TROY, Ala. — South Alabama travels to Troy on Saturday for a Sun Belt Conference game against a Trojans team that has lost three consecutive games. Kickoff is set for noon CDT.
A victory would bring Troy back to .500 both overall and in Sun Belt play.
Trojans Coming Off Duke Game
Troy played Duke last week, and the Trojans’ defense played well in the second half of that game. Troy’s offense has the ability to gain yards and score quickly.
Two-Quarterback Systems
Both teams have used two quarterbacks this season, alternating them to change the pace of their offenses.
How to Follow
The game will air on the radio on WNSP 105.5 FM. Television coverage is available on CSS for Comcast customers, and the game will also stream online through ESPN3.
South Alabama is coached by Joey Jones.
Update: Final Preparations and Tropical Storm Karen
South Alabama completed its preparation for Troy with a full-pads practice Thursday, a session head coach Joey Jones described as another productive workout. Because both programs use similar two-quarterback systems, each staff is accustomed to preparing for that approach.
Jones said he expects the emotion surrounding the in-state rivalry to settle quickly once the game begins. Last season’s meeting was marked by several penalties on both sides.
The Gulf Coast is under a hurricane watch as Tropical Storm Karen moves through the Gulf of Mexico. The storm has slowed, and projections show it approaching the Mobile area Sunday morning. Athletics director Joel Erdmann said the game remains on schedule for noon at Veterans Memorial Stadium in Troy, and that if the storm holds its current path and speed, the game should see minimal impact, with the team’s return trip to Mobile the primary concern.
If the game were postponed, a makeup date would be difficult to find. The two schools do not share a common open week for the rest of the season, and South Alabama is scheduled to play Dec. 7, the final week of the regular season, which also coincides with several conference championship games.
Lee Shirvanian will call the play-by-play on WNSP 105.5 FM in Mobile.
Update: How the Teams Compare Statistically
South Alabama enters the game 2-2 after a 31-24 loss at Tennessee. Troy is 2-3; the Trojans opened with wins over UAB and Savannah State before road losses to Arkansas State, Mississippi State and Duke. Sun Belt Conference statistical rankings entering the game:
Offense
- Scoring: Troy is second at 34.4 points per game; South Alabama is fourth at 29.2.
- Total offense: Troy leads the league at 468.0 yards per game; South Alabama is fifth at 401.5.
- Rushing: South Alabama is fifth at 158.5 yards per game; Troy is sixth at 147.2.
- Passing: Troy leads at 320.8 yards per game; South Alabama is fourth at 243.0.
- Pass efficiency: Troy is first with a 154.7 rating; South Alabama is seventh at 115.7.
- First downs: Troy leads with 24.4 per game; South Alabama is sixth with 20.2.
- Third down: Troy is fourth at 42.7 percent; South Alabama is sixth at 39.0 percent.
- Fourth down: Troy is first at 6 of 8 (75 percent); South Alabama is fifth at 2 of 6 (33.3 percent).
- Sacks allowed: Both teams have allowed seven, Troy in five games and South Alabama in four.
Defense
- Scoring defense: South Alabama is third, allowing 29.0 points per game; Troy is seventh at 35.0.
- Total defense: South Alabama is third at 399.5 yards allowed per game; Troy is sixth at 439.6.
- Rushing defense: South Alabama is second at 150.5 yards allowed per game; Troy is third at 155.0.
- Pass defense: South Alabama is third at 249.0 yards allowed per game; Troy is seventh at 284.6.
- Pass efficiency defense: South Alabama is third at 122.3; Troy is last at 157.5.
- Interceptions: South Alabama leads the league with seven in four games; Troy is seventh with two in five games.
- Sacks: Troy is tied for first with 10 in five games; South Alabama is tied for fourth with nine in four games.
- First downs allowed: South Alabama is fourth at 21.0 per game; Troy is fifth at 21.2.
- Third-down defense: Troy is fifth, allowing 39.4 percent; South Alabama is sixth at 42.4 percent.
- Fourth-down defense: South Alabama has allowed 2 of 5 conversions; Troy has allowed 2 of 4.
Special Teams and Other Categories
- Kickoff returns: South Alabama is second at 24.1 yards per return; Troy is last at 16.2.
- Punt returns: South Alabama is fifth at 5.7 yards; Troy is seventh at 4.8.
- Punting: Troy is second at 39.3 yards per punt; South Alabama is fifth at 36.7.
- Kickoff coverage: Both teams allow 37.5 yards per return; Troy has nine touchbacks.
- Field goals: Troy is 4 of 6; South Alabama is 6 of 10.
- PATs: South Alabama is 13 of 13; Troy is 22 of 23.
- Penalties: South Alabama is fifth at 50.2 yards per game; Troy is last at 62.8.
- Turnover margin: South Alabama is even, fourth in the league; Troy is minus-10, sixth.
