.
Year 2 Grade: B-
Let’s just call it like it is, can we? We had the very best offense in the country, led by the very best player in the country. But with this historic offense we still lose 3 games and fail to make it to Atlanta. We get embarrassed on National Television against FSU in the opener, where we actually saw our storied defense quit on the field. We then watch Ole Miss account for 706 total yards against us in a game where we had 637. In a game where we had 637 yards, 34 first downs, 49 points, we lose, all because our defense was THAT BAD. Then we get to Alabama for a chance to take back control a bit in the division. We turn Jalen Milroe into a Heisman candidate immediately because we fail to spy him. Other quarterbacks that looked other-worldly against us: Jaxson Dart, Brady Cook, Graham Mertz, Jalen Richardson and Tanner Mordecai. I believe we ended as the 111th ranked defense in the country (I don’t feel like verifying that. Too depressing.). I could easily say that this season was a C, given the fact that we let a legendary offense go to waste because of how inept the defensive side of the ball was this year. Where would we be without Jayden Daniels? Scary thought, eventhough I know Nuss played very well.
So you can take the B for the 2-year grade. With the additions to the SEC next year, we are closer to the middle of the pack in the SEC right now than the front. And the 39 Scholarship Players line will only be an excuse now in year 3. We all hope to see a much improved defense next season, but it’s only hope. The USC game already feels like a temperature gauge for what the season will be like for us. For now, we can hope for staff changes and more recruiting, HS and Portal to improve this roster. There is momentum currently and news of Bryce Underwood in a few days could help build that even more. Until then, let’s hope for an A+ offseason! Geaux Tigers!
