South Alabama Falls On The Road At ULM 41-31
The South Alabama Jaguars couldn’t get it done in Monroe as the Jags fall 41-31 to Louisiana-Monroe. The Jags record falls to 0-4 in Monroe, LA. and the Warhawks extend their lead in the series to 5-3.
The Warhawks (4-3, 2-2 SBC) grab control of the game early. They took the opening possession down the field in chunks with gains of 12, 18, 19 and 20 yards. The drive only took 7 plays to score with a 20 yard touchdown run by Andrew Henry.
The Jags (4-3, 1-3 SBC) start driving on their first possession of the game however a completion to Jalen Tolbert was knocked loose and recovered by the Warhawks at their 42 yard line.
ULM was driving and looking to go up two scores however a very similar situation happened. Quarterback Chandler Rogers connected with Will Derrick, Jamal Brooks knocked the ball loose and Keith Gallmon picked it up and returned it 26 yards to the USA 38 yard line.
USA tied the game on the possession when Bentley connected with Jalen Wayne in the back of the end zone on a 4th and 3 play at the ULM 10 yard line.
Bentley was intercepted early in the 2nd quarter which led to a touchdown pass to Jared Sparks for the Warhawks to go back up by a touchdown, 14-7.
The Jags answer with a field goal from 28 yards out. Facing 3rd and 6 at the Warhawk 7 yard line Bentley couldn’t find a receiver and was sacked for a three yard loss.
The Jags defense kept them out of the end zone but couldn’t keep them off the scoreboard. Calum Sutherland connected on a 39 yard field goal for a 17-10 advantage.
The Jags and the Warhawks traded scores with ULM taking a 24-17 lead into the halftime locker room.
South Alabama came out in the second half with some urgency. They took the opening possession and drove down the field methodically. The 10 play, 85 yard drive spanned 4:43. Jalen Tolbert called off the drive with an 8 yard touchdown reception to tie the game at 24-all.
ULM could not convert a 4th and 3 at the Jags 33 yard line turning the ball over on downs. The Jags only needed four plays to put it into the end zone again. The drive was capped off when Bentley connected with Tolbert for a 40 yard touchdown to go up 31-24.
The Jags offense went cold and the defense got worn down after that. ULM scored 17 unanswered points to go up 41-31.
The Jags got the ball back after the final score of the game, a 40 yard field goal, with 6:21 left in the game. Facing 3rd & 19 Bentley scrambled for 14 yards to the ULM 21. However Diego Guajardo’s 39 yard field goal attempt missed wide left with only 1:22 left on the clock.
USA managed to get the ball back with 1:00 left in the game, but it was too little too late.
The Jags defense allowed a season-high 554 total yards of offense. The Warhawks passed for 369 yards and rushed for another 185 yards.
ULM converted 7-of-13 3rd down attempts (54%), the best conversion rate the Jags have allowed this season.
Chandler Rogers was 25-of-35 for 369 yards with four touchdown passes.
Boogie Knight caught 6 passes for 75 yards and a touchdown. Will Derrick had 135 yards on 5 catches, including an 81 yard touchdown reception.
Andrew Henry carried the ball 18 times for 88 yards and a touchdown as the leading rusher.
The Warhawks also won the turnover battle 2-1.
The Jags had 409 total offensive yards, 320 through the air and 89 on the ground. They converted 6-of-16 of their 3rd down attempts (37.5%). They were also 3-of-4 on 4th down attempts (75%).
Jake Bentley went 30-of-41 for 320 yards with four touchdowns and two interceptions.
Jalen Tolbert set the record for career touchdown receptions in the game and also set a school-record seventh 100-yard game of his career. He caught 10 passes for 155 yards and two touchdowns. Terrion Avery caught seven for 48 yards. Jalen Wayne caught 5 for 36 yards and a touchdown.
Avery led the Jags backfield with 87 yards on 14 carries. Bryan Hill had 10 yards on 5 carries. Kareem Walker had 5 carries for 3 yards in his return to action.
“I thought ULM did a nice job of attacking our seams,” head coach Kane Wommack said. “They did a good job attacking some of the zone windows. Their quarterback was very decisive. Credit Rich Rod [offensive coordinator Rich Rodriguez] on what he was able to do… I thought he did a nice job of continually adjusting and keeping us off balance and off kilter. At the same time, we call things and we have to know that our guys are in this position.”
“I thought it was an all-around thing,” Wommack said as to what he thought led to the struggles in the game. “There wasn’t enough effort or execution.”
“To build consistency in a program is the only way that we are going to be able to get to where we want to go,” Wommack said. “That means consistent effort, consistent execution, consistent adjustment and we are not there as a program right now and we have to be. We have to get to that point. It’s not all going to change in year one, but we’re capable of it, and so we have to be able to go do it.”
The Jags return home on Saturday, October 30 when they host Arkansas State for a 4pm kick at Hancock Whitney Stadium for the Jags Homecoming game.
Preview: South Alabama Travels To ULM Looking For First Conference Road Win Of Season
Kickoff: Saturday October 23, 6:00pm
Venue: Malone Stadium, Monroe, Louisiana
TV/Streaming: ESPN3
Radio: 96.1 fm The Rocket, Sports Talk 99.5 fm, iHeartRadio App
Thunderjags Twitter: @USAThunderjags
#5 Jersey: Jake Bentley
The South Alabama Jaguars got the win they needed last week against Georgia Southern. Not only did you see players step up to fill in for injured players, but they did it in an impressive fashion by a score of 41-14.
The Jags (4-2, 1-2 SBC) now turn their focus to Louisiana-Monroe team (3-3, 1-2 SBC) that just upset a heavily favored Liberty team 31-28 on Saturday.
ULM is the next game in a four-game stretch of games that are ripe for the picking as we wrote about a few weeks ago. The Jags dropped the first one to Texas State in a 4OT heartbreaker. The Jags came out of that game bruised and battered from a very physical contest.
The team was without Kareem Walker, Caullin Lacy, James Jackson, Shawn Jennings, and Trent Tyre. They also had a number of players who missed practice time leading up to that Georgia Southern win.
Despite the adversity the Jags showed that any given week they can play and compete with any team in the conference.
ULM
The Warhawks are under the direction of a new head coach this season. His name may be a bit familiar to some people in the state of Alabama.
At a minimum, his last name should be very familiar to anyone who’s a fan of college football.
Terry Bowden was the head coach at Auburn University in the 1990s, succeeding Pat Dye. As his last name suggests, he is the son of hall of famer Bobby Bowden.
He spent about 10 years out of coaching as a broadcaster for ABC sports among other football related media jobs. In 2009 he returned to the coaching ranks with North Alabama where he accumulated a 29-9 record and three consecutive appearances in the NCAA Division II playoffs.
He then went to Akron for the 2012 season and went from a 1-11 record his first season with the Zips to almost upsetting Michigan in 2013. There he compiled a 35-52 record and led the Zips to their first MAC Championship game appearance since 2005 and only the second in program history. He also led the Zips to their second bowl game in three seasons and only their third bowl game in program history. He was fired in 2018.
After being let go by Akron, Bowden join the Clemson staff for the last two seasons as an offensive analyst before being hired by ULM in the offseason.
Joining Bowden as his offensive coordinator is another name that many football fans may also remember, Rich Rodriguez.
Rodriguez came to prominence at the West Virginia University (2001-2007) with his zone read offensive concepts. He was considered for the job at the University of Alabama, which he turned down and eventually led to Nick Saban being hired.
He was hired at the University of Michigan in 2008. His first team finished with a 3-9 losing record, the worst season in school history and missed a bowl game for the first time in 33 years. After acknowledging rules violations to the NCAA and a disappointing season, the was dismissed.
He was the head coach at University of Arizona from 2012-2017, winning 33 games in his first four seasons, the most in school history over a four-year period. It included four-consecutive bowl berths, a first in program history.
In 2018 he was hired as offensive coordinator at Ole Miss under head coach Matt Luke. When Luke was let go, he was not offered a position with the Lane Kiffin staff.
Prior to the upset of Liberty, the Warhawks lost back-to-back games against Coastal Carolina (59-6) and Georgia State (55-21).
Offense
On the season, ULM’s offensive stats are not that impressive. They are averaging 18.2 points per game, 259 total yards of offense, 164.5 passing yards and 94.5 rushing yards per game.
They have converted 25-of-92 3rd down attempts (27.2%) and 6-of-8 4th down attempts (75%). In 12 red zone trips they have scored 11 times (91.7%) but of those 11 conversions, only six of them have been touchdowns. They have fumbled seven times and lost two of them.
Andrew Henry leads the team in rushing yards with 283 on 66 carries with two touchdowns. Chandler Rogers is next with 213 yards on 77 carries. No other ball carrier has over 65 yards rushing after that.
Chandler Rogers is leading the Warhawks quarterback position. He is 44-of-75 for 590 yards, four touchdowns and two interceptions. Rhett Rodriguez, coach Rodriguez’s son, is 35-of-62 for 337 yards and a touchdown though he’s missed three games due to a punctured lung.
