Turnovers Key In Loss To Middle Tennessee
Head coach Joey Jones speaks with sideline reporter Pat Greenwood heading into halftime against Middle Tennessee on Saturday, November 17, 2012.
South Alabama has had problems with turnovers throughout the season. It bit them again against Middle Tennessee.
Even though the Jags turned the ball over four times, three interceptions and a fumble, they stayed within on score of a Middle Tennessee team that is tied atop the conference standings.
For the season, the Jags have 14 interceptions and 15 fumbles and continue to rank last in the Sun Belt Conference turnover ratio. They were -9 in turnover ratio coming into the the game, but leave with a -13 turnover ratio.
“No doubt,” coach Joey Jones said acknowledging the turnovers impact in the game. “We can’t do that and win. We talk about it, we work on it. You know, it’s part of the game that happens sometimes but bottom line, if we don’t take care of the football we’re not going to win. And that’s very simple and we’ve got to (take care of the ball) to have a chance to beat these teams.”
Four turnovers against Texas-San Antonio to begin the season lead to a loss. Four more turnovers against Troy lead to a loss. Four turnovers in a loss to Florida International. Four turnovers against Nicholls State yet they were able to win the game.
“It’s always frustrating because you coach and you work every day to not turn over the ball and when you do bad things happen,” Jones continued. “But even with all that we had a chance to win the game. If we make a drive in the fourth quarter, we’ve got the ball with three minutes left. But we don’t drive down and score and (turnovers were) obviously a big part of the game.”
When Coach Jones was asked if the frustration level rises when his team still had a chance to win the game despite a large number of turnovers, he said “Sure. Let’s be honest. If we were playing horseshoes we’d be in pretty good shape because we’ve been close a lot. But we’re not. We’re in a game where you’ve got to win on the scoreboard to win the ballgame and we haven’t done that. So it’s frustrating from that standpoint.”
South Alabama will travel to Louisiana-Lafayette for a 4pm kickoff against the Ragin’ Cajun’s which will be aired on ESPN3.
Comments
3 Responses to “Turnovers Key In Loss To Middle Tennessee”
Turnovers,penalties,and bad play calling…sounds like a coach problem. I feel for the players. They are and have been good enough to win any game they have played. They have the talent. I’ve been to every home game since day one. As I see it, leadership needs a second look. For a coach to say “we are a new organization” is a very bad excuse. All of the players have been there. They are experienced and good enough. Turnovers, penalties, and bad play calling is a lack of decipline and leadership…and that comes from coaching.
I don’t think it’s purely a coaching problem, I think the new offensive scheme exposes some weaknesses on the offense. I’m speaking about the quarterback position primarily.
Additionally, what was once good depth at running back has gotten very thin. The second half saw them starting the 3rd or 4th string running back.
These players are facing a level of play they have not seen before. Would I like to see more wins? Yes. Have we had chances to win some games? Yes. But this team is in a position that no other first-year FBS program has ever been in. They are competitive unlike any first-year FBS program I have ever seen.
I know everyone understands that the ultimate measuring stick is wins and losses as being competitive and being “close” only counts in horseshoes and hand grenades as they say.
The coaches understand they have to work harder and it can be seen. But trust me when I tell you that you will see a difference next season and I think you will be very pleased with the product these coaches and players show on the field.
Thanks Brian, I needed that. Hopefully you are right. All I can say, being a coach for ten years, there have been some very bad decisions. If there was a major runningback issue, which there is, why run on a pass play? Yes, Metheny made some bad decisions but I feel he might not have been in the position to throw if play selection was called correctly. We haven’t always had a running back issue. Of course it’s not all the coaches fault, but a great part of it is. But, all in all, I support the coaches and the players. I can’t wait till I hear the band play the National Anthem and see the Jags take the field. While most people I know will be watching the Iron Bowl, I’ll be poised in front of my computer watching ESPN3.
GO JAGS!