Brian Kelly is on high alert as Garrett Nussmeier, an ESPN analyst, adds to LSU’s CFP problems.

Brian Kelly is on High Alert as Garrett Nussmeier, an ESPN Analyst, Adds to LSU’s CFP Problems

As the 2025 college football season marches on, the LSU Tigers find themselves facing a critical juncture in their pursuit of a College Football Playoff (CFP) berth. While head coach Brian Kelly has worked tirelessly to build a program that competes at the highest level, recent events have cast a shadow over LSU’s CFP aspirations. The latest twist came when Garrett Nussmeier, a prominent ESPN analyst, added fuel to the fire, raising serious questions about the Tigers’ path to the playoff.

Nussmeier, the former LSU quarterback turned analyst, has been vocal about his concerns regarding LSU’s current position in the CFP race. His analysis, which has sparked widespread discussion among fans and pundits alike, has drawn attention to a number of flaws in the Tigers’ performance this season. With LSU’s playoff hopes on the line, Nussmeier’s insights have put Brian Kelly on high alert, forcing the Tigers’ head coach to reassess his team’s strengths and weaknesses as they head into the final stretch of the season.

This article will explore the implications of Garrett Nussmeier’s comments, examine the areas where LSU is struggling, and analyze how Brian Kelly plans to address the challenges ahead. We will also look at the broader landscape of the College Football Playoff race and how LSU fits into the picture as the season progresses.

Garrett Nussmeier’s Analysis: A Stark Reality Check for LSU

Garrett Nussmeier, who was a key player for LSU before transitioning into broadcasting, has made waves with his recent commentary on the Tigers’ playoff prospects. As a former quarterback who understands the intricacies of the game, Nussmeier’s perspective is both insightful and critical. While many LSU fans were hoping for a flawless season that would secure a spot in the CFP, Nussmeier has pointed out several areas where the Tigers have been underperforming.

One of Nussmeier’s primary concerns is LSU’s inconsistency on offense. While the Tigers have some of the most talented players in the country, particularly on the offensive side of the ball, they have struggled to execute at times. Quarterback Jayden Daniels has been exceptional in flashes, but his play has been uneven, especially in high-pressure situations. According to Nussmeier, LSU’s offense has lacked the kind of rhythm and cohesion necessary to compete with the best teams in the nation. In several games this season, the Tigers have failed to capitalize on key moments, whether it be in the red zone, on third downs, or in critical late-game situations.

“I think LSU’s offense has a lot of potential, but they’re just not putting it together consistently enough,” Nussmeier said in a recent segment on ESPN. “Jayden Daniels has the tools, but whether it’s play calling or execution, something is just off. When you’re trying to make the College Football Playoff, that’s not something you can afford to let slide. Every game matters, and LSU is leaving too many opportunities on the table.”

Nussmeier also pointed to LSU’s defense as an area of concern. While LSU has a history of fielding elite defensive units, this year’s defense has shown vulnerabilities that could come back to haunt them in a postseason race. The Tigers have allowed significant yardage through the air, and their ability to get off the field on third downs has been inconsistent. Nussmeier emphasized that, in the SEC, teams like Alabama, Georgia, and even Ole Miss will exploit those weaknesses, especially in high-stakes games.

“Defensively, LSU just isn’t the same juggernaut they used to be,” Nussmeier noted. “They have talented players, but they’re getting exposed in ways that didn’t happen in the past. If they want to make a playoff push, they need to fix that fast. The playoff committee is going to look at the entire body of work, and LSU’s defense just hasn’t been as dominant as it needs to be.”

Brian Kelly’s Response: High Alert and Preparation for the Home Stretch

In the wake of Nussmeier’s comments, Brian Kelly has been forced to address the growing concerns surrounding his team. Kelly, known for his methodical approach and keen focus on player development, has never been one to shy away from challenges. However, as LSU’s playoff chances come into sharper focus, Kelly knows that the margin for error is rapidly shrinking.

“We have to get better in every area,” Kelly said during a recent press conference. “Garrett’s right to point out the issues. We can’t afford to be inconsistent. We have to clean up the little mistakes on offense and tighten things up on defense. It’s a long season, but the games are getting bigger, and the stakes are higher.”

