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 said it was on him Saturday night after No. 11 Alabama beat No. 14 LSU 42-13 in Baton Rouge. “They were ready to play,” the LSU coach said of his Tigers. “I take ownership in not getting our guys in the right position tonight.”