LSU’s Brian Kelly not adding pressure on matchup vs. Alabama

It’s a massive game anytime Alabama and LSU play.

This rivalry may not have the deep-rooted history of “The Game” between Michigan and Ohio State and it doesn’t feature the hatred of Alabama versus Auburn in “The Iron Bowl”, but the Tide versus the Tigers is a massive SEC matchup every season.

Importantly, this season, the two teams come in at the same spot. Yes, LSU is ranked No. 14 and Alabama is ranked No. 11, but both teams are at 6-2, and there’s a real chance that a loss will knock the loser out of the 12-team College Football Playoff. Meanwhile, a win could ultimately punch the ticket, depending on how the rest of this season goes.

There’s a ton on the line in this one, but don’t tell LSU head coach Brian Kelly that.

“Each game that we play is a new game in itself. We’re much more focused on playing four quarters of football, you know,” Kelly told the media at his Monday news conference (h/t On3). 

While that is good to say in theory, and it’s what Kelly needs to say to keep his team focused and in the moment, an objective analysis of this game would tell you that winning it will mean a ton for either LSU or Alabama.

LSU’s remaining games are against 4-4 Florida, 6-3 and No. 24-ranked Vanderbilt and 5-4 Oklahoma. Beating Alabama would give LSU a ton of confidence to go out and finish 10-2. Meanwhile, Alabama finishes with Mercer, Oklahoma and 3-6 Auburn. The Tide’s chances of finishing 10-2 are great as well with a win over LSU.

It’s going to be a pressure-packed contest, but Kelly can’t have his team focusing on that in the lead-up.

“Look, all that other stuff is out there but it doesn’t help us relative to what we need to do,” Kelly said.