LSU coach Lane Kiffan declines running clock in dominant win over McNeese State

LSU head coach Lane Kiffan instructed his team to take a timeout immediately after McNeese State kicked off the third quarter, despite holding a 35-0 lead. The decision came after officials asked whether LSU wanted to run the clock in the final periods, to which Kiffan replied that he did not believe in that approach.

"There was a conversation where they asked me, ‘Well, do you want to run the clock in the third and fourth quarter?’ I said no. I don't believe in that. Play the game and we decide when the game's over by the way we play and how physical we play," Kiffan said.

The Tigers maintained a high tempo, with sophomore Harlem Berry returning the kickoff to the 19-yard line and the offense continuing to press. Berry later noted the team’s intent to keep scoring and give all players opportunities.

LSU completed a 63-14 victory, recording a program-record 39 first downs and 101 offensive plays. Reserve running back Stacy Gage rushed for 110 yards, joining Berry’s 125-yard effort, and the team scored six rushing touchdowns in the second half. Quarterback Sam Leavitt, who had played most of the first half despite a hamstring issue, was replaced, but the offense did not stall.

"I told (the players) that we don't do that. I challenged them, come out and play really well. And set a tempo of how you play and a standard, regardless of whether you're first-, second-, or third-team, about how you play at LSU," Kiffan added.

Kiffan emphasized that every game, including those against FCS opponents, should be treated seriously and that the team should not rely on a running clock to secure a win. He also indicated a preference for a balanced non-conference schedule, noting future matchups with teams such as Houston, Northwestern State, UTSA, SMU, Southern and UL-Monroe.