Joey Jones Sees Progress After Middle Tennessee Loss, Warns of Louisiana-Lafayette QB Terrance Broadway

MOBILE, Ala. — South Alabama head coach Joey Jones said Monday that the Jaguars have shown they can compete in the Sun Belt Conference in their first season in the league, even as he expressed disappointment with the results, during his weekly press conference ahead of Saturday’s game at Louisiana-Lafayette.

Jones was joined by wide receiver Bryant Lavender and linebacker Bryson James to review Saturday’s 20-12 loss to Middle Tennessee and look ahead to the Ragin’ Cajuns.

‘We Are Right There’

Jones said South Alabama has improved more during this season than at any point in the program’s history, pointing to the Middle Tennessee game as evidence. The Jaguars trailed 17-12 in the fourth quarter against a Blue Raiders team that Jones said is likely to play for the Sun Belt championship.

“We had chances to make plays and win the ball game, and we don’t do that,” Jones said. “But we are right there. I think that we have found out that we can play with Sun Belt teams now.”

He said he is pleased with the progress in the program’s first Sun Belt season but not satisfied with the results. “We wish we had won a few more games,” he said.

Running Back Depth Tested

Jones said injuries at running back affected the offense in the second half against Middle Tennessee. South Alabama lost Brandon Ross early in the season, and Demetre Baker and Kendall Houston were both hurt against the Blue Raiders, leaving the Jaguars with their fourth-string back by the second half.

The remaining backs are smaller players who are effective running outside but less suited to inside runs, Jones said. South Alabama gained 220 yards in the first half but scored only six points. Jones said Baker and Houston are day-to-day, with more information expected late in the week.

Broadway Leads Improved Cajuns Offense

Jones said Louisiana-Lafayette’s offense has improved as the season has progressed, largely because quarterback Terrance Broadway is running the ball more. He said the Cajuns were cautious about running their quarterback earlier in the year after losing their other quarterback.

“He is scary when he pulls it down,” Jones said. He called Broadway probably the best running quarterback South Alabama will face, saying he can break tackles and has the speed to produce long runs.

Jones said the Cajuns also throw the ball well and have big offensive linemen who run the zone scheme effectively. He noted that Louisiana-Lafayette lost to North Texas and Arkansas State a few weeks ago before rebounding with wins, including one over Western Kentucky, and is pursuing a bowl berth.

Defense Earns Praise

Jones complimented his defensive staff’s game planning and said players have bought into the scheme. He said the main issue has been allowing big plays, but that the defense has forced several three-and-outs. “I am real pleased with how we are playing defensively overall,” he said.

Lavender: ‘You Have to Make Plays’

Lavender said the season has not gone the way the team hoped, and that Sun Belt play has shown the offense needs big-chunk plays. He said the players never doubted they could compete in the league, but have not consistently made the key play in close games.

Lavender said winning the final two games, against Louisiana-Lafayette and at Hawaii, would send the program into the offseason on a positive note. He recalled that the 2011 season ended with a loss to Cal Poly. “When you get that last taste of victory, you got to have more,” he said.

James Headed Home to Louisiana

James said defensive coordinator Bill Clark emphasizes that a single big play or missed tackle can decide a game, and that preparation and film study are key. He said the defense has competed hard but the team has not yet played a complete game.

The linebacker, a Louisiana native, said his family will attend Saturday’s game. James also said he has been urging teammates not to overlook small things such as classes, repetitions and workouts as they prepare to lead the team next season.

South Alabama plays at Louisiana-Lafayette on Saturday before closing the 2012 season at Hawaii.