South Alabama Falls To Georgia State 28-15, 9th Straight Loss Of Season
The South Alabama football extended it’s school-record losing streak to nine consecutive games and 15 consecutive road games, 28-15 at Georgia State.
After spirited games over the last two weeks, the game started in South Alabama’s favor with a three-and-out on the defense’s opening drive and the offense drove down for a field goal to take a 3-0 lead.
But that was all of the highlights for the Jags until the game was well in the bag for Georgia State.
The Panthers would score 28 consecutive points with their final score coming with 14:13 left in the game.
Georgia State quarterback Dan Ellington played on a torn ACL in his right knee and still went 21 of 27 for 208 yards and two touchdowns as the Panthers improved to 7-4 overall and 4-3 in Sun Belt Conference play.
The Jags did score two touchdowns in the final six minutes of the game, basically trash time against the reserves. Desmond Trotter connected with Jalen Wayne for a 20 yard touchdown with 5:56 left in the game then he found Jalen Tolbert on a 52 yard score with :49 left in the game.
Again the Jags had problems in special teams play when Diego Guajardo started his approach early on a PAT, then a poor snap and a poor kick that was ruled a blocked kick because it technically hit a Panther.
Defensively the Jags allowed several third-and-longs to be converted. Offensively they gave the ball away with a fumble and an interception in addition to two failed 4th down attempts.
“I told them I was disappointed,” head coach Steve Campbell said in the post game press conference when asked what he told the team in the locker toom after the game. “I thought that we took a step backwards today. The last two weeks, I’ve felt we had chances to win the game against Louisiana and Texas State, and I thought if we made improvements like we had the last two games, that we would win the game. We didn’t do that though.”
Tra Minter overtook Xavier Johnson at the programs all-time leader in all-purpose yards with 4,210 with one game left in his career. He rushed 18 times for 70 yards, caught two passes for 2 yards, and had one kickoff return for 55 yards.
After going over 100 yard rushing last week, Carlos Davis had 5 carries and 10 yards.
Desmond Trotter went 12 of 25 throwing for 218 yards, two touchdowns, and one interception. He also ran the ball 14 times for 37 yards and was sacked twice.
Kawaan Baker led the Jags with 3 catches for 56 yards. Tight end Brandon Crum also caught 3 passes for 51 yards. Jalen Tolbert caught two passes for 74 yards including a touchdown.
Tra Barnett rushed 23 times for 128 yards and a touchdown for Georgia State. Roger Carter caught 7 passes for 87 yards and a touchdown. McCoy also caught 7 passes for 53 yards. Devin Gentry caught 4 passes for 27 yards and a touchdown.
The Jags will play Arkansas State on Friday, November 29 in what is set to be the final home game at Ladd-Peebles Stadium. They kickoff at 4pm.