LSU football head coach Brian Kelly shares take on SEC scheduling format

LSU head coach Brian Kelly has been a vocal advocate for an expanded Southeastern Conference (SEC) football schedule, emphasizing the value of increased competition and the opportunity to showcase his team against the best. As the SEC navigates its transition to a 16-team league with the additions of Texas and Oklahoma, Kelly’s perspective offers insight into the evolving landscape of college football scheduling.(Tulsa World)

Kelly has expressed strong support for a nine-game SEC schedule, which would include three permanent opponents and six rotating ones. He believes this format would enhance the competitive balance of the conference and provide teams with more opportunities to prove themselves on a national stage. In discussions about the proposed scheduling models, Kelly stated, “I want to play the best. I came down here to the SEC because I wanted to play against Alabama. I want to play A&M; I want to play Auburn, the great teams, and in our new scheduling we get to play Alabama every year, Ole Miss every year and A&M, and that’s really why I came down here” .(Saturday Down South, Audacy)

Kelly views the prospect of a more demanding schedule as an opportunity for growth and development. He acknowledges the challenges posed by an expanded slate but believes that facing top-tier opponents regularly will better prepare his team for postseason play. He remarked, “If they’d let us play 12 SEC games, I’d play 12. I really would. I know that sounds crazy. But to me it’s about playing those games every single week and getting the opportunity to see the kind of teams we have in the SEC” .(Tulsa World)

One of Kelly’s primary concerns is maintaining traditional rivalries, particularly the annual matchup between LSU and Alabama. He has been clear about his desire to keep this game on the schedule, stating, “Heck yeah” when asked if he wanted LSU to play Alabama every year . Kelly believes that such high-profile games are integral to the SEC’s identity and provide invaluable exposure for the program.(Houston Chronicle, SI)

While advocating for a more rigorous schedule, Kelly also emphasizes the importance of player welfare. He recognizes the physical toll that a demanding schedule can take on athletes and stresses the need for effective conditioning, recovery, and depth within the roster. He noted, “You have to be really intentional with your year-around workouts and you have to make sure your team is prepared the right way… You have to rely on depth within your program and you’re going to have to replace players throughout the season” .(On3)

Brian Kelly’s stance on the SEC’s scheduling format underscores his commitment to fostering a competitive and resilient LSU football program. By advocating for more conference games and the preservation of key rivalries, he aims to position his team for success in an increasingly challenging college football landscape. As the SEC continues to evolve, Kelly’s insights will likely influence discussions on how best to balance competition, tradition, and player welfare in the conference’s scheduling decisions.