MOBILE, Ala. — South Alabama will be without defensive lineman Randon Carnathan for Saturday’s home game against Florida International after he injured his knee in last week’s game at Louisiana-Monroe, head coach Joey Jones said after Tuesday’s practice.
Carnathan Awaiting MRI
Carnathan, a 6-foot-1, 295-pound junior, has at least a sprained knee, and the full extent of the injury will not be known until MRI results return. He will miss at least Saturday’s game.
Carnathan has been one of the leaders of the Jaguars’ defensive front, recording 17 tackles, including 1.5 for loss, and five quarterback hurries.
Focused Practice
The Jaguars practiced for about two hours Tuesday, and Jones said the work was an improvement over the previous week.
“We had a good day today,” Jones said. “They were focused this morning and they realize how good FIU is. They understand that they’ve got some great players. They were picked to win the conference at the beginning of the season. They came to work today. Compared to last Tuesday it was a lot better.”
After practice, Jones asked for volunteers from the offense, defense and special teams to show off their dance moves in front of the team, a request intended to lighten the mood.
Scouting FIU
FIU enters the game 1-8 overall and 0-5 in the Sun Belt Conference. The Panthers went 8-5 last season and played in the 2011 Beef ‘O’ Brady’s Bowl, and they entered this season as the preseason favorite to win the conference. FIU’s starting quarterback missed time with an injury earlier this season.
Jones said FIU’s record does not reflect the team’s talent.
Jaguars’ October Improvement
Jones attributed South Alabama’s improved play in October to two factors: the growing maturity of the offense after several games in its new spread system, and the decision to settle on Ross Metheny as the starting quarterback. Jones credited Metheny’s leadership and game management.
Game Day Information
South Alabama and FIU kick off at 2:30 p.m. Saturday at Ladd-Peebles Stadium. Stadium parking lots open at 8 a.m. for tailgating, the Jaguar Prowl is scheduled for shortly after noon through the south parking lot, and stadium gates open at 12:30 p.m.
