Overview
- Kelly made his on-air debut for CBS Sports Network in the North Dakota State–Jacksonville State broadcast, a Week 0 game that drew attention because NDSU was playing its first FBS contest.
- During the broadcast Kelly cracked a notable clock-management joke about holding a “Monday morning meeting” with the game management crew after the Fargodome clock malfunctioned, a moment that was widely clipped and shared.
- He closed the game by acknowledging a learning curve, telling colleagues, “I’ll have to get better to keep up with you guys,” and saying he appreciated their help in the booth.
- North Dakota State won 33–7, outgaining Jacksonville State and forcing turnovers, which gave Kelly straightforward game material to analyze rather than complex tactical breakdowns.
- Reaction online was mixed, ranging from praise for his football insight and energy to sharp criticism tied to his coaching past and on-air mannerisms, and CBS has slated him for select game analyst duties and weekly appearances on Inside College Football this season.