Brian Kelly makes broadcasting debut in North Dakota State's opener

Brian Kelly worked his first game from the broadcast booth Saturday, calling North Dakota State's 33–7 season-opening win over Jacksonville State — his first college football Saturday since LSU dismissed him last October after a 5-3 start.

Asked about a clock-management issue during the game, the instincts that built a 30-year coaching career kicked in. “This would be a Monday morning meeting with the game management crew in my office if I'm at home and the clock's running,” Kelly said. “Just, 'You guys need to do a better job,' and I'd leave it at that.”

North Dakota State pulled away from a 7–7 first-quarter tie, outgaining Jacksonville State 374–170 and forcing two turnovers to improve to 1–0. Jacksonville State fell to 0–1 and hosts Eastern Kentucky on Sept. 5.

Still adjusting to the view from the booth after three decades on the sideline, Kelly credited his broadcast partners: “I'll have to get better to keep up with you guys, but thanks for making this one a little bit easier than I thought.”