JONESBORO, Ark. — South Alabama (2-6, 1-3 Sun Belt) will try for its first win in Jonesboro when it faces Arkansas State (4-4, 1-3 Sun Belt) on Saturday afternoon. Kickoff is set for 2 p.m. The game will stream on ESPN+ and air on the Jaguar Radio Network and iHeartRadio.
The Jaguars are 0-4 all-time in Jonesboro and have scored a combined 17 points in their last two games there. South Alabama’s only win in the series came last season, a 24-19 victory over the Red Wolves in Mobile.
Road Struggles in Campbell’s First Season
South Alabama, in its first season under head coach Steve Campbell, has not won on the road this year. The Jaguars have lost away from home by an average score of 52-17, allowing at least 48 points and an average of 522.7 yards in each road game.
Road losses have come against Memphis, Oklahoma State, Appalachian State and Georgia Southern. Against Memphis, South Alabama was tied 21-21 at halftime and within four points entering the fourth quarter before losing 52-35. In every other road game, the Jaguars trailed by double digits at halftime, including a 42-7 deficit at Appalachian State.
Despite the record, South Alabama still controls its path in the Sun Belt Western Division race, with a spot in the first Sun Belt Conference Championship Game at stake. Saturday’s game begins a stretch of three consecutive Western Division games.
Orth Returns After Concussion
South Alabama last played Oct. 23, a 23-7 Tuesday night loss to Troy, giving the Jaguars two extended weeks between games in place of a traditional open week. Starting quarterback Evan Orth left the Troy game late with a concussion. He cleared concussion protocol and returned to practice Wednesday.
In the Troy game, South Alabama attempted onside kicks and threw a Hail Mary pass with three seconds remaining before halftime.
Red Wolves Banged Up
Arkansas State has had several players miss practice this week, including five offensive skill position players. Quarterback Justice Hansen leads the Red Wolves in rushing yards in addition to his duties as the team’s passer.
Campbell owns one win over Arkansas State, which came in 2016 when he was head coach at Central Arkansas.
By the Numbers
- 0-4: South Alabama’s record in Jonesboro.
- 1: South Alabama wins all-time against Arkansas State, last season.
- 17: Points scored by the Jaguars in their last two games in Jonesboro combined.
- November 30, 2013: South Alabama’s last November conference win, against Georgia State.
- 6: Turnovers forced by the Jaguars in last season’s win, including four interceptions.
- 4: Sacks by South Alabama in last season’s win.
- -3: Rushing yards by the Jaguars in last season’s win, when they passed for 343 yards.