Boogie Knight leads the receiving corps with 23 catches for 285 yards. Zach Jackson has 17 catches for 239 yards and two touchdowns in five games. Jared Sparks also has 17 catches for 162 yards. No other receiver has over 71 yards receiving or more than 6 catches on the season.
Against Liberty the Warhawks came out in the third quarter, trailing 14-0, and scored 28-unanswered points to take a 28-14 lead. They broke the 28-all tie with the game winning 53-yard field goal with 1:44.
Defense
As mentioned before, prior to the Liberty win, the Warhawks allowed 50+ points in back-to-back games. They allowed 291 yards rushing to Coastal Carolina and then 323 yards rushing to Georgia State. Those numbers skew the game averages, but definitely shows how Jekyll and Hyde ULM seems to be.
The Warhawk defense allows an average of 35 points, 455.3 total yards, 275.3 passing and 180 rushing yards per game.
Opponents have converted 42-of-79 3rd down attempts (53.2%) but only 1-of-7 4th down attempts (14.3%).
Opponents have had the ball in the red zone 22 times and have scored 19 times (86.4%), of those 17 have been touchdowns.
Linebacker Traveion Webster leads the defense with 46 total stops, 14 solo, two tackles for loss, and 1/2 sack on the season. Cornerback Adam Sparks has 39 stops, 21 solo with a fumble recovery.
Defensive end Ty Shelby leads the team with 6.5 tackles for loss and also leads the team with 5 sacks on the season. Linebacker Zack Woodard has 34 total tackles on the season with 4 tackles for loss and 2.5 sacks, both of those are second on the team.
Special Teams
Calum Sutherland is 10-of-14 this season in his field goal attempts. He is 1-of-2 from 50+ yards, 4-of-6 from 40-49 yards. His longest was from 53 yards out. He’s had one attempt blocked. He has made all 11 extra point attempts on the season. Of his 27 kickoffs, he has eight touchbacks and one has gone out of bounds.
Punter Devyn McCormick is averaging 42.1 yards per punt over his 40 kicks this season. He’s kicked seven 50+ yards, his longest went 56 yards. He has four touchbacks and 18 fair catches. Nine has been downed inside the opponents 20 yard line.
South Alabama
Game six was finally the game where the offense came out ready to go. Not only did they get their first 1st down on an opening drive this season, but they also scored a touchdown.
That helped propelled the Jags to a 41-14 rout of Georgia Southern and broke seven-game winless streak the Jags held against the Eagles.
Offense
Jake Bentley finally showed his FBS experience. He set a school-record throwing for 389 yards and accounting for five total touchdowns in the game. That earned him Sun Belt Conference Offensive Player of the Week honors.
The offense is now averaging 28.5 points, 387.7 total yards, 253.5 passing yards and 134.2 rushing yards per game.
They have converted 32-of-85 3rd down attempts (38%) and 8-of-13 4th down attempts (62%). They have scored 22 times in 27 red zone trips (81%) with 19 of those being touchdowns.
Bryan Hill is currently the teams leading rusher with 214 yards on 52 carries in four games with three touchdowns. Kareem Walker has 208 yards on 53 carries with four touchdowns, but has missed the last couple of games due to a quad injury.
Terrion Avery has 199 yards on 59 carries with a touchdown. AJ Phillips has 78 yards on 23 carries with two touchdowns in only two games played.
Bentley is 122-of179 (68.2%) passing for 1,505 yards, 7 touchdowns and two interceptions.
Jalen Tolbert has 36 receptions for 718 yards and two touchdowns. He’s averaging 119.7 yards per game and 19.9 yards per reception.
Jalen Wayne is the next closest receiver with 307 yards on 24 catches with one touchdown. Caullin Lacy has 170 yards on 23 catches.
Defense
The Jags Swarm D keeps living up to its name. They are producing turnovers and causing havoc for the opponents.
The defense is allowing an average of 19 points, 297.8 total yards, 177.2 passing, and 120.7 rushing yards per game.
With the interceptions they gathered against the Eagles, USA now has 8 INTs on the year and have recovered four fumbles from opponents too. The team turnover margin is +3.
Yam Banks leads the Jaguar defense with 28 total stops, 17 solo. Keith Gallmon Jr. has 27 total stops, 15 solo with 2.5 sacks and an interception. CJ Rias leads the team with three sacks. Tre Young leads the team with 2 interceptions.
Special Teams
Diego Guajardo has connected on 7-of-10 field goal attempts this season. He is 4-of-5 from 40-49 yards on the season with his longest being from 48 yards out. Of his 33 kickoffs, 15 have been touchbacks.
Jack Brooks is averaging 40.9 yards over his 28 attempts on the season. He’s had three go 50+ yards and his longest has been 54 yards. None have been touchbacks, 9 have been fair caught, 7 have been downed inside the opponents 20 yard line. He had one kick blocked.
Keys to the Game
Early Game Momentum
It took six games, but the Jags offense finally came out of the locker room ready to go last week. They took the opening kick and drove 84 yards for the score.
At one point they converted first downs on 5 consecutive plays.
They really need to come out and do that again, this time on the road.
Sustaining Momentum
Last week ULM started slow and was in a 14-0 hole at halftime. They then scored 28-unanswered points to seize control of the game in the second half.
The Jags need to put pressure on ULM early like they did Georgia Southern. But they need to keep applying pressure because the Warhawks will not give up and they also have proven they can make that come back.
Minimizing Mistakes
Well, obviously minimizing mistakes is a big deal. But where I’m coming from is penalties and mental mistakes in some specific instances.
Two weeks ago the Jags lost AJ DeShazor in the second half due to a targeting call. That forced him to sit out the first half of the Georgia Southern game. He was previously flagged for targeting in the season opener against Southern Miss and missed playing time.
Against Georgia Southern Yam Banks was flagged for targeting on a kickoff return. Upon review it was overturned otherwise the Jags linebacking corps was going to be quite thin without Banks and the injured players unable to play last week.
The offense and defense has had the occasional mistake occur. The offense has committed a penalty to negate a good play and put them behind the down and distance schedule. Also the defense has committed a penalty that extended drives.
Prediction
A couple weeks ago we saw one of the best second halves of football the Jags have played all season when they came back against Louisiana.
This past week we saw the best complete game effort by the Jags this season. It was probably one of the best team efforts in several years.
Coach Wommack’s mantra about the “neutral mindset” is his process. It’s all about the team playing to the same standard regardless of the score or game situation.
There are going to be highs and lows in each game. Some will be really high and some will seem really low.
But if they can continue to focus on the next play. If they can continue to do their job at a high level, regardless of success or adversity, then good things will happen. They want to do the same high-level job over and over again. Play after play.
When the team plays like that, they can compete with anyone in the Sun Belt.
If they can do that play after play and game after game, then they will build into a consistent program.
ULM leads the series 4-3. They’ve won every game in Monroe and the Jags have won three of the four contests in Mobile. It’s an opportunity for the Jags to break another streak against a Sun Belt foe.
Monroe is a tough place to play. The Warhawks have pulled off a pair of surprises this season under coach Bowden, both at home. They upset Troy 29-16 on September 25 then the 31-28 upset Liberty last week that was mentioned above.
The Jags will need the neutral mindset and they will need to play at a high level for the entire game in order to not fall into the Monroe trap.
The Jags are favored by 13.5 points over ULM. That line makes me nervous. You can call me a homer, but I think the Jags win however I don’t think they cover. ULM plays very tough at home and it’s not the best place to travel to.
Go Jags!
South Alabama Snaps Two-Game Skid, Gets First Ever Win Over Georgia Southern 41-14
South Alabama finally got the monkey off their back, defeating Georgia Southern and also breaking a two-game losing streak in an impressive rout, 41-14.
The Jags (4-2, 1-2 SBC) took control from the opening possession and never really let the Georgia Southern Eagles (2-5, 1-3 SBC) take flight. They took the opening kickoff and drove 84 yards in 10 plays to put up the opening score. Jake Bentley capped the drive off with a 12 yard run.
In each of the previous five games, the Jags first possession has been a three-and-out. So not only getting their first 1st down on an opening possession, but scoring a touchdown were both firsts for the 2021 team.
The Jags added to their lead with a 42-yard field goal by Diego Guajardo with 2:03 left in the opening quarter.
The defense forced a punt with little over a minute left in the opening quarter. Only a minute into the second quarter the Jags were back on the board with Jake Bentley’s second rushing touchdown of the game, this time from six yards out.
On the ensuing possession the Eagles were quickly facing a 3rd and 6 from their own 29 when CJ Rias picked off the pass at the Georgia Southern 40 yard line. Then the first offensive play Bentley connected with Jalen Tolbert down the near sideline for a 40 yard touchdown to go up 24-0 with 12:29 left in the second quarter.
South Alabama’s defense forced another punt after being aided by a holding penalty. All the offense needed was three plays to go 70 yards with a 5 yard touchdown pass by Bentley to Jalen Wayne to put the Jags ahead 31-0 with 9:08 left until hafltime.
