MOBILE, Ala. — South Alabama head coach Joey Jones called Saturday’s win at Idaho “a total team effort” during his weekly press conference Monday, as the Jaguars began preparing for a Sun Belt Conference road game against league newcomer Appalachian State.
Jones was joined by senior cornerback Qudarius Ford and senior wide receiver Shavarez Smith.
Balanced Win Over the Vandals
“I’m real proud of our young men and how we played Saturday,” Jones said. He said the offense was more consistent and the defense played with tenacity, pressuring the quarterback and covering receivers downfield. Jones noted that Idaho reached the South Alabama 20-yard line two or three times and came away with a total of three points.
South Alabama’s defense recorded seven sacks and returned an interception for a touchdown against Idaho quarterback Matt Linehan. The offense gained 429 total yards, about 100 more than its average entering the game, and quarterback Brandon Bridge completed 15 of 25 passes.
McLaurin Secures Kicking Job
Jones praised special teams, including punter Brandon McKee and the coverage units, and said the Jaguars nearly broke another kickoff return.
He said placekicker Grant McLaurin won the kicking job last week and responded with a 44-yard field goal just before halftime. “He had a cool nature out there and didn’t go out there with any panic,” Jones said, noting that every player’s job is on the line each week.
Defense Building Depth
Jones said the defensive line can both rush the passer and defend the run, the linebackers are playing well and the secondary is covering. He said depth is developing behind the starters.
Both of South Alabama’s wins this season have come on the road, which Jones said reflects a preseason goal. “The goal we had at the beginning of the year was to play well on the road, and we’re starting to get that done,” he said.
Scouting Appalachian State
Jones described Appalachian State’s defense as athletic, with players who swarm to the ball. He said the Mountaineers run an offensive system similar to South Alabama’s, with an experienced offensive line, good receivers and young quarterback Taylor Lamb, who he said places the ball well.
Ford Credits Pass Rush
Ford said the Idaho win provided a needed boost in confidence heading into conference play. He said the pressure from the defensive front made the secondary’s job easier, and credited defensive coordinator Travis Pearson with simplifying the game so players can play faster. Ford said the defense must eliminate mental errors and big plays against Appalachian State.
Smith: Conference Title Within Reach
Smith said winning the Sun Belt remains the team’s goal and called the Idaho win a stepping stone. “We don’t want to lose any more games, period,” he said.
South Alabama receivers had struggled with dropped passes in losses to Mississippi State and Georgia Southern but were more reliable against Idaho. Smith said the offense is building chemistry and having multiple targets for Bridge makes it more dangerous. He said the Jaguars must protect the ball and run physically against Appalachian State’s pursuit.
South Alabama and Appalachian State kick off at 5 p.m. Saturday in Boone, N.C. The game will be streamed on ESPN3 and broadcast on the radio on 99.9 FM and online via iHeartRadio.
