SAN MARCOS, Texas — South Alabama (1-7, 0-4 Sun Belt Conference) begins the final four-game stretch of its 2019 season Saturday at Texas State (2-6, 1-3 Sun Belt), with kickoff set for 2 p.m. at Bobcat Stadium.
The game is Texas State’s homecoming. The Bobcats are 7.5-point favorites. The Jaguars are coming off an open week, giving them two weeks to prepare after their most recent game.
Offense Struggled Against Appalachian State
South Alabama last played against Appalachian State and lost 30-3, a result that guaranteed the Jaguars a losing record for the season. South Alabama gained 2 yards of total offense on its first 19 offensive plays and had 43 total yards at halftime.
The Jaguars’ only win this season came against FCS opponent Jackson State, 37-14. Among their six games against FBS opponents, their most productive offensive performance came in the season opener against Nebraska.
Nationally, South Alabama ranks 125th of 130 FBS teams in total offense, 123rd in passing offense, 84th in rushing offense, 127th in third-down conversion percentage and 128th in scoring offense.
Campbell Addresses Quarterback Situation
Head coach Steve Campbell told reporters Monday that the team used the open week to work on third downs, the red zone and the two-minute offense.
Campbell confirmed that quarterback Cephus Johnson has been playing with an ankle injury since the Georgia Southern game, limiting his mobility. Johnson rarely kept the ball on run-pass option plays against Appalachian State. Desmond Trotter entered the game in the third quarter, and the offense moved the ball better after the change.
Campbell said the staff has made lineup changes at several positions and indicated that the quarterback position is also open to change. Under the NCAA’s redshirt rule, which allows players to appear in up to four games without losing a season of eligibility, freshman quarterback Tanner McGee could play in all four remaining games and still redshirt.
Series History
South Alabama defeated Texas State 41-31 in Mobile last season. Both teams finished 2018 with 3-9 records.
How to Follow
The game will stream on ESPN+. The radio broadcast airs locally on 99.5 FM in Mobile and worldwide on the iHeartMedia app, with pregame coverage beginning at noon.
