With his team’s season opener in the rearview mirror, first-year play-caller Matt Luke addressed the media Monday, sharing his takeaways from Saturday’s opener against South Alabama and offering insight into next weekend’s matchup with visiting UT Martin.
After a successful weekend outing, Luke offered both praise and constructive criticism of his team’s play.
“[We’re] very pleased with the 80 percent completion percentage. We had 180 yards passing off RPO (run/pass option) calls,” Luke said. “I thought that was really efficient.”
With all the talk of efficiency and pass completion, Luke was careful to measure his praise. He mentioned multiple instances of “critical” red zone mistakes that led to South Alabama opportunities, including one that ended in a touchdown.
Throughout the afternoon, Luke continued to preach the importance of film. With plenty of new faces, both players and coaches, in the locker room this year, consistency and improvement are more important than ever.
Luke noted his team’s energy on defense, at times a visible improvement over last year’s efforts, and penchant for running to the ball. Wesley McGriff, defensive coordinator, teaches a “hunt in packs” mentality that the team took and ran with.
Through it all, Luke was never hesitant to challenge his defensive players to improve. Not just in tackling, which multiple members of the Ole Miss coaching staff referenced after Saturday’s win, but in the depth’s game readiness, as well.
“[There is] a little bit too big of a drop-off from the ones to the twos,” Luke said. “We really have a challenge there to build our depth.”
While the first-year coach admitted the two glaring issues of missed tackles and a shallow depth chart, he also offered praise for a few standout performers. Luke named Josiah Coatney and Breeland Speaks as X-factors on the inside while singling out Willie Hibbler and Jarrion Street as a pair of second team guys who will continue to improve with further practice and game minutes.
Luke also acknowledged his team’s mentality and attitude in the second half. Luke’s Rebels did not give in after a lackluster first half, and their effort in the third and fourth quarters spoke volumes of the team’s heart.
“I like that they didn’t panic. That’s what we talked about at halftime,” Luke said. “This is a four-quarter game. Let’s finish.”
That quiet confidence paid off, as Luke’s Rebels scored 27 points in the third quarter alone en route to closing the Jaguars out of the game.
The Rebels now prepare for the 11 a.m. matchup Saturday with UT Martin.
“We’re looking forward to the challenge,” Luke said.
