‘Don’t Tell Me About Patience’ — CFB Analyst Slams LSU HC Lane Kiffin for Losing to Kentucky Despite Having ‘One of the Most Expensive’ Rosters
NCAAF College Football News, Photos, Stats, Scores, Schedule & Videos...
Lane Kiffin is under growing pressure after LSU suffered a stunning 35-34 overtime loss to Kentucky, raising fresh questions about the Tigers’ championship ambitions. The defeat dropped then-No. 10 LSU to 4-2 overall and 1-2 in SEC play, leaving little room for further mistakes.
College football analyst Richard Johnson did not hold back in his criticism, pointing to the money LSU has invested in its roster and arguing that Kiffin has little excuse for falling short of expectations.
Richard Johnson Calls Out Lane Kiffin After LSU’s Loss
LSU had a chance to seal the win in regulation, but couldn’t finish the job. With 12 seconds left, Kentucky kicker Adam Zouagui hit a 33-yard field goal to tie the game and force overtime.
The Tigers struck first in overtime when quarterback Sam Leavitt scored on a 15-yard run to put LSU ahead 34-27. However, Kentucky responded with a 1-yard touchdown run by CJ Baxter.
Instead of kicking the extra point to force another overtime period, Kentucky head coach Will Stein decided to go for two. Quarterback Kenny Minchey ran up the middle untouched to complete the conversion and give the Wildcats a 35-34 victory.
PREDICT THE CFB SEASON:PFN’s Free CFB Playoff Predictor
Johnson was critical of LSU’s inability to finish the game, especially after Kentucky gave the Tigers several chances to take control. “LSU did not bring in Lane Kiffin for this… In the SEC, you are a favorite, you are the better team on paper,” Johnson said.
He also questioned whether Kiffin could ask LSU fans to remain patient, considering the money invested in the roster.
“It’s just a diminishing return situation for LSU, and if I’m Lane Kiffin, don’t tell me about patience, don’t go out there and talk about patience to those people, with a roster that’s right around $50 million, one of the most expensive in college football,” Johnson added.
Johnson also brought up Kiffin’s departure from Ole Miss and the expectations he created when he took the LSU job.
“With the way you left Ole Miss, and talked all that hot stuff about how LSU was gonna be a better and an easier place for you to win, you’re not doing it in early days right now at Baton Rouge,” Johnson said.
Kiffin Faces Pressure With LSU’s Reported $50 Million Roster
Kiffin joined LSU on November 30, 2025, after leaving Ole Miss. He signed a reported seven-year, $91 million contract worth around $13 million per year, bringing significant expectations to Baton Rouge.
CBS Sports listed LSU among programs spending more than $40 million on their 2026 roster, with several industry sources projecting the Tigers could exceed $50 million. That investment has increased expectations among fans who want the Tigers to compete for SEC titles and a national championship.
However, LSU has already suffered two losses this season, including a 32-24 defeat to Kiffin’s former team, Ole Miss. The loss to Kentucky has added to the pressure as the Tigers try to find consistency in a demanding SEC schedule.
Kiffin is still early in his LSU tenure, but Johnson believes the program’s financial investment and championship ambitions leave little room for patience.
This article originally appeared on Pro Football Network.
More at NCAAF College Football News, Photos, Stats, Scores, Schedule & Videos