South Alabama vs Navy Gameday
The South Alabama Jaguars and Navy Midshipmen play at 2:30pm CST today in Annapolis, Maryland. The game will be available for viewing on CBS Sports Network and play-by-play can be heard on 105.5FM WNSP and streaming online on www.wnsp.com.
There are a few keys to a Jaguar victory. One of the big things is containing the Midshipmen’s triple-option offense. If the Navy offense gets going, they can grind out yards and eat through clock. It’s possible the Jags could only possess the ball one time in a quarter. But the defense cannot be too aggressive, they will have to play assignment football and be in position at all times.
The Jaguar offense will have to be productive when they have the ball. As mentioned before, it’s possible the offense could only have the ball once a quarter if the Jaguar defense cannot stop the Navy offense. The Jaguar offense must convert on third down and may have to play ball-control offense themselves if the Jaguar defense starts to tire against the Navy offense.
The Navy offense starts with quarterback Keenan Reynolds. He is the team’s top rusher by a large margin and is effective as a passer when needed. Though when the Midshipmen throw more than nine passes their winning percentage plunges. The strategy with the best results when executed against the Midshipmen is to contain the run game, including Reynolds, and force them to throw on third-and-long situations.
The Jags will have to start quickly. Navy has scored 52 points in the first quarter this season while only allowing 19 points to opponents. They also finish pretty well by scoring 86 points in the fourth quarter and allowing 73 points defensively.
The Jags offense will need to score touchdowns, not field goals, when they have the ball. Meanwhile the Jaguar defense wants to hold the Navy offense to field goals when they can.
Navy has a couple players injured as they enter the game. Defensive lineman Bernard Sarra has an injured foot and is doubtful for the game. Fullback Noah Copeland has a leg injury, defensive back Chris Ferguson sufferred a concussion, and offensive lineman Jake Zuzek also a leg injury will all be questionable for the game.
The Jags have lost four players to season ending injuries through the course of the season. Offensive lineman Melvin Meggs tore his ACL over the summer. Defensive end Will Thompson required ankle surgery back in fall camp. Defensive lineman Randon Carnathan had a torn Achilles against Tulane and most recently wide receiver Danny Woodson had a ruptured Achilles in the Jags previous game. Defensive lineman Romelle Jones sprained his MCL a couple weeks ago but was able to play in the Jaguars previous game. Tight end Wes Saxton has been recovering from a shoulder injury but will play. Linebacker Maleki Harris left the previous game and was on the sidelines with a sling on his right arm, but will also be ready to play. Finally Qudarius Ford left the previous game with a concussion, but has passed the battery of tests in order to return to practice and be able to play.
The Jags have four games left this season including todays game. Navy is a 7.5 point favorite in today’s game.