MOBILE, Ala. — South Alabama football coach Joey Jones said Monday that a bowl invitation would be the biggest moment in the program’s history, as the Jaguars wait to learn whether they will play in the postseason after Friday’s regular-season finale against Navy.
Jones was joined at the weekly press conference by defensive lineman Jesse Kelley and offensive lineman Ucambre Williams. The Jaguars are scheduled to return to practice Wednesday while they await word.
Bowl Picture
The Sun Belt Conference has bowl ties to the New Orleans Bowl, the new Camellia Bowl in Montgomery and the GoDaddy Bowl in Mobile. South Alabama has never played in a bowl game.
“As far as a bowl invitation goes, I’m like a girl waiting on a date pacing around the house waiting on the phone call,” Jones said. “We’re looking forward to representing the Sun Belt Conference in a bowl. We’re going to bring a great crowd wherever we go; our fans have proven that.”
Fans have used social media to urge bowl officials to select the Jaguars, using the hashtag #PickUSA.
“In my opinion, it would be the biggest thing that has ever happened to this football program,” Jones said. “I have never coached in a bowl game, but I have played in them. It’s not just the game, it’s the week leading up to it. We have a chance to showcase the University of South Alabama, no matter what city we are in.”
Pride After Navy Loss
Jones said he has never been prouder of a team than he was after the loss to Navy.
“They gave it their all, truly gave it all,” Jones said. “I wanted to win the game, but I haven’t had that kick-in-the-gut feeling like you have when you lose a ballgame and maybe don’t play quite as well. Unfortunately, we didn’t make another play or two there at the end to finish it.”
He credited the senior class for the team’s approach. “Our kids were on a mission, and they played that way. My hat’s off to the seniors for leading them into the game that way,” he said.
Players Hope for One More Game
Kelley said the team gave maximum effort against Navy and fell just short.
“We’re hoping that we have a shot to play just one more game – just one more,” Kelley said. “As a team, we said from the beginning of last year that we wanted to become bowl eligible and go to a bowl game.”
He said he does not want the Navy game to be the last of his career. “I hated to have to take that helmet and shoulder pads off in the locker room,” Kelley said.
Kelley also noted that two bowl games are played in Alabama and said South Alabama would draw well in either Mobile or Montgomery.
Williams said the team showed resilience late in the game, citing a key catch by wide receiver Shavarez Smith and a touchdown by Jereme Jones. He took responsibility for two penalties in the closing stretch.
“It puts a horrible sour taste in my mouth, especially the way that we kind of lost it on some mental mistakes,” Williams said. “I feel like as a leader on the offense, those two penalties should not happen. I take blame for it as one of the leaders.”
Williams said a bowl trip would be especially meaningful for the seniors. “To be the first in school history would mean a lot especially to these seniors,” he said. “It’s kind of a nervous time for everybody.”
Update: Press Conference Called
South Alabama’s athletics department announced Tuesday that it will hold a press conference Wednesday at 1 p.m. “pertaining to the football program.” The press conference will take place in the John Counts Room at the Mitchell Center and is open to the public.
Several South Alabama players posted on Twitter on Tuesday that the Jaguars will play in a bowl game, which would be the first in program history. The school did not confirm a bowl destination ahead of the press conference.
