Brian Kelly explains importance of a ‘fearless’ competitive edge in football
By Ethan Stone
Published:
Brian Kelly met with reporters during the SEC’s weekly teleconference Wednesday t discuss the Tigers’ upcoming matchup against Mizzou.
The Tigers are in for a tough test in Missouri. The Eli Drinkwitz-led Tigers are ranked No. 21 in the country after a 5-0 start, including a win over then-ranked No. 15 Kansas State.
On Wednesday, Kelly spoke to the importance of playing with a competitive edge moving forward, against both the Tigers and the rest of their schedule following a 2-loss start to the season.
Here’s what he had to say:
“I think the game of football has gotta be played with a competitive edge that borders on fearless. You have to go out there and you’re confident in your teaching, you’re confident in who you are and what you’re capable of and you’re fearless, you can’t be apprehensive playing this game. But we were tentative at times and apprehensive, we want to let our guys play and I think that that’s probably the most important thing that we’re looking for is let our guys go. Play fast, play physical, don’t worry about making mistakes, just go play. They’re good enough players, we’ve got to get them in a good position and again I think that.”
It’s a point that seems obvious at first and becomes that much more important when remembering the sheer speed these players are playing with. The college game is fast, and one mistake can change everything.
LSU’s players are plenty talented, that much is for sure. This squad has several future NFL players on it, but Kelly wants to see his guys spending more time playing and less thinking.
Ethan Stone is a Saturday Down South News Editor and an advocate for the return of the Seattle Supersonics.
