LSU Tigers Football Head Coach Brian Kelly Speaks Out: Reasons Behind His Team’s Struggles & Major Update on Starting Linebacker Ahead of Texas A&M Aggies Clash
As the LSU Tigers prepare for the high-stakes showdown against the Texas A&M Aggies, Coach Brian Kelly has spoken candidly about what’s gone wrong this season, what he expects moving forward, and provided a sobering update regarding his key linebacker. Here’s a deep dive into his comments, the context behind them, and what it means for the Tigers’ ambitions.
—
1. Why Coach Kelly says “We’re off track”
In his latest press conference ahead of the Texas A&M game, Kelly didn’t sugarcoat the situation: the Tigers have under-achieved relative to expectations. Several reasons were cited.
a. Defensive inconsistencies
Kelly drew attention to how the defense has struggled in key moments. Following a loss to Vanderbilt Commodores, a program that hadn’t beaten LSU in decades, Kelly singled out third-down conversions and situational execution as major issues. He said: “We needed to get off the field. We needed to make big stops. We didn’t.”
The Tigers’ defense, while statistically respectable in some categories, has allowed sustained drives, and Kelly emphasised that when you’re facing a program like Texas A&M you must make the opposition earn everything.
b. Turnovers and mistakes on offense
Kelly indicated the offense hasn’t helped by giving the defense poor field position or by failing to sustain drives. He referenced the Vanderbilt loss where LSU had only 49 total offensive plays and they “needed to be better in scoring zones.” The cumulative effect: the team is often playing from behind or under pressure, which magnifies mistakes.
c. Depth, injuries and roster wear
While not dwelling only on injuries, Kelly acknowledged that the roster isn’t in ideal shape. Key contributors have missed time, which shakes consistency and forces younger players into big roles. The update on the linebacker (see Section 3) is part of this roster issue.
d. The upcoming schedule and margin for error
Perhaps most pointedly, Kelly reminded everyone the schedule doesn’t bend: the Tigers must be better now. The game against Texas A&M is described by many as potentially “defining” for the season and Kelly’s tenure. He said: “We’re still in it. But we can’t keep doing the same things and expect different results.”
e. Culture and standard at LSU
Finally, Kelly referenced the standard of LSU football — the expectation of competing at the highest level and handling adversity. He made clear that the program’s identity must reflect toughness, attention to detail, and execution. His message: the Tigers must refocus on fundamentals and accountability.
—
2. High stakes: Why the Texas A&M game matters
The context Kelly laid out emphasises that this isn’t just another game—it’s possibly a turning point.
LSU enters the game at 5-2 overall, 2-2 in the SEC, following a painful loss to Vanderbilt that exposed cracks.
The Texas A&M Aggies are undefeated in 2025, ranked in the top 5 nationally, and bring a potent offense led by quarterback Marcel Reed.
LSU has long had difficulty at home in high-pressure league games: the “Tiger Stadium effect” remains a double-edged sword. While it is a strong home venue, expectations are amplified and mistakes are punished.
Kelly himself has acknowledged the challenge: “A loss here would escalate conversations about where this program is going.”
With the SEC being so competitive, one mis-step can derail major postseason hopes; Kelly emphasised the need to “get right now.”
In short: success here could reinvigorate the Tigers’ season; failure could accelerate decline in confidence, fan support, and momentum.
—
3. Major update: Starting LB Whit Weeks’s status
One of Kelly’s most important updates concerned junior linebacker Whit Weeks, a key defensive piece for LSU.
Current status & injury background:
Weeks has not practiced this week due to an ankle injury, and Coach Kelly officially listed him as doubtful for the Texas A&M game.
He missed practice for multiple days, leading to concerns he may be unavailable.
His absence last week (against Vanderbilt) was cited as a significant factor in the defense’s poor performance.
Weeks’ season impact & why his absence matters:
Weeks is sixth on the team in tackles (29 through six games), including 13 solo stops, and has logged a sack, 2.5 tackles for loss, and a fumble recovery.
He was the team’s leading tackler last season (125 tackles) and finished ninth nationally in tackles in the SEC.
His leadership on the field and in the locker room has been referenced by the staff; replacing him is not just about snaps but about communication, recognition of opposing schemes, and alignment reads.
Implications if he is unavailable:
LSU’s defensive coordinator Blake Baker will need to adjust personnel and possibly rotation. Backup options (such as sophomore Davhon Keys, who made nine tackles last week) are expected to step in.
The communication and alignment burden falls on less experienced players; facing a high-tempo, multi-dimensional Texas A&M offense without your linebacker leader raises the risk of busted assignments and big plays.
Kelly made it clear: “If Whit can’t go, we’ll be ready, but you feel a difference.” (paraphrased)
From a morale standpoint, losing a respected starter before a marquee game can affect confidence; Kelly emphasised that the group must rally and not use it as an excuse.
