South Alabama scored on offense, defense and special teams in a 45-0 shutout of Alabama A&M on Saturday, earning the Jaguars’ first win of the season.
The victory followed season-opening losses to Ole Miss and Oklahoma State and improved South Alabama to 1-2. Quarterback Dallas Davis completed 9 of 12 passes for 255 yards and two touchdowns, and Gus Nave returned a blocked field goal 83 yards for a score.
Fast Start in the First Quarter
South Alabama’s opening drive stalled at the Alabama A&M 2-yard line, and Gavin Patterson kicked a 19-yard field goal for a 3-0 lead.
The Bulldogs moved to the Jaguars’ 5 on their first possession, helped by South Alabama penalties, but Nave blocked their 22-yard field goal attempt, picked up the ball and returned it 83 yards for a touchdown.
After a defensive three-and-out, the Jaguars needed only two plays to score again. Davis hit Jamarius Way for 53 yards to the 2, and Xavier Johnson ran in from there for a 17-0 lead.
A holding penalty then pinned Alabama A&M at its own 9. Nigel Lawrence forced a fumble, and Rocel McWilliams recovered it in the end zone for a touchdown and a 24-0 lead with 3:21 left in the first quarter.
Davis Connects Deep
The teams traded possessions for most of the second quarter. With 3:46 left before halftime, Davis scrambled to his right, found Sa’Mory Collier open and hit him for a 66-yard touchdown and a 31-0 halftime lead.
Johnson added a 6-yard touchdown run with 4:54 left in the third quarter.
On Alabama A&M’s next possession, Nave intercepted an Aqeel Glass pass thrown deep down the left sideline on second-and-5 but was injured on the play. The turnover set up the final score, a 28-yard touchdown pass from Davis to Jahmmir Taylor that made it 45-0.
By the Numbers
South Alabama gained 413 total yards, 255 passing and 158 rushing. Alabama A&M was held to 172 yards, 100 through the air and 72 on the ground.
Davis did not commit a turnover. Evan Orth threw one incomplete pass. Denzel Foster led all rushers with 44 yards on four carries, Tra Minter added 33 yards on seven carries, and Johnson ran for 32 yards on nine carries.
Way caught two passes for 85 yards. Collier had one catch for 66 yards and a touchdown, Sam Harris caught two passes for 38 yards and Taylor’s lone reception went for a 28-yard score. Reinkemeyer had two catches for 22 yards, and Kawaan Baker caught one pass for 16 yards.
Jeremy Reaves made five tackles, including one for loss. Chason Milner had five tackles and a sack, and Tobias Moss also recorded five tackles.
Injuries in the Secondary
Nave’s injury adds to the Jaguars’ depth concerns in the secondary. Jalen Thompson was ruled academically ineligible before the season, Neiko Robinson is out for the season with a foot injury, and Bobby Flott missed Saturday’s game because of a knee problem.
Center Dominic Esposito went down early in the game but later walked on the sideline and rode a stationary bike. Harris and Way also left the game with injuries.
Up Next
South Alabama opens Sun Belt Conference play against Idaho on Saturday, Sept. 23, at Ladd-Peebles Stadium. Kickoff is set for 1 p.m.
