The Tigers coach is 5–9 against ranked opponents over the last four seasons after a throttling by Alabama, creating a crisis of confidence in a conference used to high standards.

LSU coach Brian Kelly repeatedly blamed himself for a 42-13 loss to Alabama on Saturday night, a defeat that almost certainly ended any hope of a College Football Playoff berth for the Tigers. They dropped to 6-3 overall and 3-2 in SEC play as Kelly acknowledged they face an uphill climb if they want any shot at a conference title.

Brian Kelly is upset, but perhaps not for the reason you think. His No. 14 LSU Tigers fell to No. 11 Alabama 42-13 on Saturday. The Tigers (6-3, 3-2) dropped virtually out of the running for the CFP with not only their third loss this season, but their second straight by 15 or more points.