three reason why coach Brian Kelly isn’t leaving anything to chance Nick Saban Before Alabama versus LSU Game

three reason why coach Brian Kelly isn’t leaving anything to chance Nick Saban Before Alabama versus LSU Game

 

As the LSU Tigers gear up for their highly anticipated matchup against the Alabama Crimson Tide, head coach Brian Kelly isn’t leaving anything to chance. While the rivalry between the two SEC powerhouses has a long and storied history, Kelly’s approach to this season’s contest is one of meticulous preparation, a strategy aimed at neutralizing Alabama head coach Nick Saban’s brilliance.

Since taking over as LSU’s head coach in 2022, Kelly has faced the immense challenge of restoring LSU to national prominence in one of the toughest conferences in college football. His first season included a stunning win over Alabama in Tiger Stadium, but Kelly knows that one win doesn’t erase years of dominance by Saban. The Crimson Tide have been the gold standard in the SEC for more than a decade, and Alabama’s 17-2 record against LSU over the past 19 years serves as a stark reminder of Saban’s mastery of the rivalry.

**Preparation and Respect for Saban**

Brian Kelly, who’s known for his meticulous, disciplined approach to coaching, has consistently made it clear that he respects Nick Saban’s coaching acumen and the success he’s brought to Alabama. Ahead of the 2024 showdown, Kelly is taking extra steps to prepare his team for Saban’s well-oiled machine.

While some coaches may attempt to downplay the magnitude of the task at hand or try to distract from the pressure of facing a program as successful as Alabama, Kelly has not shied away from acknowledging the challenge. In fact, Kelly has been vocal about the fact that Alabama’s program is a blueprint for success—something he seeks to emulate at LSU. He recognizes that Saban’s ability to adapt and innovate, year in and year out, is what has allowed Alabama to stay at the top of college football for so long.

“We’re not just preparing for a football game,” Kelly said in a press conference leading up to the matchup. “We’re preparing for a team that has set the standard for what excellence is in college football. When you play Alabama, you know you’re going to face a team that’s not only talented but also incredibly well-coached. And that’s something we take very seriously.”

Kelly’s strategy for preparing the Tigers involves focusing on the fundamentals—offensive line play, stopping the run, and executing in the passing game. But he also knows that Alabama’s ability to adjust and put pressure on teams in high-leverage situations is one of the key aspects of Saban’s success. That’s why Kelly has emphasized the importance of staying composed under pressure and minimizing mistakes.

**Mind Games and Saban’s Influence**

One area where Kelly may be trying to outmaneuver Saban is in the mental preparation of his players. While Saban’s ability to motivate his teams is legendary, Kelly has worked hard to keep his own team mentally sharp. With both coaches known for their psychological game plans, the buildup to this SEC clash is as much about mental toughness as it is about strategy.

Kelly is keenly aware of Saban’s ability to create motivation through external factors—whether it’s using perceived slights, focusing on past losses, or making players feel disrespected. Kelly, too, has a flair for keeping his players focused and energized, using every possible avenue to ensure they are prepared for the enormity of the occasion. He has cultivated a confident, hungry atmosphere around the LSU program, one where players feel the pressure but also know they are capable of competing with any team in the country.

**Game Day: Execution and Patience**

As the teams prepare to face off in Bryant-Denny Stadium, Kelly knows that execution will be paramount. Saban’s teams are famous for being able to control the tempo of a game, wear teams down, and capitalize on mistakes. For LSU, staying patient and executing the game plan will be key. Whether it’s keeping Alabama’s offense off the field or exploiting weaknesses in the Tide’s defense, Kelly is determined to keep his focus on strategy and not get distracted by the legacy of Saban’s success.

In the end, Kelly’s approach to the game is clear: While he deeply respects Nick Saban, he’s not going to let history or Alabama’s tradition intimidate his team. He believes in the talent and preparation of the LSU Tigers, and he’s confident that if they execute their game plan, they can come away with another significant win in the rivalry. For Brian Kelly, it’s all about the next step in building LSU into a true contender in the SEC—and nothing is more important than getting past Saban and Alabama in the process.