Tigers struggle in season opener; fall to Seminoles, 24-23

NEW ORLEANS (WAFB) - The Brian Kelly era at LSU (0-1) started off with a loss to Florida State (2-0), 24-23, in the Louisiana Allstate Kickoff on Sunday, Sept. 4.

The Tigers have now lost 13 straight games when trailing at halftime, dating back to Sept. 2018.

After a touchdown with no time left on the clock, LSU attempted to tie the game with an extra point kick by Damon Ramos but it was blocked by Shyheim Brown to secure the win for the Seminoles.

Florida State's Shyheim Brown (38) blocks the point after try by LSU kicker Damian Ramos (34) — Florida State's Shyheim Brown (38) blocks the point after try by LSU kicker Damian Ramos (34)(Josh Auzenne | WAFB)

“What we learned is we’ve got to coach better,” said Kelly. “We’ve got to have our kids coached in a manner where they’re ready. And I’m accountable for that. And we have to have them tackling better, executing better in all phases.”

LSU fell 24-23 to Florida State in the Louisiana Allstate Kickoff.

Arizona State transfer Jayden Daniels was 24-for-34 for 209 yards and two touchdowns. He also rushed for 114 yards on 16 carries. Many of those were improvised runs, as the offensive line struggled all game to protect him. Daniels was the leading rusher for the Tigers.

Florida State vs LSU — Florida State vs LSU(Josh Auzenne | WAFB)

Senior wide receiver Jaray Jenkins was the leading pass catcher with five receptions for 46 yards and two touchdowns, including a last-second score to get the Tigers within one point. All-American wide receiver Kayshon Boutte recorded two catches for 20 yards in the loss.

Florida State vs LSU — Florida State vs LSU(Josh Auzenne | WAFB)

Former Penn State running back Noah Cain gained 23 yards on seven carries and scored the first touchdown of the Kelly era, getting the Tigers within a touchdown late in the third quarter. He was the only LSU rusher to find the end zone.

Defensively, the Tigers were not good on third down, as Florida State was 11-for-16. The Tigers also lost their star sophomore defensive tackle Maason Smith, who left the game in the first quarter with an apparent leg injury.

Florida State vs LSU — Florida State vs LSU(Josh Auzenne | WAFB)

Seminole starting quarterback Jordan Travis was 20-for-33 passing for 260 yards and two touchdowns. Both of his TD tosses went to Ontaria Wilson, who caught seven passes for 102 yards.

LSU will face Southern on Sept. 10 for its home opener.

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