Georgia Southern finally got on the board on a 15 play, 75 yard drive. The Eagles opted for the 2-point conversion, which they got, to cut the Jags lead to 31-8 with 2:00 left until halftime.
GSU opened the second half with a 10 play, 48 yard drive culminating in a 44 yard field goal to put the score at 31-11 with 10:22 left in the third quarter.
A 58 yard run by Bryan Hill set up Bentley’s second touchdown pass of the game. Bentley connected with Lincoln Sefcik for his second touchdown of the season. It gave the Jags a 38-11 advantage with 3:41 left in the third quarter and ending the 11-unanswered point streak by the Eagles.
The fourth quarter began with a 34 yard field goal on the second snap of the quarter. It would end up being Georgia Southerns final points of the game.
The Jags tried to answer on the next possession however Diego’s 43 yard field goal flew wide right.
The next Jaguar possession Diego got another opportunity to put one between the uprights, which he did from 31 yards out to set the final score.
Jake Bentley is the first Jaguar to account for five touchdowns in a game. He ran for two and threw for three more in the game. He is also the first Jaguar quarterback to throw for over 300 yards in a game since Evan Orth did in 2018.
Bentley finished with 389 yards and three touchdowns on 24-of-31 passing. He also ran six times for 8 yards after sack yardage was subtracted.
Desmond Trotter was 1-of-2 for 16 yards at the end of the game.
Bryan Hill led all rushers with 65 yards on eight carries. Terrion Avery carried the ball 10 times for 43 yards.
Jalen Tolbert broke the record with the most 100-yard receiving games in Jaguar history. He caught 11 passes for 174 yards and a touchdown after being targeted 18 times in the game.
Jalen Wayne added 117 yards on 7 receptions with a touchdown.
Justin Tomlin went 5-of-13 passing for 49 yards and an interception. Cam Ransom went 2-of-12 for 63 yards.
Logan Wright led the Eagles backfield with 60 yards on 14 carries. Ransom added 23 yards on 10 carries.
Amare Jones led the Eagles receiving corps with 90 yards on four receptions. Emil Smith caught two passes for 20 yards. Beau Johnson caught 1 pass for 2 yards.
South Alabama rolled up 545 yards of total offense to Georgia Southern’s 233. The Jags threw for 405 yards to GSU’s 112 and the Jags out rushed the Eagles 140-121.
Offensively the Jags converted 7-of-12 3rd down attempts to GSU’s 9-of-21. USA was 5-of-6 in red zone scoring, the one trip without a score was at the end of the game when they allowed time to expire.
South Alabama’s CJ Rias collected the only turnover of the game with an interception. GSU put the ball on the ground once in the game but were able to recover it.
The Jags scored on five of its first six possession while the defense forced three-an-outs on four of Georgia Southern’s first five possessions. The other was Rias’s interception.
“It just felt free,” Bentley said. “The game plan going in was to be aggressive. We consistently did that all night, up-front, on the perimeter, we just really attacked all night. It felt really good as an offense to really get rolling and put up some points.”
“You think of how we’ve opened games and how we’ve opened drives, to take the ball and score the first drive of the game, and the defense continue to get three-and-outs,” head coach Kane Wommack said after the game. “They made some adjustments on their side and got some momentum, and we adjusted right back and took it away from them. That, to me, is awesome against a very proud program. But this program has been waiting to beat that team for a very long time and we got it done tonight.”
“You have to be able to build off momentum,” Wommack said. “A team that’s never had those situations.”
“The guys in that locker room have never responded to adversity and found ways to win.” Wommack continued. “And that’s what this group is doing right now.”
Speaking of adversity, the Jags had a long list of injured players sitting out the game. Center James Jackson (knee), wide receiver Caullin Lacy (ankle), linebacker Shawn Jennings (ankle) and tight end Trent Tyre (undisclosed) all missed the game due to injuries suffered in the last week.
Running back Kareem Walker (quad) missed his third consecutive game with his nagging injury.
Tight end Lincoln Sefcik, running back Terrion Avery, left tackle Ja’Chai Baker, and linebackers Chris Henderson and Ke’Shun Brown all missed some practice time this week after suffering injuries against Texas State last weekend.
Next Game
South Alabama has a couple extra days to rest and prepare for their trip to Monroe, Louisiana to take on the ULM Warhawks. Kickoff is scheduled for 6pm on Saturday, October 23.
Preview: South Alabama Hosts Georgia Southern For Thursday Night Matchup
Kickoff: Thursday October 14, 6:30 pm
Venue: Hancock Whitney Stadium Mobile, Alabama
TV: ESPNU
Radio: Sports Talk 99.5 fm, 96.1 fm The Rocket, iHeartRadio App
We saw another first from the South Alabama Jaguars on Saturday evening against Texas State. It was the first time under first year head coach Kane Wommack that the Jaguars faltered coming down the stretch.
Through the first four games the Jags (3-2, 0-2 SBC) have started slow but in each of them they rallied towards the final whistle. Three of them were wins and one was a loss.
While the Jags still opened slowly against the Bobcats, they took control and had a 17-7 lead at halftime.
They led 24-10 early in the fourth quarter.
Momentum shifted decisively into the Bobcats favor when a flea flicker attempt went awry. Running back Bryan Hill technically fumbled the ball away on the stats sheet, however his lateral intended for Jake Bentley was plucked out of the air by a Bobcat defender.
The Jags have quite a tough assignment this week.
They have to clear their minds, rest their bodies, and yet they still need to prepare to host Georgia Southern on Thursday night after that very physical game in San Marcos, Texas.
Georgia Southern
The Eagles (2-4, 1-2 SBC) dismissed head coach Chad Lunsford after a 28-20 loss to Louisiana in the fourth game of the season after starting the season 1-3. They then split the two games since then with a win over Arkansas State (59-33) and last Saturday a loss to Troy (27-24) on a very late field goal.
They fought back from a 24-3 deficit early in the third quarter to tie the game with 6:08 left in the game. Aided by an interception, Troy regained the lead with 1:46 left in the game. The Eagles had an opportunity tie or win the game, but quarterback Justin Tomlin threw his third interception near midfield with :32 left to seal the game.
They too have a short week but at least they have to travel to Mobile for the game.
Offense
As is normal for a Georgia Southern offense, they are a predominately running offense.
They average just under 381 yards of total offense per game. The running game accounts for an average of just over 253 yards per game and they pass for 127.5 yards per game on average.
However the script was flipped for the Eagles against Troy. Georgia Southern only managed to run for 82 yards against the Trojans but threw for 219 yards.
Georgia Southern scores an average of 24.8 points per game. They have only converted 27-of-86 3rd down attempts (31.4%) on the season. They have converted 9-of-17 4th down attempts (52.9%).
As a team they have thrown 5 interceptions and fumbled 7 times, but only lost 1 fumble to opponents.
In the red zone the Eagles have scored 14 times out of 16 trips. Of those 14 scores, 8 of them have been touchdowns.
Logan Wright leads the Eagles backfield with 66 carries for 481 yards and five touchdowns on the season. Gerald Green accounts for 342 yards on 48 carries with five touchdowns. Jalen White has ran 32 times for 210 yards and two touchdowns.
The Eagles have a bit of a two quarterback system going on. Justin Tomlin has carried the ball 50 times this season for 116 yards and two touchdowns. Passing he is 38-of-77 for 458 yards, no touchdowns but four interceptions. Cam Ransom is 25-of-49 for 242 yards and a touchdown with no interceptions.
The Eagles only have three receivers with over 100 yards receiving so far on the season. Khaleb Hood leads the receiver corps with 22 catches, the only receiver in double digits, for 230 yards. Running back Logan Wright is next with 9 catches for 102 yards. Derwin Burgess Jr has four receptions for 101 yards.
Defense
GSU allows an average of 32.7 points per game.
They allow an average of 483 yards per game. However they only allow 144.2 yards rushing per game. But they allow 338.8 yards passing per game.
Their 3rd down defense is pretty strong with opponents converting 31-of-78 (39.7%) on 3rd down. Opponents have only attempted 9 4th down attempts and only converted 2 (22.2%).
Safety Anthony Wilson leads the defense with 34 total tackles, 19 of them solo, with two tackles-for-loss, one sack, three pass break ups and a forced fumble.
Safety Justin Birdsong is second with 32 total tackles, 18 of them solo, with 1.5 tackles for loss, .5 sack, and a pass break up.
Gardner-Webb opened the season with only 50 yards rushing against the Eagles defense, but they threw for 365 yards. The Eagles squeaked out a 30-25 win over the FCS opponent.
Their only other win was against Arkansas State when they held the Red Wolves to 81 yards rushing but allowed 453 yards passing in route to the 59-33 victory.
When Georgia Southern holds their opponents to under 100 yards rushing they are 2-0 this season. But when they allow over 100 yards, they are 0-4.
Against Louisiana they only allowed 129 rushing yards and lost the game 28-20. Against Troy they allowed 139 yards and lost 27-24.
Special Teams
Anthony Beck averages just a hair under 45 yards per punt. His longest on the season is 60 yards and he has 12 downed inside the opponents 20 yard line.
