Brian Kelly's biggest mistake against Florida State had nothing to do with his fourth-down calls

Preseason First-Team All-SEC outside linebacker Harold Perkins Jr. was so poorly used in the opener that the NCAA should allow for his immediate transfer.

If Kelly's job is to get his players in the best position to succeed, his decision to play Perkins, an elite pass-rusher, primarily in coverage was by far his most egregious error on Sunday night.

The move had a major impact on Perkins' game, as CBS Sports' Bud Elliott noted. 

Perkins is arguably the most talented player on LSU's defense and certainly far from the worst, but his usage put him in a position where he couldn't thrive.

Seven pass rushes for Perkins? We understand Florida State quarterback Jordan Travis is a dynamic dual-threat at quarterback, but he was feasting against LSU's secondary. The only times he struggled was when he was under duress, which Perkins would have certainly put him under more often if given the opportunity.

Data from Pro Football Focus shows Perkins averaged 13.5 pass rushes per game in 13 appearances last season and finished the year with 41 total pressures and 10 sacks. (Official stats gave Perkins 7.5 sacks last year, but PFF credits half-sacks as whole ones.) His 90.9 pass-rush grade was the best on the team. 

Perkins' role against Florida State didn't come out of thin air. It was something Kelly planned for, and it backfired as epically as possible.

The decision was roundly criticized on social media, including by 247Sports recruiting analyst Cooper Petagna and ESPN NFL Draft analyst Matt Miller.

The blowout Week 1 loss revealed the Tigers have a lot of work to do if they're going to repeat as SEC West champions.

Putting Perkins in the position he knows best would be a good place to start.