LSU’s Brian Kelly: ‘We know the challenges’ of facing 2-0 South Carolina Gamecocks

LSU football will be making its first trip to Williams-Brice Stadium in 16 seasons on Saturday.

Tigers coach Brian Kelly talked Monday about the matchup with the Gamecocks and buzz the matchup is receiving. ESPN’s “College GameDay” will broadcast live from Gamecock Park, located next to Williams-Brice Stadium. It’s the first time the show has been in Columbia in 10 years.

South Carolina is coming off an impressive 31-6 road win over Kentucky in its Southeastern Conference opener while, LSU defeated Nicholls State, 44-21. Saturday will be the Tigers’ SEC opener.

Williams-Brice environment

“It is obviously going to be a great environment there and for us to take another step in the development of our football team,” Kelly said. “.... Playing South Carolina, you look what Shane (Beamer) has done. He gets his team to play well, in particular at home. They come off a great road win over Kentucky.

“The type of offense they run with (LaNorris) Sellers at quarterback and (Rocket) Sanders the Arkansas transfer. This is a big physical quarterback, reminds me of (Anthony) Richardson who played at Florida and the kid from Arkansas (KJ Jefferson). … They got some weapons offensively. Defensively, they lead the SEC in sacks and have a freshman edge player (Dylan Stewart). Kennard is an outstanding player and really love (Nick Emmanwori). Just a really good defense.”

“On the road in the SEC, we know the challenges especially with a 2-0 start and look to improve on all facets of our game as we go on the road against the Gamecocks.”

More on preparing for Sellers, Dylan Stewart

Kelly was asked about the challenges for playing against USC quarterback LaNorris Sellers and freshman defensive end Dylan Stewart, who is second on team with 2.5 sacks through two games.

“Sellers is a physical presence and a lot like Richardson that played at Florida. He has a cannon for an arm and can throw it 65 or 70 yards. He just reminds of that physical presence but he is a new starter,” Kelly said. “You are going to have to do some really good things to defend the quarterback and quarterback run game because they have the transfer from Auburn (Robby Ashford) as well.

“... Stewart is a pure pass rusher. That doesn’t mean he can’t defend the run. I’m not saying that. But he is a guy who they want in there to get after the quarterback. We are going to be disciplined in our drops, and have to get the ball out on time. … This is an SEC defensive front and they can get to the quarterback. In particular he can.”

Preparations for Hurricane Francine

Tropical storm Francine has formed in the Gulf of Mexico and a hurricane watch has been issued for southern Louisiana with possible landfall on Wednesday.

Kelly said the team is in the process of making preparation to deal with storm impacts if needed.

“One thing I have learned at being at LSU is that there are plans over plans when it comes to hurricanes,” Kelly said. “We have a plan in place for Wednesday and Thursday that is imminent. The next stage is (possible) thunderstorms on Saturday (in Columbia).

“I have met with our strength staff for stretching purposes and nutrition, so it has been a long morning on hurricanes and thunderstorms. So we are already on top of that.”