Alex Raynor has converted 5-of-6 field goal attempts with a long of 42 yards. The one missed attempt was blocked. Raynor has 13 kickoffs with six touchbacks.
Freshman Britton Williams is 3-for-3 in field goal attempts with a long of 49 yards. Williams has handled 18 kickoffs with five touchbacks and two out of bounds.
South Alabama
The Jags have a laundry list of injured players that are in various stages of recovery from the game. Running back Kareem Walker, who has missed the last two games, should be able to return on Thursday. Running back Terrion Avery, wide receiver Caullin Lacy, offensive tackle Ja’Chai Baker, tight ends Trent Tyre and Lincoln Sefcik, and linebackers Chris Henderson, Shawn Jennings and Ke’Shun Brown are all trying to recover from being banged up against the Bobcats, but should be able to play.
Center James Jackson suffered an injury to this right knee and will not play on Thursday.
Add in A.J. DeShazor’s disqualification for targeting in the second half of the game in San Marcos, the Jags will be without him in the first half against Georgia Southern as well. With Jennings’ being banged up, that means Juco transfer Trey Kiser will likely see more action.
Offense
The Jags offensive line has been particularly hit by injuries, however Jackson’s injury is the most significant. This will be the sixth different starting offensive line configuration in six games. You’ll likely see Trey Simpson move over to play center with Josh McCulloch at left tackle, Hadon Merchant at left guard, Anterrious Gray at right guard and Antawn Lewis at right tackle.
After last weeks performance, Bryan Hill only managed to run for 17 net yards on 13 carries against the Bobcats. AJ Phillips was the Jags leading rusher with 19 carries for 72 yards and two touchdowns, his first career score as a Jaguar. Caullin Lacy ran four times for 23 yards.
The Jags have done a good job developing their run game so far this season. They entered the season with Walker and Avery as the top two backs. Now with the emergence of Hill and Phillips, the Jags have developed depth at a position that was lacking it somewhat.
But the running backs would not be having as much success if the offensive line had not continued to improve as well.
The run game success translated into play-action passing and increased vertical passing opportunities as seen against Louisiana two weeks ago.
Georgia Southern’s defense has been pretty good against the run but susceptible to the pass by allowing an average of 338.8 yards per game.
If the Jags run game can get some footing early then Jalen Tolbert, Jalen Wayne, Caullin Lacy, and Cade Sutherland should be able to find some success against the Eagles.
Defense
For the first time this season the Jags defense struggled coming down the stretch against Texas State. They allowed two touchdown drives in the fourth quarter. Up until that point the Jags only allowed one touchdown all season in the fourth quarter
Though they were missing AJ DeShazor due to disqualification and had three linebackers banged up.
They allowed 399 yards of total offense, the most so far this season, and 212 yards rushing, also the most allowed so far this season.
Maybe one of their toughest assignments yet is coming to town.
Georgia Southern runs the triple-option, an offense that has given the Jags fits historically.
So much so the Jags have yet to notch a win against the Eagles.
The first five meetings between the two were decided by 22, 38, 15, 52, and 35 points. However the last two meetings were decided by a field goal in overtime in 2019 and a touchdown last season.
Head coach Kane Wommack said that he and defensive coordinator Corey Batoon’s defense had facets built in that would naturally help defend against the triple option.
Special Teams
Diego Guajardo made all of his extra points against Texas State and is now 13-of-15. He missed a 28 yard attempt attempt against the Bobcats but connected on a 35 yard attempt. He is now 5-of-7 on the season.
Jack Brooks averages 41.4 yards punt with 7 downed inside the opponents 20 yard line and no touchbacks.
Keys to the Game
Stopping the Run
Georgia Southern isn’t the traditional triple option team that they once were. But running the ball is still 100% their identity.
When they’ve been held to under 100 yards rushing this season they are 0-2. Over the last few years when their opponent out gains them on the ground, they have lost all 20-some-odd games.
The South Alabama defense has ranked very high in the nation in run defense. Coach Wommack said that their defensive scheme has elements to it that help to stop their type of rushing attack too.
Rushing Offense
Being a predominately run offense, the Eagles defense tends to be pretty good against the run themselves.
When they have been able to take away the run and force their opponents to be one dimensional with the pass, they have excelled.
However when the opponent has success on the ground, gets favorable down and distances, and can use play-action passing to their advantage their opponents have done well.
The Jags have tall, athletic receivers in Jalen Tolbert and Jalen Wayne. The Jags have an average height advantage over the defensive backs of 3 inches. Tolbert has shown that he is one of the best receivers in the Sun Belt and possibly in the nation too.
If they can establish that run game and use play-action to get some man-to-man coverage on the outside with either Wayne or Tolbert then they could have a field day with the Eagles secondary.
Offensive Line
The Jags offensive line is a banged and bruised up group right. They’ve been that way all season though.
They have yet to start the same five guys in the same five positions twice this season.
Trey Simpson is slated to move over to center while while James Jackson will miss the game with a right knee injury. Thankfully it doesn’t look too serious or season ending.
Left tackle Ja’Chai Baker missed some time last Saturday due to injury.
They’ll need to be ready to go come Thursday evening.
Prediction
South Alabama is only a few plays away from being 5-0. But they are also only a few plays away from being 1-4 as well.
As an article a couple weeks ago pointed out, the Jags have a run of four games that should be very winnable. The first was Texas State.
Next up is Georgia Southern.
This may not be a must-win game in order to keep hope alive to get bowl-eligible. But the difficulty increases week by week. The last three game will be against the three most difficult teams on the schedule. The game before that three-game stretch is at Troy. Need I say more?
The time to win is now.
Also, let’s get that first win against Georgia Southern. Having that big zero staring at you from the win column each and every year is really old.
The Jags are a 3 point favorite according to the different odds sites. I think the Jags win but I’m not sure if they will cover. It may be yet another nail biter decided late in the game.
Let’s get to 4-2 and a win closer to bowl eligibility.
Go Jags!
South Alabama Falls On The Road in 4OT To Texas State 33-31
The South Alabama Jaguars lose their second-consecutive game in heart breaking fashion. The Jags (3-2, 0-2) squander a 14-point lead then falls to Texas State (2-3, 1-0) 33-31 in the 4th overtime.
The Jags offense was moving the ball with a 14 point lead, but a flea flicker attempt went awry. After the handoff, the running back Bryan Hill turned to toss it back to quarterback Jake Bentley but a Texas State defender was there to catch the lateral.
Texas State seized the momentum with the turnover and the touchdown cutting the Jaguar lead to 24-17 with 7:17 left in the game.
The Jags offense were able to get a couple first downs, but stalled after a negative play. The Jags punt was fair caught at the Bobcat 15 yard line with 3:17 left in the game.
However the Jaguar defense was tired and dinged up.
Texas State was able to drive down the field and score with 17 seconds left in the game.
In overtime the Jags went on offense first after Texas State won the toss. After converting a gutsy 4th and 1, Jake Bentley found Jalen Tolbert for a touchdown.
Texas State matches the Jags score sending it to a second overtime.
South Alabama’s defense dug deep and forced a field goal attempt. The kick from the right hashmark went off the right upright no good.
The Jaguars only needed a field goal to win the game, however tragedy struck when the running back fumbled the ball on 3rd down and the Bobcats recovered.
In the third overtime due to the new rules both teams start going for only 2pt conversions. Neither team converts.
In the fourth overtime, Texas State’s quarterback runs right up the middle for two points. The Jags first attempt was a pass for Tolbert in the back of the end zone which went incomplete, but pass interference put the ball at the 1 1/2 yard line for another attempt.
The second attempt Bentley threw towards the middle of the field into traffic and it was deflected. Bentley had an open receiver towards the right sideline but didn’t see him.
The Jags started the game slow yet again. Texas State only needed three plays to get on the board first with a 57 yard touchdown pass.
South Alabama returns home to Hancock Whitney Stadium to host Georgia Southern on Thursday night.
Preview: South Alabama Travels To Texas State For First Road Conference Game Of The Season
Kickoff: Saturday October 9, 6 pm
Venue: Bobcat Stadium, San Marcos, Texas
TV: ESPN+
Radio: Sports Talk 99.5 fm, 96.1 fm The Rocket, iHeartRadio App
All eyes are on South Alabama this week. Not because of any national implications (not yet anyway). But because fans are eager to see how the Jaguars respond after the first loss under first year head coach Kane Wommack.
The Jags (3-1, 0-1 SBC) have spent the week preparing for their first conference road game of the season at Texas State (1-3, 0-0).
Last Saturday the Jags dropped their game to Louisiana 20-18 despite having two opportunities to take the lead late in the game. The first was a 4th and 1 at the 4 yard line where Jake Bentley’s pass was ruled incomplete, though Lincoln Sefcik insists that it was a catch. The other was a 37-yard field goal attempt that was missed wide right with 1:06 left.
This all transpired after the Jags fought back from a 20-0 deficit early in the second quarter. The Jags scored 18 unanswered points after that point giving themselves the opportunity to win the game. This was against the Sun Belt Conference West Division Champion for the last three seasons and the preseason choice to win it again.