Positive notes on the injury front:
On a slightly brighter note, Kelly reported that defensive tackle Bernard Gooden (collarbone) and backup defensive end Jimari Butler (ankle) both practiced and are expected to be available.
The hope: the defensive front unit can maintain its strength even if the linebacker corps is compromised.
—
4. What Coach Kelly expects from his team this week
Beyond diagnosing issues and giving updates, Kelly laid out several directives for his players.
Excellence in fundamentals: Tackling technique, pursuit angles, gap integrity, communication—especially important on defense without Weeks.
Eliminate self-inflicted mistakes: Kelly referenced turnovers, penalties, third-down defensive failures. He stressed: “When you face a team like A&M, you’ll be punished for mistakes.”
Finish drives, force stops: Whether on offense or defense, Kelly wants the Tigers to either take the ball away or force punts. He cited the Vanderbilt game where opponents dominated time of possession.
Prepare for adversity and weather: Interestingly, Kelly quipped about game-day conditions: they’ve trained with a wet ball in case of rain. (“I’ll say the professional answer: we used a water bottle to spray the ball all week. The unprofessional answer … I bought shrimp boots.”)
Rely on the depth and next-man-up mentality: With Weeks doubtful, Kelly emphasised that the team must trust younger guys and coaches must simplify assignments so the drop-off is minimized.
Reset the mindset: Kelly was clear that the loss to Vanderbilt cannot define the season: “We’re still in it. We’ve got the house on fire; now we decide whether we are going to pour water on it or add fuel.” (paraphrased)
—
5. What to watch in the linebacker/unit/defense area
With Weeks possibly out, and Kelly’s remarks laying out expectations, here are key focus points:
Who replaces Weeks? Davhon Keys is mentioned as one option; how will the staff adjust scheme or rotation? Will the Tigers move to more nickel or hybrid fronts to compensate?
Communication and alignment: Without a veteran linebacker, mistakes in run fits or pass-coverage responsibilities may increase. Key will be how the Tigers perform on third-and-long and in red-zone defense.
Front-seven play: If the linebacker spot is weakened, the defensive front becomes even more critical. Gooden and Butler’s availability helps; their performance could mask or mitigate the linebacker downgrade.
Tackling and missed-play issues: Kelly’s emphasis on fundamentals means missed tackles become huge. Against an offense like Texas A&M’s, broken plays equal big gains.
Turnovers & big plays allowed: Kelly wants more takeaways; if the defense gives up explosive plays without Weeks, the momentum could tilt early in the game.
—
6. Program implications & Kelly’s messaging
What’s interesting is how Kelly’s comments also hint at broader concerns:
This season is being framed as pivotal: if LSU composes itself and wins, Kelly’s tenure and the program’s trajectory are reinforced. If they stumble again, pressure builds.
Kelly’s tone is less about hype and more about work. He repeatedly said “We must execute” rather than relying on talent alone.
He referenced the LSU standard – proud history and high expectations – subtly acknowledging the fan base and media scrutiny.
The injury to a leader like Weeks highlights how depth and continuity matter; Kelly seems determined to ensure the culture doesn’t slip when adversity hits.
—
7. Looking ahead to the game vs Texas A&M
Given all the above, here’s how things might play out and what to monitor:
If Weeks is out, watch how LSU’s defense handles early drives by Texas A&M. If the Aggies get ahead, the burden shifts to LSU’s offense and special teams.
On offense, Kelly’s message about eliminating mistakes will translate to fewer turnovers, better third-down conversions, and smarter clock management.
If LSU’s defense can manage run fits and force Texas A&M into long drives or third-and-longs, the game becomes more manageable. The risk: big plays and fatigue.
Weather may be a factor (Kelly referenced preparing for wet conditions). If it rains, ball security and special teams may become decisive.
From a program-narrative perspective: a strong performance—even in a loss—could restore confidence. But a lopsided defeat would likely intensify scrutiny.
—
8. Key quotes from Coach Kelly
“We had 49 offensive plays [vs Vanderbilt] and we needed to be better in scoring zones.”
“We have used a wet ball all week … making sure if the weather is wet, we still have to execute.” (on injury/weather prep)
“Whit Weeks hasn’t been able to practice. So, we’ll list him as doubtful.”
“This game could define our season … we just have to play smarter and cleaner. I’m not worried about the guys not wanting to play at their very best.”
—
9. Final thoughts
Coach Brian Kelly’s transparency this week gives us an unvarnished view of where LSU stands: talented but frustrated, competitive yet flawed, and facing a pivotal moment. The update on Whit Weeks underscores the fragility of continuity and the challenge of maintaining defensive composure when a leader is sidelined.
For LSU to salvage their season and reaffirm Kelly’s direction, how they respond to this adversity—the injuries, the program’s expectations, and the game’s magnitude—will matter more than ever. Coach Kelly’s message: fundamentals matter, execution is non-negotiable, and the margin for error is thin.
