Lane Kiffin Says “Relief Syndrome” Is Real As LSU Prepares For Auburn

With Auburn coming off a massive upset of No. 1 Georgia on Saturday, the “letdown spot” has become a talking point this week. LSU coach Lane Kiffin believes it’s more than just chatter.

Asked at his Monday press conference whether the idea of a letdown after a big road win is a real concern inside programs, at either the college or NFL level, Kiffin said it is.

“No, that’s a real thing. Relief syndrome is real,” Kiffin said. “It doesn’t mean we’re going to win this week and they’re going to lose, but that is a real thing. That’s a real challenge, and especially now.”

Kiffin said he believes the challenge has grown in recent years because of how much access players have to outside voices.

“I say all the time, I think it’s a harder challenge now because of all the access on their phones of people and media and all the stuff they see in social media,” Kiffin said. “So, you start to be told how great you are, you know, when you have those wins.”

Kiffin also said he wanted Auburn to win Saturday, with LSU on the schedule next.

“I was rooting for them at the end of the game to win, you know, when we were playing them next week, just because that just makes it more challenging.”

Kiffin was careful to say that a possible letdown doesn’t guarantee anything for LSU, but made clear he thinks it’s a factor worth acknowledging as the Tigers get ready for the Tigers from the Plains.

Kickoff on Saturday is at 11 am CT on ABC.