As coach Wommack said in the post game press conference, the Jags played some of their best football in the last 40 minutes of the Louisiana game.
All the focus has shifted to Texas State though.
The Louisiana game is over and in the past. The Jags control their future and have to approach each game as if their record is 0-0.
A neutral mindset.
Texas State
Despite playing four games, the Bobcats are still quite a mystery.
They opened the season with a 29-20 loss to Baylor and an overtime win over Florida International. However the team was without more than a dozen players in their last two games due to injuries and Covid protocols. They lost to FCS Incarnate Word 42-34 and to Eastern Michigan 59-21.
They’ll host the Jags coming off a well-timed bye week.
Offense
The Texas State offense is led by quarterback Brady McBride, a 2020 transfer from Memphis. He’s thrown seven touchdowns so far this season.
McBride is another dynamic running quarterback. After facing Alcorn State and Louisiana, hopefully this will only help the Jags to be prepared for his style of play.
The Bobcats average 24.5 points and just under 333 yards of total offense per game. They average 196.5 through the air and 136.3 on the ground per game.
Calvin Hill has 239 yards rushing on 49 carries, appearing in all four games. Brock Sturges is next with 151 yards on 33 carries with two touchdowns in three games. Jahmyl Jeter has 96 yards on 17 carries with three touchdowns in four games. McBride has 36 rushing yards, but that is after 87 yards has been deducted from his total gain to account for runs for loss and sacks.
McBride is 79-of-137 passing on the season for 786 yards, seven touchdowns and three interceptions.
Marcell Barbee leads the Bobcats with 209 yards receiving on 20 catches with three touchdowns. Javen Banks is next with 13 catches for 148 yards and two touchdowns. Ten other receivers have caught passes on the season, the highest among them has 84 yards on 7 catches.
In addition to the three interceptions McBride has throw, the offense has fumbled the ball six times and lost two of them to the opponent.
Texas State is converting 38% of their 3rd down attempts (21-of-56). But have converted 5-of-7 4th down attempts (71%).
The Bobcats have been very efficient in the red zone so far this season. In all 14 trips they have come away with points, 10 trips they came away with touchdowns.
Defense
The Bobcats allow an average of 36.8 points and 435 total yards of offense per game. That breaks down into an average of 175 yards rushing and 260 yards passing per game.
Opponents are completing over 60% of their passing attempts. They are 85-of-140 for 1,040 yards with 10 touchdowns. Texas State has only picked off one opponents passes.
Opponents have converted 31-of-58 3rd down attempts (53%) and 2-0f-3 4th down attempts (67%).
When opponents get into the red zone they are scoring 80% of the time (16-of-20). Of those 16 scoring trips, 13 of them have been touchdowns.
Along with the one interception, the defense has forced nine fumbles and recovered five of them.
Defensive back Troy Lefeged Jr leads the defense with 28 total stops, 12 of them solo. Zion Childress, a safety, is next with 26 total stops, 16 solo along with the lone interception and two forced fumbles. In all three of the top four tacklers all come from the secondary, the lone exception is a linebacker.
Texas State’s pass rush ranks 107th in the nation with only three sacks this season.
Special Teams
Placekicker Seth Keller is perfect on the season, he is 5-for-5 on field goals with his longest being 48 yards. He has also made all 11 extra point attempts.
Punter Seamus O’Kelly is averaging 38.4 yards per kick. He only has two that have gone 50 yards or more and only three have been downed inside the 20.
Jacob Bates had handled all but two of the kickoffs with nine touchbacks and one kick out of bounds.
The kick returners have returned 11 kicks for an average of 19.4 yards. One has gone for a 60 yard return but there have been no kickoff returns for a touchdown.
South Alabama
Offense
The Jags offense had another sputtering start to the game last Saturday. Each of their first offensive possessions this season have been three-and-outs.
Often the problems are self-inflicted with negative-yardage plays and getting behind the down and distance schedule.
It’s possible the Jags get their leading rusher, Kareem Walker, back this week after sitting out last game with a quad issue. However Bryan Hill stepped in and ran the ball great in Walker’s absence.
Offensive stats wise, the Jags are averaging 24.8 points with 363 yards of total offense per game. That breaks down to 131.8 yards rushing and 231.8 yards passing per game.
They have converted 21-of-60 3rd down attempts (35%) and 5-of-10 4th down attempts (50%) through four games.
Kareem Walker not only leads the team in rushing yards (208) but also in carries (53) and touchdowns (4). Terrion Avery has 142 yards on 45 carries and a touchdown in four games. Bryan Hill already has 132 yards rushing on 31 carries with three touchdowns in only two games.
Jake Bentley is 79-of-122 (65%) for 927 yards, two touchdowns and one interception.
Jalen Tolbert leads the team with 20 catches for 460 yards. Caullin Lacy has 19 catches for 152 yards and Jalen Wayne has 15 catches for 153 yards. The only receivers to catch touchdown passes have been Walker and Trent Tyre.
Along with the one interception, the offense has fumbled the ball six times and lost five of them.
Defense
The Jags defense continues to rank high nationally.
South Alabama is third in the nation in Stop Rate (percentage of possessions that end in a punt, turnover, or turnover on downs). The Jags stop rate is 84.6% which only trails Georgia (93.4%) and Iowa (85.7%) on the list.
In numerous categories they rank in the top 20 nationally like Total Defense, Scoring Defense, Rushing Defense, and Pass Efficiency Defense. They lead the country in third-down conversion rate (19%), is 3rd in the nation in total first downs allows per game (14.8), and opponent’s red-zone scoring percentage (54.5%).
Statistically on the season they allow 16.8 points and 288.8 yards of total offense per game. That breaks down to 191 passing yards and 97.8 yards rushing per game.
As you can see, its a very stingy defense.
Jamal Brooks and Yam Banks lead the defense with 16 total stops each. Banks has 10 solo stops and Brooks has nine.
Wy’Kevious Thomas, Tre Young, and AJ DeShazor each have 15 stops with Young coming in with the most solo at 11.
The defense has forced five fumbles and recovered four. They also have 4 interceptions on the season for a total of eight takeaways.
Special Teams
Diego Guajardo missed his first field goal attempt near the end of the Louisiana game, however he has made his four other attempts on the season. Of the four he’s made, three of them have been in the 40 yard range with the longest coming from 48 yards out.
Guajardo also missed two extra points. The sure-footed kicker had his first attempt blocked then a second one hit off the right upright on a very wet night at Hancock Whitney Stadium.
Jack Brooks is averaging 41 yards per punt, three of them have gone over 50 yards with the longest traveling 53 yards. He’s had six downed inside the opponents 20 yards line with no touchbacks. One of his 22 attempts was blocked (Bowling Green).
Guajardo had handled 20 kickoffs with eight touchbacks.
Keys to the Game
Fast Start Offensively
The Jags offense has started each of the four games with a three-and-out. They’ve been marred by negative plays and played behind the chains each time.
They could really use at least a few first downs on their opening possession. Even better, take the opening possession down the field for a touchdown.
Turnovers
I always hate to use turnovers as a key to the game, because they always are. It’s common sense. But sometimes it just needs to be spotlighted.
With five lost fumbles on six overall fumbles through the first three games, the Jags did an excellent job of protecting the ball against Louisiana. Despite the often rainy conditions and wet field, the Jags didn’t put the ball on the ground once in the game.
Nor did they throw an interception.
They are +2 in turnover margin on the season after forcing the Cajun fumble.
First Down Production
The Jags were able to establish the run fairly early in the game against Louisiana. Bryan Hill and the Jags running backs were able to get some big chunks on first down.
They were giving offensive coordinator Major Applewhite 2nd and short. As a play caller, your offensive playbook is wide open in those situations.
You saw what they can do too.
Bentley was able to throw deep down field off play-action for Tolbert and Wayne. Some of them turned into some big gains and flipped field position.
Tolbert will out jump just about anyone to make a catch. If the defender doesn’t keep Wayne in front of him, he is a danger to take one to the end zone any play.
Prediction
The Jags have yet to win a game in San Marcos, Texas. They have come close a couple of times. This is a great time to end that shutout.
They also haven’t won back-to-back road games since 2015 (San Diego State & Troy).
Last year the Jags put up season-high numbers in first downs, rushing attempts, total plays and time of possession. The offense didn’t turn the ball over a single time. The defense allowed their fewest rushing yards and fewest average gain per play on the season. Basically it was the best game, statistically, the Jags played last season.
So far this season, Texas State has one of the nations worst pass rushes with only three sacks thus far. The Jags offensive line have been pretty good protecting Bentley with most the sacks allowed have been coverage sacks. Also the Jags average over 9 yards per pass attempt (24th in the nation) while the Bobcats allow 7.4 yards per pass (79th in nation).
There’s just a lot that stacks up in the Jags favor, but are those numbers actually reflective of the Bobcats considering the injuries and Covid protocols?
South Alabama enters as a 3.5 point favorite in most odds sites.
