Skip Bayless took to social media on Saturday night to demand a refund for Lane Kiffin’s massive contract after Alabama defeated LSU. The popular sports analyst wrote on X that “LSU is going to want a refund” following the 31-13 loss at Tiger Stadium. This harsh take comes after the Tigers fell to 6-3 on the season, leaving their playoff hopes in serious trouble. The result was a bitter pill for fans who expected a national title run from the new coach.
The numbers tell a strange story of a game that looked one way on paper but ended another. According to Yahoo Sports, LSU actually outgained Alabama by nearly 200 yards, recording 457 total yards to the Crimson Tide’s 285. Quarterback Sam Leavitt threw for 380 yards, yet the team could not put points on the board when it counted most. The offense failed to convert on any of its four fourth-down attempts, a statistic that Kiffin noted was the worst of his career.
The Real Problem Was the End Zone
Kiffin did not shy away from the truth in his postgame press conference. He admitted that the team struggled to finish drives despite moving the ball down the field. “It was a very unusual statistical game, you know, yardage-wise 457 to 285, and it comes down to the red zone and fourth downs,” Kiffin said. He pointed out that his team went 0-for-4 on fourth downs and reached the red zone more than Alabama did. That simple math created a huge problem on the scoreboard.
The Tigers led 13-10 late in the third quarter thanks to a five-yard touchdown run by Dilin Jones. But the lead vanished in less than three minutes when Alabama scored a touchdown pass from Keelon Russell to Josh Ford. The Crimson Tide then added two more scores to build a 21-point unanswered streak that sealed the game. To set up another drive for Alabama, Ryan Coleman-Williams also contributed by returning a punt 32 yards.
A Losing Streak That Won’t End
This loss marks the fourth straight defeat for LSU against Alabama, and every single one has been by double digits. Kiffin remains winless against the program as a head coach, falling to 0-6 in his career. He expressed deep frustration with the final 18 minutes of play, calling it a “really disappointing end of the game.” One fan even shouted at Kiffin over a hot mic on the ABC broadcast, yelling, “Hey, Lane, f–k you!” as the game slipped away.
The team now faces a steep climb to reach the College Football Playoff. According to reports, their chances of making the postseason fell from 51% to 25% following Saturday’s loss. LSU must win out to have any shot, starting with a home game against No. 7 Texas next week on Nov. 14.
