LSU Head Coach Brian Kelly Comments On Season-Opener Against Florida State

"You really don't know what you have until you play against Florida State."

Tommy Mire | Jul 17, 2023

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Florida State opens the season against the LSU Tigers on September 3 to conclude their "home and home" series. Last year, the 'Noles finished in a thrilling 24-23 fashion after their victory off of a blocked PAT preventing overtime.

LSU head coach Brian Kelly took to the podium on Monday during the annual SEC Media Days event to discuss a variety of subjects, Florida State included.

"Going into this season, it certainly is going to be a great challenge for us as we open up against an outstanding Florida State team, which will challenge our football team," Kelly said. "but it also motivates us on a day-to-day basis when we're out working in the cool breezes of Louisiana."

There were hardly any cool breezes as the 'Noles took over New Orleans a year ago, only block parties and parades as fans painted the town garnet and gold.

"But they're highly motivated because of that opener against Florida State," Kelly added when speaking of the Tigers squad.

The matchup between the two teams is expected to be a top-ten headliner.

Both programs are returning their starting quarterbacks, FSU's Jordan Travis and LSU's Jayden Daniels. Travis threw for 260 yards and two scores the last time the two teams met, adding 31 yards on the ground. Daniels threw for 209 yards and two touchdowns while adding 133 on the ground during the bout.

"We want to see that confidence that we saw at the end of the year continue to show itself right through the first game against Florida State."

LSU finished the 2022 season 10-4 (6-2 SEC), winning four of their last six, while FSU finished 10-3 (5-3 ACC) on a six-game hot streak. Both programs want to ignite their season and start with a bang.

With star players like FSU's defensive end Jared Verse and running back Trey Benson, and LSU's defensive lineman Mekhi Wingo and wide receiver Malik Nabers, the matchup inside Camping World Stadium this September should be one for the ages.

Stay tuned for Florida State head coach Mike Norvell to give his thoughts on the season during the ACC Football Kickoff starting Tuesday, July 25th.

Stick with NoleGameday for more coverage of Florida State football throughout the offseason

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Published Jul 17, 2023

TOMMY MIRE

Tommy Mire joined NoleGameday in 2023 as a writer and editor. He initially worked as lead voice at SBNation's Tomahawk Nation and contributes to football, NFL and recruiting coverage. Connect with Tommy on Twitter at @TommyM3III