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Sports Illustrated
Sports Illustrated
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Mike McDaniel

Brian Kelly Gives Strong Answer on LSU Facing Alabama Every Year Amid SEC Schedule Talks

As the SEC parses through new scheduling models in the midst of conference realignment, which include both eight and nine-game conference schedule proposals, LSU coach Brian Kelly made one thing clear: he’s not dodging Alabama.

“Heck yeah,” Kelly told reporters when asked if he wanted LSU to play Alabama every year.

An eight-game SEC schedule would make it likely that LSU would not play Alabama every season like it does now. A nine-game SEC schedule however would all-but assure that they do.

“I love Alabama,” Kelly said. “I love Nick [Saban]. I love that kind of matchup. I mean, I was in Tiger Stadium for that game and I can tell you that there’s not a better atmosphere in college football than being there between two teams that are competing at that level. That’s why I came to the SEC … to play in those games.”

LSU beat Alabama in Kelly’s first season in Baton Rouge last fall, a game which knocked the Crimson Tide out of the College Football Playoff and helped LSU clinch the SEC West.

After a wildly successful first year with the Tigers, one which included an appearance in the SEC title game and a Citrus Bowl victory, Kelly made it clear that he wants to continue playing games against Alabama no matter what happens with future conference schedules.

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