MOBILE, Ala. — South Alabama football coach Joey Jones said Tuesday that improving the passing game is the Jaguars’ top priority this week, describing his team as an average passing team and a great running team after Saturday’s game against Louisburg College.
Jones and outside linebackers coach Chuck Dunn joined host Lee Shirvanian for the Joey Jones Show at Wings Sports Grill.
Focus on the Passing Game
Jones said the Jaguars must become a better passing team and that he wants to put the ball in the air more over the next two games. Asked why, given the success of the running game, Jones said he wants a complete team by the end of the season, and that staff and player meetings have centered on improving weaknesses. He said the team will not sacrifice a win to throw more and will keep running if the passing game struggles.
Jones said the Jaguars planned to throw more against Louisburg, but winds of about 25 mph changed the plan. He said he watched snaps during warmups drift about two feet before reaching the punter, and a deep pass could be pushed several feet off target and lead to interceptions.
South Alabama chose to take the wind in the first quarter, Jones said, because the staff expected it to be strongest early and to die down in the evening. He said a team expecting gusty conditions all game would instead want the wind at its back in the fourth quarter.
Jones said all of his quarterbacks played better Saturday. He said Myles Gibbon completed more passes and managed the game well, and Brennan Sim threw a couple of strong passes in relief.
Slow Start Against Louisburg
Jones said the Jaguars may have underestimated Louisburg at first, noting that the game film the staff received was shot from a distance, which made it difficult to judge the opponent’s size. He said the team was caught off guard by Louisburg’s speed.
Asked why the offense was slow to get going, Jones said he takes full blame for not preparing the players well enough. He added that Louisburg’s defensive front showed a look that was not on film, which confused the offensive line about blocking assignments during the first few series. Jones said an offense depends on all 11 players doing their jobs, while on defense one player can make the difference.
Josh Chestang led South Alabama in sacks against Louisburg.
Brandon Ross and Redshirts
Running back Brandon Ross, who came to South Alabama from Memphis, has two years of eligibility remaining after this season. Jones said the staff has talked with Ross about staying with the program as it moves toward Division I play and has worked it out. Jones called Ross a great running back with a lot of potential and said he could play in the NFL if he learns to run every play as if it were his last.
Jones said South Alabama is redshirting some players this season and will do so again next year to spread graduating classes so the program does not lose 40 or more players in a single year.
Jones said statistics and records from this season, including the win-loss record and rushing totals, will be kept as part of the program’s records, though they may carry an asterisk because the Jaguars are not playing Division I opponents.
Linebackers and Defensive Planning
Dunn said his outside linebacker rotation includes Chestang, Clifton Crews and Logan Bennett, calling them perhaps the most coachable group he has coached. Dunn said he and inside linebackers coach Crain communicate well, and that defensive coordinator Bill Clark asks the linebackers to serve as the quarterbacks of the defense.
Jones said linebacker play has become specialized. Inside linebackers cover the A and B gaps and chase the ball outside, while outside linebackers must contain the quarterback and running backs, rush from the edge and drop into coverage. He said the outside linebackers must learn a wider range of skills.
Dunn said his role in game planning is to break down the opponent play by play by personnel, down and distance, formation and direction, compiling the information into a hit chart. He then provides the tendencies to Clark, who builds the game plan.
Jones said he prefers a 3-4 defense. He said that from an offensive perspective, running lanes against a 3-4 change more than against an even front such as a 4-3, and his offensive game plans historically included more running plays against a 4-3. Dunn said linebacker coaches favor the 3-4 because it puts more speed on the field and allows the defense to keep the same personnel regardless of the offensive formation.
Dunn said Jones designs practices that create good competition among players.
Injury Report
John Mark Patrick, who has been sidelined with a knee injury, participated in drills and light workouts in Monday’s practice. Jones said Patrick might be able to play next week if he can be ready in time. A couple of players suffered minor injuries Monday and are expected back this week.
All-Red Uniforms for Halloween Game
South Alabama will wear red jerseys with red pants, instead of its usual red jerseys and white pants, when it hosts Fork Union Military Academy on Oct. 31 at Ladd-Peebles Stadium. Children who wear a costume or a team jersey will be admitted free, and the game will feature additional Halloween activities for children.
