Brian Kelly Absolutely Wants Alabama to Remain on LSU’s Schedule Every Year

The second-year LSU coach was emphatic when asked about a proposed new scheduling model as it pertains to Alabama.

As the SEC parses through new scheduling models in the midst of conference realignment, which include both eight and nine-game conference schedule proposals, LSU coach Brian Kelly made one thing clear: he’s not dodging Alabama.

“Heck yeah,” Kelly told reporters when asked if he wanted LSU to play Alabama every year.

An eight-game SEC schedule would make it likely that LSU would not play Alabama every season like it does now. A nine-game SEC schedule however would all-but assure that they do.

“I love Alabama,” Kelly said. “I love Nick [Saban]. I love that kind of matchup. I mean, I was in Tiger Stadium for that game and I can tell you that there’s not a better atmosphere in college football than being there between two teams that are competing at that level. That’s why I came to the SEC … to play in those games.”

LSU beat Alabama in Kelly’s first season in Baton Rouge last fall, a game which knocked the Crimson Tide out of the College Football Playoff and helped LSU clinch the SEC West.

After a wildly successful first year with the Tigers, one which included an appearance in the SEC title game and a Citrus Bowl victory, Kelly made it clear that he wants to continue playing games against Alabama no matter what happens with future conference schedules.