As I highlighted during the Jags bye week, this should be one more winnable games on the Jags remaining schedule. It would also get them 2/3rds of the way to bowl eligibility as well.
I think the sting of a loss will motivate the players and coaches. They will use it as a bit of a get-right game. The Jags win and they will cover.
Go Jags!
South Alabama’s Comeback Falls Short In 20-18 Loss To Louisiana
South Alabama went toe to toe with Louisiana-Lafayette but came up short in their upset bid, falling by a score of 20-18.
The Jags (3-1, 0-1 SBC) had opportunities late to take the lead over the Ragin’ Cajuns (3-1, 2-0 SBC). Diego Guajardo just barely missed a 37-yard field goal with 1:06 left in the game.
In the previous offensive drive, the Jags had the ball 4th and 1 at the Cajuns 4 yard line. Head coach Kane Wommack opted to keep the offense on the field. The snap to quarterback Jake Bentley was low and rolled on the ground. Bentley picked it up and rolled to his right and tossed the ball towards a diving Lincoln Sefcik however the ball was just too short and incomplete.
Two missed extra points and a failed two-point conversion attempt also left points on the field for the Jags.
Cajuns’ Chris Smith took the opening kickoff to the Jaguars 13 yard line. Smith would get the touchdown a couple plays later to put Louisiana on top 7-0 with under a minute off the clock.
The Jags offense was stuck in reverse and went three-and-out.
The Cajuns kept the ball on the ground and gashed the defense for second touchdown on only four plays. Runs of 13, 8, 14 and capped off by quarterback Levi Lewis’ 22 yard touchdown run. USA then trailed 14-0 with 11:10 left in the opening quarter.
The Cajuns got down to the Jaguar 23 at the end of the first quarter. The defense stood their ground and forced a 43 yard field goal attempt by Nate Snider, however sailed wide right.
Coach Wommack and the Jags special teams were looking to catch Louisiana off guard with a fake punt early in the second quarter. However Jack Brooks couldn’t get to the edge and ended up losing 3 yards and giving the ball back to the Cajuns at the Jags 31 yard line.
Two Emani Bailey’s runs later and the Cajuns were back in the end zone. However Nate Snider missed the extra point leaving the Cajuns with a 20-0 lead with 11:23 left in the second quarter.
South Alabama finally put points on the board just before halftime. Bryan Hill ran the ball and Bentley connected with Jalen Wayne to move the ball down the field. Hill finally punched it in on 3rd and goal at the 1. Guajardo’s extra point was blocked leaving the Jags trailing 20-6 with 1:33 left in the half.
The Jags came out in the second half with a completely different air about them. They had an air of confidence about them.
South Alabama looked to Bryan Hill and Jalen Tolbert to jump start the offense. Hill was the workhorse, but it was a pass to Tolbert for 49 yards that flipped the field. Hill capped off the drive with a two yard touchdown. The extra point attempt by Guajardo missed to the right leaving the Jags trailing 20-12 at the 4:20 mark in the third quarter.
USA got the ball back after the defense forced a three-and-out on the ensuing possession.
It looked like the Jags were going to go three-and-out themselves but a snap to Keith Gallmon, the up man, who took it 38 yards to the Louisiana 13 yard line. Jake Bentley carried it in for the touchdown with 12:51 left in the game.
The coaches opted for the two-point conversion since they trailed by two points. Bentley was pressured and rolled to his left and missed seeing a wide open Terrion Avery on the right side of the field and took a sack.
Jags get the ball at their own 20 yard line with 9:58 left in the game. Their second offensive play Bentley went deep for Jalen Tolbert, who high pointed the ball perfectly, and came down with a 61 yard catch at the Cajuns 13 yard line.
Facing 4th and 1 at the 4, the ill-fated snap occurred where the ball rolled to Bentley then the throw was short for Sefcik and giving the Cajuns the ball at their own 4 yard line with 6:20 left in the game.
The Jags offense got the ball back at their own 35 yard line with 3:20 left in the game. On the second offensive play again, Bentley went deep to Jalen Wayne for 34 yards and flipped the field once more.
Terrion Avery put the ball on the left hashmark at the 19 yard line with 1:11 left in the game for the potential game-winning field goal from 37 yards out. Guajardo’s kick looked like it was going to slip inside the upright, but instead it barely slipped outside the right upright.
The Jags put up 387 yards of total offense, 144 rushing and 243 passing.
Bryan Hill led the Jags with 81 rushing yards on 22 carries with two touchdowns. Gallmon had 38 yards on the one run. Avery added 27 yards on 10 carries.
Bentley went 19-of-29 for 243 yards.
Tolbert led all receivers with 6 catches for 143 yards. Wayne added 5 catches for 56 yards. Lacy had 5 catches as well for 19 yards.
USA was 6-of-17 on 3rd down attempts and 3-of-5 on 4th down attempts. USA also led the way in time of possession with 36:47.
The South Alabama defense held the Cajuns to 283 total yards of offense, 225 rushing and 58 passing.
Emani Baily rushed for 81 yards on seven carries. Quarterback Levi Lewis rushed for 61 yards on 10 carries.
Lewis went 9-of-20 for 49 yards. Chandle Fields came in for one play and completed his only pass attempt for 9 yards.
Cajuns had three receivers who all caught two passes each and four players with one catch each.
The Cajuns only converted 2-of-10 3rd down attempts and converted their only 4th down attempt.
Next Up
South Alabama will travel to San Marcos, Texas to face Texas State on Saturday, October 9 with kickoff scheduled for 6pm. The game will be streamed online on ESPN+.
Preview: South Alabama Hosts Louisiana For A ‘White Out’ In Sun Belt Opener
Kickoff: Saturday October 2, 7 pm
Venue: Hancock Whitney Stadium Mobile, Alabama
TV: ESPN+
Radio: Sports Talk 99.5 fm, 96.1 fm The Rocket, iHeartRadio App
South Alabama will host Louisiana-Lafayette in their Sun Belt Conference opener on Saturday. This is a huge game for the Jags, probably the biggest game since moving on campus to Hancock Whitney Stadium.
The Ragin’ Cajuns (4-1) have earned three consecutive Sun Belt West Division titles in three seasons under head coach Billy Napier, including back-to-back 10-win seasons. This is the type of consistency that head coach Kane Wommack wants his team to achieve.
Napier is 31-12 as a head coach and 20-5 in conference play, all at Louisiana-Lafayette. Previously he spent time as recruiting coordinator, tight ends coach, and quarterbacks coach during his stint at Clemson. During his stops at Alabama he was an offensive analyst and later a wide receivers coach.
The Cajuns have won the last five match-ups in the series. The last time the Jags prevailed was a seven point victory in 2015. However six of the last seven games have been decided by 10 points or less, the lone exception was last years 38-10 loss in Lafayette.
Last season the Jags were held to a season-low passing total while allowing the most rushing yards on the season. The Cajuns did it with big plays too, they have double-digit number of 20-plus yard plays on the Jags.
South Alabama
The Jags (3-0) have their best start ever in FBS program history under first-year head coach Kane Wommack. After a 31-7 win over Southern Miss, the Jags had two closer contests against Bowling Green (22-19) and Alcorn State (28-21).
After a bye week to correct some things exposed early in the season, the Jag will return to action on Saturday when they open conference play against the Ragin’ Cajuns.
Defense
The key to the Jags success so far this season has been their excellent play on defense.
The Jags are ranked 1st in the nation in 3rd down conversion percentage defense, 1st in red zone defense, 3rd in rushing yards allowed, 3rd in first down defense, tied for 12th in sacks, 18th in scoring defense, 24th in total defense, tied for 30th in turnovers gained, 79th in team tackles for loss and 81st in passing yards allowed.
The defense is allowing an average of 15.7 points per game to their opponents and only 55.3 rushing yards per game. Opponents are passing for 235.3 yards per game on average.
The defensive secondary has been hit with a number of explosive passing plays in the last two games.
Offense
The Jaguar offense has not been as consistent as the defense. They tend to start games slow but eventually find their way. But they also have periods in the game where they have trouble moving the ball.
The Jags are 97th in the nation in total offense and rushing yards per game, and 3rd down conversion percentage. They are a paltry 126th in 1st down offense, 121st in fumbles lost on the season, and 108th in tackles for loss allowed. But they are tied for 43rd in red zone offense and 48th in time of possession.
While those numbers look pretty grim, the offense is averaging 27 points per game this season, 355 yards of total offense per game, and 5.1 yards per play.
The lack of consistency is what really hampers the offense.
Hopefully the break has allowed the offensive line to get healthy once again. With a healthy offensive line and some work with the running backs urgency to hit the holes, the Jags rushing game will improve. If they can get the running game established earlier in games it will really open up the offensive playbook a lot.
However it looks like they may have to do it without running back Kareem Walker as he has been nursing an injury since last week.
Louisiana
Louisiana (4-1) opened the season with a power 5 loss to Texas but have won three straight, including their conference opener at Georgia Southern last Saturday.
Offense
The Cajuns offense is averaging 423 total yards per game. The throw for an average of 271.7 yards per game and rush for another 151.3 yards per game. They are also averaging 30.5 points per game.
