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.

Here are three takeaways from what we saw on the field in Baton Rouge over the first 30 minutes of action. STARTING FAST: Alabama spoke all week about how a strong start would be critical to its success in Death Valley.