Tony Elliott Focusing on Confidence and Fundamentals
Coach Elliott took some time to meet with reporters and answer a few questions following Saturday’s scrimmage. He spoke about what was most impressive, the things he felt needed to be addressed, and the challenges of coaching against Brent Venables.
On how the scrimmage played out:
“We came alive later in the scrimmage, we had some situational work down in the red zone and were able to find the end zone.”
“We started well moving the ball, we just didn't finish drives. We had some critical drops. Too many self-inflicted wounds, penalties, false starts-- by receivers-- by the offensive line. You’ve got to control the controllables and we didn't do a great job there. We came alive later in the scrimmage, had some situational work down in the red zone.”
“Overall, good work. It's going to be a great opportunity for us to evaluate a lot of players, but at the same time, not as consistent as we want to be, but it's a great opportunity for us to go back to work and learn and figure it out. “
On the defense being slightly ahead at this point:
“I think it's just communication, then the guys being dialed in, as I told them before, camp is always like this. It's a little bit frustrating because the defense is going to be a little bit ahead. We're not necessarily game-planning for them. We're going to have play calls that are not going to match up and don't get frustrated.”
On the confidence of the young players:
“I think sometimes, especially young guys are a little bit frustrated because things don't match up. We try and tell them not to focus on that because we don't want to get into just game-planning for the defense, we're installing our entire offense to build for the season.”
“The biggest thing is with so many young guys is helping them to stay confident, focus on the things you can control which is your fundamentals, make sure that we have the proper communication, we're headed in the right direction. Then when school starts, we'll figure out exactly what we're going to carry into the Georgia game.”
“I think it's just for the young guys to make sure that they stay the course, they stay in their playbook. We've installed every single day with the exception of today. We’re trying to get our plan in because the schedule is a little bit different with the earlier start for school.”
On Kobe Pace gaining confidence:
“Kobe (Pace) did have a couple of good runs especially down in the low red zone where he was able to push the ball in for a touchdown.”
On other guys who stood out:
“Today thought Dacari [Collins] a good day. I've been pleased with Frank and his progress. Jordan McFadden has been solid. Jaelyn Lay made a couple of plays. I’m anxious to see what it looks like from the other aspects of the game. When he (Lay) was targeted, he made some plays. So those are the guys that stood out. Then Will Taylor just continues to impress.”
On facing the Tiger defense:
“Man, it was tough sledding today with what they were doing on defense, they had a bunch of guys around the box and playing aggressive and so we had to do some different things like moving the pocket, get the ball on the perimeter, use some RPO stuff. But Kobe (Pace) did have a couple of good runs especially down in the low red zone where he was able to push the ball in for a touchdown.”
Elliott on facing off against Brent Venables:
“Do you see my hairline? That’s what it’s like. What little bit of hair I’ve got left, keeps falling out. That's why he’s best in the country.”
“He’s very aggressive and very multiple. He does a lot of things. They're putting in their plan for the season as well, but at the same time, they have to put their plan in based on the formations that we're going to show him. So a lot of things aren't going to marry up.”
“He (Venables) does a good job. He's gonna attack you and be aggressive. So he puts, he puts a lot of pressure on us. So it's always tough going through it. But I really, really love it and embrace it, and understand that it’s making this better for the long run.”