In Cajun fashion, they have not just one running back but three who rotate playing time. Chris Smith just barely edges out Montrell Johnson in rushing attempts (43 to 41) and yards (191, 183). Johnson has four touchdowns though to Smith’s two.
Emani Baily has 168 rushing yards on just 27 carries too.
Dontae Fleming leads the receiving corps with 11 catches for 152 yards and a touchdown. Kyren Lacy has 10 catches for 110 yards and a touchdown. Jalen Williams has nine catches for 109 yards.
Levi Lewis is a dual threat quarterback. He is 85-for-130 for 1,047 yards and seven touchdowns this season with only one interception. He’s gained 125 yards on the ground but lost 64 yards in negative plays and sacks so he only has 61 yards rushing officially.
However it was announced three offensive linemen are out for the season. Two of them are listed on the two-deep, however one is a starter. Additionally they have lost their starting kicker for the season as well.
Defense
The Cajuns needed a late defensive stop to hold on to the win over Georgia Southern last week. The eagles got within one score with 1:34 left after a 76 yard touchdown run.
They also forced two fumbles and an interception in the game.
Louisiana-Lafayette allows an average 413.3 yards of total offense per game. Opponents throw for 235.3 yards per game and rush for 178 yards per game. Georgia Southern ran for 278 yards on the Cajuns despite the loss.
Opponents are converting almost 50% of their 3rd down attempts.
Keys to the Game
Start Fast Offensively
The Jags offense tends to start games a bit slow. After a couple of possessions though, they tend to hit their groove.
They may not be able to get away with that against the Cajuns.
Avoid lots of three-and-outs
The Cajuns defense allows quite a bit of yards but they tend to get stops when they need to. The offense needs to convert some first downs on each possession to give the defense time to rest and to help win the field position game.
Late in the game against Alcorn State, the Jags offense had some three-and-out situations and the Jags defense were visibly getting tired. But they still came up big when needed, including a game-clinching interception in the end zone.
Louisiana is a stronger opponent and allowing the defense to get some rest between possessions will help to keep them fresh.
Turnovers
The Jaguar defense has been spectacular in forcing seven turnovers on the season. However the offense has fumbled the ball away five times. Then there was that pick-six at Bowling Green. So the team is only +1 in turnover margin.
Hopefully the defense can continue their turnover havoc. On the other hand, the offense needs to slow their roll.
In a study over a four year period from 2009-2012, a team that averaged a turnover margin of +1 per game could expect about nine wins per season with all other things being equal.
Jag Fans
This may be the first time the crowd truly makes a huge difference in a game.
Yes fans and crowds make differences in games to a point but this one is different. This one could be even more impactful.
This is South Alabama’s first attempt at a “white out” in their new on-campus home.
Penn State has used the “white out” to their advantage a number of times. This could be the beginning of a similar tradition for South Alabama.
So wear WHITE, be LOUD, and create a great ENVIRONMENT!
Prediction
I think this has been one of the games that’s been circled on the calendar for a few weeks now. This is a bit of a measuring stick game too. Where does the team stack up against the back-to-back-to-back Sun Belt Conference West Division Champions.
The Jags have had an extra week to prep for this game. The administration and athletic department are going all out with a “white out” theme. This game clearly means a little more.
The Cajuns opened at a 10.5 point favorite in the game and it has since gone up to 12.5 points.
I think the Jags cover and also I think they win this game outright.
Go Jags!
South Alabama’s Path To Bowl Eligibility: A Look Into The Crystal Football
After the last few seasons, how many people who would have thought the South Alabama would start the season 3-0 and looking at the prospects of getting bowl eligible?
That’s half way to bowl eligibility.
With nine games left, they have plenty of opportunities to win at least three more games. To do so, they have some work to do. But that’s a topic for another article.
In only three game it’s really looking like the hiring of Kane Wommack is the shot in the arm that the South Alabama program needed.
The cultural shift has been nothing short of phenomenal.
Seeing the way the team plays this season versus last season, it’s like night and day. The team responds to adversity in positive, productive ways.
They have bought in.
I don’t know if coach Wommack has a name for his approach, but his “neutral mindset” approach is similar to what other successful head coaches have implemented.
Nick Saban has “The Process” and is in the midst of an unprecedented run in college football at Alabama. P.J. Fleck has the mantra “Row the Boat,” which he’s used to bring Minnesota out of irrelevance in the Big 10. In Fleck’s case, he uses three physical items to reinforce his approach: the oar, the boat, and the compass.
Both Saban and Fleck concentrate on what you can control and living in the present. You cannot change the past. You have no way to know what the future will hold. They all focus on the next play.
Coach Wommack has consistently talked about having a neutral mindset approach. It’s his version of “the process” or “row the boat.” He stresses for the players to approach the next play with a neutral mindset: forget about the past and focus on the next play.
Breaking the Rules
We are going to go against his philosophy and actually take a look ahead. We are going to look down the remaining nine games and guess the likelihood that the Jags can get those necessary wins for bowl-eligibility.
What’s in Store
October 2nd vs Louisiana-Lafayette
Billy Napier is in his 4th season at the helm with back-to-back 10-win seasons under his belt. He also had the Cajuns ranked in the top 25 for a bit last year. However they had to eek out a 27-24 win over FCS Nicholls State in week two of the season.
The Cajuns will have to travel to Georgia Southern before coming to Mobile. Meanwhile the Jags will have an extra week to rest, heal and prepare with a bye week. This could be a game the Jags earn an upset win.
October 9th at Texas State
The Bobcats are have not won more than three games in a season in the last several years. The two teams have faced each other six times since 2013 and the series is evenly split 3-3 with neither team collecting a road win over the other.
The bobcats are probably one of the weaker teams the Jags will face in Sun Belt Conference play. If they play like they should, this should be one of the three wins they need to earn bowl eligibility. However the Bobcats will have a bye week before facing the Jags.
October 14th (Thursday) vs Georgia Southern
The Jags have never defeated the Eagles in any of their seven contests. Though, over the last two seasons, the Jags have closed the scoring gap between the two schools. The 2019 game taking two overtime periods for the Eagles to leave with a 20-17 win.
Georgia Southern opened the season with a struggle win over Gardner-Webb 30-25. They then were spanked by Florida Atlantic 38-6. Last week they were spanked again by #20 Arkansas.
Georgia Southern will travel to Mobile on a short week for a Thursday night game. That will be just after traveling to Troy for a 7pm game the previous Saturday. But the Jags will also have a short week, however they will not have the burden of traveling for the game.
This may be one of the winnable games for the Jags. It would be a huge monkey-off-the-back wins for the program as well.
October 23rd at ULM
The Warhawks had their bye week on the second week of the season, that’s really early. Their first game was a 35 point loss to Kentucky then a 12-7 win over Dion ‘Prime Time’ Sanders coached Jackson State, an FCS school.
The Warhawks only managed four field goals in the win.
However that’s an improvement over their winless 0-10 season in 2020. Though the season was hampered by players missing games due to Covid.
This may be the weakest Sun Belt team the Jags face this season. Historically the Jags are 0-3 in Monroe and this would be another opportunity for coach Wommack and the team to get another monkey off the programs back.
October 30th vs Arkansas State
Arkansas State hired Butch Jones to replace Blake Anderson. Jones was previously an analyst at Alabama as was offensive coordinator Major Applewhite.
Talking about getting a monkey off their back, last year the Jags were able earn their first win in Jonesboro, Arkansas in their fifth try.
After a long run of success, the Red Wolves finished the 2020 season 4-7. They sat home during bowl season for the first time since 2010.
So far this season ASU only has a win over FCS Central Arkansas. They lost a 55-50 shootout against Memphis in week two, then avoided a shutout against Washington in a 52-3 loss last week.
This should be a winnable game for the Jags. A lot of it depends on what first-year head coach Butch Jones does between now and then.
November 6 at Troy
This starts a four week stretch very stiff competition for the Jags. It’s also the first of three consecutive road games.
The Jags have lost the last three “Battle for the Belt” contests. They have also lost four of the last five. The only win in that stretch is the 2017 defensive slugfest when coach Wommack was defensive coordinator.
The Trojans have wins over Southern (55-3) and Southern Miss (21-9) on the season. They lost their second game of the season 21-13 to Liberty.
The Trojans missed an opportunity to get to .500 and bowl eligible when their season finale against ULM was cancelled leaving them with a 5-6 record overall.
In what’s looking like a pattern, the the Trojans will have a couple extra days to prepare to host the Jags. However they will be coming off a Thursday night game against current conference leader Coastal Carolina.
While the last three games have not been particularly close games, this season should be different. This will likely be a close game, as rivalry games should be. But it should be winnable.
November 13 at App State
The Jags have struggled against the Mountaineers the last two times they’ve faced each other (2018 and 2019). In those two games the Jags were defeated by a combined score of 82-10.
Overall the Jags are 1-3 against the Mountaineers. Their only win was a 47-21 contest in Boone in 2014 but then fell to them the following year.
