As they gear up for this much-anticipated game, the Bayou Bengals will also host South Alabama before facing Ole Miss in Week 6.
Over the coming weeks, Kelly aims to improve complementary football, refine strategies, and enhance overall preparation.
He stressed the significance of mental toughness and resilience, stating, “This team understands that the game involves more than just physical skill; mental preparation is key. A resilient team inspires me to coach more effectively and address mistakes.”
Kelly pointed out that developing consistent winning habits is essential. “Both winning and losing can become habits. If we fall into bad habits, it’s difficult to succeed. We have the right foundation, but we need to fix technical issues, which focus on three main areas.”
1. Personnel:** The coaching staff has been frequently adjusting player rotations, including testing various safety alignments on defense. They are still trying to find the ideal rotation and assessing which players perform best in different situations. Kelly said, “We’re evaluating personnel to ensure we’re utilizing the right players in the right scenarios and preparing them effectively.”
2. **Scheme:** The team has made several adjustments to defensive alignments, including changes for players like Harold Perkins and Major Burns. Kelly recognized the need for a more refined approach, stating, “We must play cleaner and more disciplined football. Even with some mistakes, we’re close to being very effective. The challenge is finding the right scheme to enhance our players’ success.”
3. **Preparation:** Kelly emphasized the importance of enhancing preparation, particularly for starting games more effectively. “We’re closely reviewing our coaching strategies and player placements to ensure our preparations are on point. Despite some errors, our team demonstrated significant resolve and resilience, especially with many young players involved. This is a solid foundation for us to build on.”
By concentrating on these areas, Kelly aims to fortify the Tigers as they head into their upcoming games and pursue success this season.