That’s a sharp contrast to Alabama, which hasn’t played an in-state non-conference opponent since it faced Howard College (now Samford) in 1944. The Crimson Tide does face in-state SEC rival Auburn each year, as it has done since 1948.

As the Tigers start the 2025 season at Clemson, Kelly joins SEC Now to explain the strategy behind scheduling a tough opponent on the road to start the season.

Brian Kelly is now entering his fourth season as head coach at LSU and many seem to believe he’s on the hot seat. While that isn’t necessarily true, Kelly still hit the offseason hard. The Tigers ranked No.