The Mountaineers came up a little short of upsetting #22 Miami 25-23 in week two of the season. They opened the season with a win over East Carolina then defeated Elon the week after the Miami game.
Last night they struggled for most of the game against Marshall. They gave the ball away twice and Marshall capitalized with 10 points off of them. But the missed field goal by the Thundering Herd allowed the Mountaineers to kick a field goal in the fourth quarter and to hold on at the end for a 31-30 win.
Appalachian State will be a tough challenge and will be the second consecutive road contest for the Jags. Additionally it’s after the “Battle for the Belt.” This is one of the more unlikely games for a Jaguar win. But it’s never impossible.
November 20 at Tennessee
Tennessee will be favored in the game. It’s an SEC team vs a Group of Five team.
While the Jags and the Vols last faced off in 2013, the Jags gave them a run for their money in the 31-24 loss. The Jags even lead for a bit in Neyland Stadium.
The Jags had the ball 4th & goal at the Vols 8 yard line but an interception dashed the Jags hopes of a win over an SEC program. They would have to wait until 2016 for that.
Tennessee defeated Bowling Green to open the season 38-6. They’ll enter the game after hosting Georgia (currently ranked #2 in the nation).
It may be a good time for the Jags to visit Knoxville, but I wouldn’t depend on this game to get bowl eligible. A win in this game would be more of an attention-getter and a resume builder for postseason play. It would also be a good introduction of coach Wommack as a definite coach to watch in college football.
November 26 vs Coastal Carolina
The Jags finally end get a home game after three-consecutive road contests. However it will be a short week, but only by a day, as they face off on Friday after Thanksgiving.
The Jags and the Chanticleers have split their two meetings on the field. The Jags welcomed them to Mobile and full conference membership with a 31-28 win in 2018.
Last season they met for the second time with the Chanticleers ranked #15. The Chanticleers sent the Jags home from Conway with 23-6 loss.
They opened the season with a 52-14 win over The Citadel. In week two, they defeated Kansas in Conway 49-22. Last week they went into Buffalo and came away with a 28-25 win.
Both teams will go into the game losing one day of preparation, however the Jags will be the home team. Hopefully the Jags will already have earned bowl-eligibility, because needing to get a win against the Chanticleers would not be an ideal situation. But if the Chanticleers come in with a Thanksgiving hangover, maybe the Jags can capitalize with an upset win.
Gazing into the Crystal Football
(The teams listed in each section are by schedule, not by projected toughness.)
The easiest path to six wins: Texas State, Georgia Southern, ULM, Arkansas State. Win any three out of these four games and they are bowl-eligible.
The next best chance or the “we showed those prognosticators wrong”: Louisiana-Lafayette, Troy, App State. Along with going towards bowl-eligibility, winning any of these would be making a statement to the other programs in the conference that South Alabama is on the rise again.
The long shots or the “we stole the towels on the way out” wins: Tennessee, Coastal Carolina. Winning any of these games, especially Tennessee, would be a rather huge statement and would make for a particularly special season.
Final Thoughts
The Jags best chances for bowl-eligibility all line up over a four week stretch next month.
They could reach six wins before Halloween.
After Halloween the Jags strength of schedule really ramps up. The final four games will be the toughest challenge all season with the first three all on the road. They will be @Troy Nov 6, @App State Nov 13, @Tennessee Nov 20, then home vs Coastal Carolina Nov 26.
The competition in the first three games has been, admittingly, fairly soft. Additionally they have had plenty of struggles in those games, so getting to the six-win mark isn’t a given.
In order to achieve this lofty goal the Jags must continue to live by coach Wommack’s “neutral mindset” mantra.
South Alabama Survives Alcorn State 28-21 To Stay Unbeaten
It wasn’t pretty. Actually it was downright ugly at times. But the Jags (3-0) held off Alcorn State (1-2) for a 28-21 win to start the season 3-0 for the first time since 2010 and the first time as a FBS member.
The Jags needed two defensive stops late in the fourth quarter to preserve the win.
“That wasn’t nearly to our standard,” head coach Kane Wommack said after the game. “We had some things exposed during the first two weeks that we allowed to show up again. Every person in our building has to be relentless to get those things fixed. When you make a mistake in week one, it’s got to get corrected in week two and week three. The best teams in the country continue to get better, and that’s what we have to do in this bye week.”
Alcorn State used their passing game to move the ball against the Jaguar defense. With 10:09 left in the game, the Braves connected on a 27 yard pass to move into Jaguar territory. They got down to the 11 yard line before a holding penalty gave the Jaguar defense some breathing room. On 4th and 14 at the Jaguar 17, Alcorn State quarterback Felix Harper found a receiver on the left sideline. After securing the catch he made a move to the inside trying to gain the yardage needed to extend the drive, however his feet slipping just enough to allow Devin Rockette to make the stop at the 7 yard line.
The Jags took over possession with 5:36 left in the game but went three-and-out and giving up a yard to the Braves.
Jack Brooks’ punt went 46 yards and was fielded at the Braves 48 yard line, but Manny Jones found a crease in the coverage and managed to return it 23 yards to the Jaguar 29 yard line before he was forced out of bounds.
The Braves went back to the air to move the ball with a 17 yard pass completion to the right sideline before stepping out of bounds at the 12 yard line. On 2nd and 16, Harper had to scramble and made some Jaguar defenders miss but he could only manage 3 yards to the 15.
On 3rd and 13, Harper threw into the end zone for Juan Anthony but it was behind his target but Tre Young was in the perfect position to secure the interception and to preserve the win. Young almost brought the ball out of the end zone, and Alcorn State wisely used their final time out to challenge the ruling. However the officials did not see enough evidence to confirm or overturn the play so the call of a touchback, stood.
Kareem Walker rushed for 150 yards and three touchdowns on 23 carries. He scored on runs of 1, 13, and 35 yards.
Overall the Jags ran for 236 yards. Walk-on running back Bryan Hill added 51 yards on nine carries and a touchdown. He also showed some very determined running to convert a key 1st down.
The Alcorn State defense double teamed star receiver Jalen Tolbert to the point that he only caught two passes for 54 yards.
Jake Bentley went 14-of-25 for 158 yards and was pressured often in the game.
The Jags were playing behind an offensive line that had been shifted around. Starting right tackle Antawn Lewis was out due to illness and Trey Simpson was out due to injury. Anterrious Gray and Josh McCulloch made their first starts of the season at right guard and right tackle respectively. Kent Foster moved to left guard in place of regular starter Hadon Merchant.
The Jags had four turnovers, all fumbles, that Alcorn State turned into 14 points. Jalen Wayne and Jake Bentley had fumbles on offensive plays. Caullin Lacy mishandled a punt inside the 5 yard line that was recovered for a touchdown. Cade Sutherland, replacing Lacy as punt returner, also mishandled a punt late in the third quarter which led to the second touchdown from a turnover early in the fourth quarter.
The Swarm D only managed the one takeaway, but it came at the perfect time to preserve the win.
The Jags out gained the Braves 394 to 297 yards. While the Jags defense only allowed 32 yards rushing, they were gashed for 265 yards through the air. Alcorn State only converted 3 of 15 3rd down attempts and possessed the ball for 32:00.
The Jags offense rushed for 236 yards and threw for 158 in the win. However they only converted 4 of 12 3rd down attempts and converted none of their three 4th down attempts in the game.
Jalen Wayne led the Jaguar receivers with four catches for 51 yards. Lincoln Sefcik and Terrion Avery both caught two passes each.
Felix Harper went 20-of-33 for 265 yards, a touchdown and an interception for the Braves.
LeCharles Pringle and Juan Anthony caught six passes each for 73 and 45 yards respectively. CJ Bolar led all receivers with 128 yards on five catches.
“When you just do your job, and you have an urgency to do your job, good things happen,” Wommack said on what the Jags did differently early in the second half. “We ran the same runs in the second half that we had run in the first half, but we executed better and we operated better. Somehow, we’ve got to come out and do our job and start executing at a high level early. On top of that, when you put the ball on the ground four times, you’re going to give yourself a very difficult hole to crawl out of. We were fortunate enough to do that tonight.”
The Jags improve to 3-0 for the first time since 2010 and for the first time ever as a FBS program.
The Jags have scheduled Monday and Tuesday off on their bye week before getting back to work correcting the issues identified through the first three games of the season.
USA returns to action at home on Saturday, October 2nd with their conference opener against defending West Division Champions Louisiana-Lafayette in a White Out game.
All Jaguar fans are asked and encouraged to wear White.
Coach Wommack dressed in pregame warmups. 
Jamie Sheriff on the sidelines supporting his teammates. 
Jags make their entrance. 
Captains heading to midfield for coin toss. 
Trey Simpson on the sideline for the Jags. 
Head coach Kane Wommack taking selfies with students during the hour and a half lighting delay. 
Head coach Kane Wommack taking selfies with students during the hour and a half lighting delay. 
J’s up for the Alma Mater with the band. 
The Prowlers with their J’s up for the Alma Mater. 
Kareem Walker postgame. 
Gi’Narious Johnson postgame. 
