Lane Kiffin says LSU’s loss to Alabama is unacceptable as Tigers prepare for Texas
LSU’s head coach addressed the 31-13 loss, criticism surrounding the program, his relationship with Texas coach Steve Sarkisian and major changes coming to college football.
BATON ROUGE, La. (WAFB) - LSU head coach Lane Kiffin said Monday (Nov. 9) that losing at Tiger Stadium and scoring just 13 points against Alabama falls well short of the program’s expectations, but he believes the Tigers have an opportunity to respond against Texas this weekend.
The Tigers are coming off a 31-13 loss to Alabama on Saturday, Nov. 7, dropping LSU to 6-3 on the season. Kiffin acknowledged the frustration surrounding the loss and said he feels bad for LSU fans and the state of Louisiana.
“That’s not the expectations we have, what we’re used to and not what it’s gonna be like here,” Kiffin said.
LSU now turns its attention to No. 8 Texas, which visits Tiger Stadium on Saturday, Nov. 14, at 6:30 p.m.
Criticism following Alabama loss
Kiffin said he spent time Monday reminding his players not to get caught up in outside criticism, whether the team is winning or losing.
“I just said, ‘Here it comes. This is gonna be the everything we do is wrong noise.’ We lost to Alabama, especially the final score looking the way it did.”
Kiffin said he expects criticism of everything from playing time and on-field decisions to the basketball goal and fire extinguisher celebrations that fans enjoyed when the team was winning.
He emphasized the importance of moving past previous results rather than allowing praise or criticism to influence the team’s preparation.
Despite the disappointing loss, Kiffin said facing another highly ranked opponent provides an immediate opportunity to respond.
He noted that a schedule featuring three consecutive top-10-caliber opponents might appear unfavorable before the season, but following a loss, it offers a chance to bounce back without waiting weeks for another major matchup.
Texas presents another major challenge
Kiffin praised Texas’ defense, particularly its ability to recruit and develop talent.
“I think they’re getting healthy at the right time. Really like Alabama did last week too,” Kiffin said.
He singled out Texas defensive standout Collin Simmons as one of college football’s premier players.
Kiffin said programs such as Texas and Georgia have built sustained success by combining highly recruited high school players with additions through the transfer portal.
When asked how LSU plans to handle Texas’ pass rush, Kiffin declined to reveal specifics but mentioned getting the ball out quickly and using screens.
Kiffin also discussed LSU’s offensive personnel.
He praised Trey’Dez Green for his commitment to the team, saying Green is still not 100% healthy but has done a good job playing through his limitations.
Kiffin also addressed Sean Thompkins Jr.’s performance at right tackle against Alabama while filling in for an injured Weston Davis. He acknowledged that Thompkins struggled at times against a difficult matchup but said he also did some good things and has the coaching staff’s confidence if needed again.
Personal connection with Steve Sarkisian
Saturday’s matchup also brings together Kiffin and Texas head coach Steve Sarkisian, whose relationship goes back years.
“We have a really unique relationship that goes back a long time,” Kiffin said.
The two coaches have crossed paths throughout their careers, including their connections to former offensive coordinator Norm Chow.
Kiffin also shared how Sarkisian helped him through an important personal turning point.
“On a personal level, a major change in my life was getting sober, I don’t know, six years ago. And he was a major part of that, and I owe him a lot for that and will always be really appreciative of him for that.”
Kiffin also praised Texas quarterback Arch Manning, describing him as a great person who has dealt with significant expectations and pressure throughout his career.
Kiffin weighs in on expanded College Football Playoff
Kiffin also addressed one of the biggest developments in college football Monday: the announcement that the College Football Playoff will expand from 12 to 24 teams beginning with the 2027 season.
“I think it was kind of what they had to do,” Kiffin said.
He suggested the expanded playoff makes sense as SEC teams face increasingly difficult schedules, including the move to nine conference games.
The expansion also brings an end to another longstanding college football tradition.
The SEC announced Monday that its 2026 championship game will be the last, concluding a 35-year run that began in 1992.
The final SEC Championship Game is scheduled for Dec. 5 in Atlanta.
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