Brian Kelly Fires Back at Paul Finebaum After Major Week 1 Win

On Saturday, it was a fantastic day for Brian Kelly, the head coach of the No. 9-ranked LSU Tigers. However, it didn’t go as well for Paul Finebaum of the SEC Network.

Finebaum predicted that the No. 1 Texas Longhorns would defeat the No. 3 Ohio State Buckeyes. He also predicted that the No. 8 Alabama Crimson Tide would win against the Florida State Seminoles and he believed that the No. 4 Clemson Tigers would triumph over LSU.

He was wrong about all three points, and Kelly addressed this on his show, "The Paul Finebaum Show."

"You had a tough loss this weekend, and you came on the show, so I appreciate that," Kelly joked. "I think you and I both understand in this business, you get good days and you've got bad days. You just move on and keep doing your job."

Finebaum did not shy away from the jokes; instead, he embraced them.

"A certain bespecaled commentator a week ago said you would be miserable (Monday)," Finebaum responded. "It looks like I'm the one who's miserable. You've done quite well."

LSU Snaps Season Opener Drought

One reason Finebaum believed Clemson would win the game was that he considered them a legitimate contender for the national championship. He also pointed out that Kelly had not won a season opener at LSU in his first three seasons and mentioned that LSU had not won a season opener since 2019. However, LSU managed to win this time, defeating Clemson 17-10 on the road.

LSU's defense was the standout of the game, successfully containing a strong Clemson offense led by Cade Klubnik, whom Finebaum referred to as the best quarterback in college football. Klubnik completed 19-of-38 passes for 230 yards and threw one interception, finishing with a disappointing QBR of 31.4.

LSU Defense Shuts Down Clemson and Cade Klubnik

LSU's defense was impressive, limiting Clemson to only 261 total yards of offense. The Tigers struggled to establish a run game, managing just 31 yards at an average of 1.6 yards per carry. Offensively, LSU performed adequately; Garrett Nussmeier completed 28-of-38 passes for 230 yards and one touchdown. Nussmeier finished with an 82.7 QBR. Additionally, LSU rushed for 108 yards, averaging 3.5 yards per carry.

Finebaum is known for bold opinions, but Kelly and LSU had the last laugh this time. With the win, the Tigers hope to build momentum toward their first College Football Playoff appearance since their 2019 national championship season.