Kelly’s response has been pragmatic, acknowledging the team’s weaknesses without sounding alarmist. He knows that in order to reach the College Football Playoff, LSU will need to make major improvements across the board, but he also believes that his team has the talent to do so. However, time is running out, and Kelly must work quickly to address the issues that have cropped up throughout the season.

One of the first steps Kelly is taking is reassessing LSU’s offensive approach. The Tigers have shown flashes of brilliance on offense, but they’ve also struggled to sustain drives and put games away. Kelly and offensive coordinator Mike Denbrock have reportedly been working to simplify the offensive scheme, focusing on efficiency and reducing the complexity of the playbook. Kelly believes that a more streamlined approach will allow Daniels and his teammates to operate with more confidence and fluidity.

“Jayden has the tools, and we know he can perform under pressure,” Kelly said. “But we need to give him a better foundation to work with. That means making sure we’re calling plays that suit his strengths and keeping the offense in a rhythm. We don’t need to reinvent the wheel; we just need to do the basics better.”

In addition to adjustments on offense, Kelly is placing an emphasis on defense. Despite LSU’s historical reputation for producing elite defenders, this year’s unit has had trouble getting stops when it matters most. Defensive coordinator Matt House has been under scrutiny, and Kelly is pushing him and the defensive staff to make improvements. LSU’s defensive line has struggled to generate consistent pressure on opposing quarterbacks, and the secondary has been prone to blown coverages.

“We’ve got to get more pressure on the quarterback,” Kelly explained. “That’s been a key factor in some of our struggles. If we can get to the quarterback more consistently, it will make things easier on our secondary. And when we’re in coverage, we have to be more disciplined and more physical.”

One key player that Kelly is counting on to lead the defensive charge is Harold Perkins Jr., the talented linebacker who has shown flashes of greatness but has not been as disruptive as expected. Perkins has the ability to take over games, and Kelly is urging him to be more aggressive in the latter half of the season. With a more assertive Perkins leading the defense, LSU could be in a much better position to hold off opposing offenses and win key matchups.

The Bigger Picture: LSU’s Playoff Hopes and the SEC Landscape

As Brian Kelly works to address the issues that have been highlighted by Garrett Nussmeier, it’s clear that LSU’s path to the College Football Playoff will be anything but easy. The SEC remains one of the most competitive conferences in college football, and LSU is far from the only team vying for a playoff spot.

One of the biggest challenges LSU faces is the fierce competition within the SEC. Teams like Alabama, Georgia, and Ole Miss are all vying for positions in the playoff, and any slip-up could cost LSU dearly. Furthermore, LSU’s strength of schedule could hurt them if they fail to win key games down the stretch. A loss to a team like Alabama or Georgia could potentially eliminate the Tigers from playoff contention, depending on how the rest of the season plays out.

Moreover, the College Football Playoff selection committee places significant weight on teams that win their conference championships. For LSU to make it to the playoff, they’ll need to secure the SEC West and then win the SEC Championship Game, which is no small task. A one-loss LSU team may have a shot at the playoff, but they’ll need to prove that they can compete with the best teams in the country and avoid any more slip-ups along the way.

Looking Ahead: The Road to the Playoff

The road ahead for LSU is tough, but there is still hope. If the Tigers can fix their offensive and defensive issues and get back to playing their brand of football, they can still make a run for the College Football Playoff. The key will be improving in critical areas, maintaining focus, and executing under pressure. With players like Jayden Daniels, Harold Perkins, and Angel Reese, LSU has the talent to compete with anyone in the country. However, the clock is ticking, and Brian Kelly knows that the margin for error is slim.

For now, Brian Kelly and the Tigers will take Garrett Nussmeier’s criticism to heart, using it as motivation to refocus and recalibrate their approach. The College Football Playoff is still within reach, but LSU will need to put everything together in the coming weeks if they are to make it a reality. As the stakes continue to rise, the Tigers will need to show the resilience and poise that has come to define great teams in the SEC.