MOBILE, Ala. — Dallas Davis threw for 317 yards and a career-high three touchdowns, Xavier Johnson became South Alabama’s career rushing leader and the Jaguars beat Louisiana-Monroe 33-23 in their homecoming game Saturday at Ladd-Peebles Stadium.
The win was South Alabama’s second straight and moved the Jaguars to 3-4 overall and 2-1 in the Sun Belt Conference. Louisiana-Monroe fell to 3-4 and 3-2 in league play.
Johnson Sets Career Rushing Mark
Johnson needed only two carries to claim the school record. His 33-yard run on the opening drive moved him past the previous career rushing mark. He finished with 99 yards on 11 carries.
Sam Harris had career highs of eight catches and 141 receiving yards. Davis’ 317 passing yards were the most by a South Alabama quarterback this season.
Senior safety Jeremy Reaves intercepted a pass for the sixth time in his career, tying Tyrell Pearson’s school record for career interceptions.
Jaguars Regain Lead Before Halftime
South Alabama trailed only once. Marcus Green took a reverse 74 yards to the South Alabama 1-yard line, and Ben Luckett scored on the next play to put Louisiana-Monroe ahead 20-17 with 6:00 left in the second quarter.
The Jaguars drove into position to answer, but a Davis pass thrown into triple coverage was tipped and intercepted. The South Alabama defense forced a three-and-out, and the offense took over with 1:33 left in the half.
Davis then led an 80-yard drive that ended with Harris making a catch in the end zone on third-and-goal from the 5, putting South Alabama back in front.
Defense Adjusts After Halftime
Louisiana-Monroe gained 312 yards in the first half, 239 of them on the ground. After halftime adjustments by defensive coordinator Kane Wommack, the Warhawks were held to 68 rushing yards and 106 passing yards in the second half.
South Alabama finished with 549 yards of total offense, 317 passing and 232 rushing. Louisiana-Monroe held the Jaguars to 97 rushing yards in the first half, but South Alabama gained most of its ground yardage after the break. The Jaguars converted 7 of 12 third-down attempts.
Jones: ‘We Really Grew Up’
“Our kids came out and played well tonight, we really grew up as a football team,” head coach Joey Jones said. “Our offense was able to put up over 500 yards and was 7-of-12 on third downs, so there were a lot of improvements. Our kids played their guts out, I’m excited about the way they played.”
Jones said the Jaguars’ early schedule was difficult and that the team is focused on the Sun Belt race. “We’ve won the last two and our guys want to win a conference championship, and the only way you can do that is win them one game at a time,” he said. “We can’t look ahead. We’re not a dominant type of team where we are going to beat everyone 55-0, but we are going to have to play good, solid football and win the fourth quarter; that’s what we’ve got done the last couple of weeks.”
Jones also praised Harris. “I don’t believe anyone offered him a scholarship out of high school,” he said. “He’s probably the most competitive young man I’ve ever coached. He doesn’t say a lot but when the lights are on, he’s going to play and compete. That’s why he’s a great player.”
Up Next
South Alabama plays at Georgia State in Atlanta on Thursday night. Kickoff is set for 6:30 p.m. on ESPNU, and the game will air locally on 99.5 FM The Jag and 96.1 FM. Both teams will be playing on a short week.
