LSU head coach Lane Kiffin delivered an intense halftime speech that ignited his team during their significant 51-10 victory over the Clemson Tigers last weekend. Video footage of Kiffin’s fiery words emerged on social media when LSU led 31-3 at halftime. Although Kiffin doesn’t appear in the video, his vigorous tone suggested LSU needed a major rally in the second half.
Kiffin expressed to his team, “Alright, guys, we started here like seven or eight months ago, or whatever it was, alright? And we asked you to work really hard, OK? And we asked you to come back to work again and again and again. Do you feel good about what happened?” The coach exclaimed, “Who cares about what happened? That’s what’s supposed to happen! They are soft! They work differently! We are different, so you gotta show them again!”
He continued by insisting that it didn’t matter what plays Clemson ran or which quarterback they put in. “You send them a message about who is on their schedule!” Kiffin shouted. He demanded that his players demonstrate their abilities, saying, “You take it out on them! The whole world hates you!”
His words appeared effective as LSU maintained their dominance, winning 51-10. Kiffin’s speech came amid controversies over LSU’s attempts to bring in players who had signed NFL contracts and taken part in training camps. LSU recruited tight end Dae’Quan Wright and defensive lineman Zxavian Harris, who joined NFL teams as undrafted free agents but were released during the preseason. Both previously played for Kiffin at Ole Miss, but neither was part of the LSU roster for the Clemson game.
ESPN’s Pete Thamel reported on these controversial roster moves, possible penalties for LSU and Kiffin, and the SEC’s efforts to prevent LSU from executing such moves. LSU is set to face Louisiana Tech on Saturday, Sept. 12, raising questions about Kiffin’s potential motivational tactics if they do not maintain a lead throughout the game.
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