Saturday night at FirstBank Stadium was a disaster for LSU. The Tigers fell 31–24 to Vanderbilt in a game that exposed everything wrong with Brian Kelly’s program this season. What was supposed to be a rebound year has instead turned into a slow unraveling. Following the loss, Paul Finebaum offered a strong verdict, warning that Brian Kelly’s future in Baton Rouge will be in jeopardy if things don’t change fast.

“LSU on day one was a team that could have afforded three losses,” Finebaum said in the October 19th episode of the Matt Barrie Show.“They can’t anymore.” LSU now sits at 5–2 overall and 2–2 in the SEC, and Finebaum believes the margin for error is gone. “They’re working pretty hard on knocking themselves out of the playoffs,” he added. “And if you don’t think this weekend might do it, then consider that trip to Tuscaloosa in about three weeks.”

Another reason is that they have only won against low-ranked opponents this season. When they faced Ole Miss and Vanderbilt, they got outplayed. And with Texas A&M and Alabama left on their schedule, Paul Finebaum believes the playoff hopes this season are over for them.

Adding to the pressure, Garrett Nussmeier’s inconsistency has amplified LSU’s struggles. Once seen as a Heisman hopeful, the quarterback has battled multiple injuries and erratic play. Finebaum called out that drop-off directly: “He was a Heisman favorite in most people’s minds as the number one pick, and he just has not performed. Even the defense sometimes has its moments, like when they were burned yesterday by Pavia, and I didn’t expect that either.” 

Brian Kelly and LSU have a very tough schedule left

Brian Kelly will be looking to shift his focus from the woes against Vanderbilt to hosting their next opponents, Texas A&M. The Aggies would have been the last opponent they wanted after a loss. One positive sign, though, is the fact that they will be playing at home. That could serve as an advantage, but only if they fix their issues.

Against Vanderbilt, their famed defense went quiet, and their offense stepped up. It shows a lot of inconsistencies within the LSU camp. If they want to even hope about making the playoffs, then both offense and defense will have to step up. LSU is in a stage where it can’t afford to lose a game.

With Alabama coming next after A&M, it’s going to be a very tough road ahead for the Tigers. Their only hope is to win now, be it against A&M, Bama, Arkansas, WKU, or Oklahoma.