South Alabama Opens Conference Play Against Louisiana-Monroe
In the past two games South Alabama has been outscored 77-9 and have fallen to 1-3 on the season. But the coaching staff is quick to tell you that the real season starts now. They have eight games remaining in the season and they are all conference games.
The coaches are correct.
If the Jags can make a huge turnaround in time, they can still get bowl eligible with five wins. Plus they still hold their own destiny in making the inaugural Sun Belt Conference Championship too.
But as much optimism the first game of the season against Nebraska gave the fans. The last two game have soured them as much or maybe more.
The offense has protected the ball better after turning the ball over several times in the first couple of games. However, the offense has been ineffective moving the ball the last two weeks. They seemed to have been starting to find their way late in the first quarter of the UAB game as Cephus Johnson was running the option pretty well. Cephus racked up 41 yards on six carries, unfortunately he had to leave the game with a concussion late in that first quarter.
After losing some offensive firepower last season both to graduation and to the transfer portal, the number of offensive play makers has dwindled. Tra Minter still leads the team rushing and in all-purpose yards while Kawaan Baker is a great possession receiver who is able to make big plays and has been effective at times running the jet sweep and snagging a touchdown here and there. It has made it hard to get the ball into those play makers hands.
USA’s defense could not get stops against Memphis or UAB. The Blazers controlled the ball for 39:58, wasn’t forced to punt until the 3rd quarter, and allowed them to convert all four 3rd down conversion on the opening drive of the second half, a drive that lasted almost nine full minutes.
As the Jags head into their first conference game of the season against Louisiana-Monroe, they enter ranked 117th of 130 FBS teams in total offense (322.5 yards per game), 119th in passing (146.5 yards per game, and 124th in scoring (16.75 points per game).
In head coach Steve Campbell’s press conference to begin the week, he said that the problem wasn’t the offensive strategy, but rather execution.
“We can draw up new plays, but it is still going to be about a little thing here and a little thing there,” Campbell said Monday. “It’s not what we’re doing, but how we are doing it. Obviously, we need to get the ball to Tra Minter and make sure that KB [Kawaan Baker] gets opportunities.”
The offensive line was manhandled by the Blazers on Saturday. They allowed four sacks and eight tackles for loss.
The Warhawks forced Florida State into overtime in a 45-44 loss to the ‘Noles. They scored 20 points against a good Iowa State team. But on the other side, they allowed 72 points to Iowa State.
South Alabama needs to get off to a fast start on both sides of the ball. They can’t afford to fall behind early and struggle moving the ball and scoring points. After the first drive of the second half against UAB, the Jags defense was able to get stops on the Blazers. Similarly, the Jags defense got stops in the second half of the Memphis game as well.
The defense needs to clamp down early. They could really use Tyree Turner, who is doubtful with an ankle injury suffered against Nebraska.
Offensively, the Jags have got to extend drives by converting 3rd downs and ultimately put points on the board. If it’s by running more option and play action passing then do it, because the RPO has not been working.
It’s running the same play over and over again and the opponents have gotten wise to it. I’m looking at you Kenny Edenfield, as the offensive coordinator you need some better scheming.
The coaching staff has reiterated their support of Cephus as the starting quarterback. But heading into the game he (concussion) and wide receiver Jalen Wayne (foot) are both listed as probable.
The current spread is ULM by 16 points. I’ve picked the Jags the last two weeks to cover and it hasn’t worked out for me. But also based on what I’ve seen the last two weeks, I don’t know if they can turn around everything that is wrong in just one week.
I think the Warhawks cover the 16 point spread, but a late surge by the Jags makes it close. The Warhawks allow 244 yards per game and nearly 6 yards per carry rushing.
South Alabama and Louisiana-Monroe kick off at 6pm in Monroe, LA. The game will be available to streamed on ESPN+ with a subscription. Play-by-play coverage will be aired on 99.5FM The Jag locally in Mobile and worldwide via iHeartMedia app on the web and smartphones.