MOBILE, Ala. — South Alabama football coach Joey Jones reviewed the Jaguars’ win over Tulane and announced that senior defensive lineman Randon Carnathan will miss the rest of the season during Tuesday’s Joey Jones Show.
Jones was joined by host Lee Shirvanian and defensive line coach Brian Turner at Baumhower’s Restaurant on Airport Boulevard in Mobile.
Jones Proud of Tulane Victory
Jones said he was very proud of the team after the win at the Superdome in New Orleans, noting that the Jaguars started fast, finished the game and had most of the key plays go their way.
Quarterback Ross Metheny earned Offensive Player of the Week honors, becoming the first South Alabama player to receive the award. Jones said Metheny was ready to play, prepared well and knew where to go with the football.
Key Plays
Jones said the Jaguars’ blocked punt was a designed play. The staff saw on film a gap between Tulane’s wing and tackle in punt protection. Tulane’s personal protector moved up to the line to adjust the protection, but the ball was snapped before the change could be made, leaving a clear path to the punter.
Jones cited two plays that kept momentum with South Alabama. The first was a 43-yard completion from Metheny to Shavarez Smith that moved the Jaguars out of deep in their own territory after three turnovers early in the second half. The second was a field goal by Aleem Sunanon at the end of the first half.
Late in the game, Jones called a timeout before Tulane’s onside kick attempt to make sure the hands team was lined up correctly, describing the moment as “do or die.”
Stretching the Field
Jones said the biggest change from the opener against Southern Utah was a willingness to throw deep. Stretching the field produced big plays and loosened the Tulane defense.
Shirvanian noted that Tulane had characterized South Alabama’s quarterbacks as one passer, Metheny, and one runner, Brandon Bridge. Jones noted that Metheny showed he can run and said Bridge also has a strong arm.
Tight end Wes Saxton had more catches against Tulane than in the opener. Jones said the progressions took the ball away from Saxton against Southern Utah, but the staff wants to get him the ball every game because he is a big target who can make plays.
A caller asked about increased pressure on Tulane’s quarterback late in the third and fourth quarters. Jones said it was planned, with the Jaguars blitzing more, bringing five-man pressures and playing man-to-man coverage.
Jones also praised big special teams hits by Bryson James, who delivered a hit while being double-teamed on a kickoff, and Terrance Timmons.
Injury Report
Jones said Carnathan will miss the remainder of the season with an Achilles injury suffered in the second game of his senior season. Carnathan tore his ACL late last season and spent the offseason rehabilitating to earn his spot back.
Defensive lineman Jerome McClain, who left the Tulane game with a concussion, was cleared to return to practice Wednesday. The defensive line previously lost Will Thompson in the preseason to ankle surgery.
Turner said losing a senior with Carnathan’s experience and leadership is difficult, but the Jaguars are deeper on the line than in the past and rotate many players, so the unit should be able to absorb the loss.
Senior Romelle Jones was named the coaches’ defensive lineman of the week after recording seven tackles, two tackles for loss, a sack and four quarterback pressures against Tulane.
Freshman Buchanan to Start at Safety
The updated depth chart lists true freshman Roman Buchanan as the starter at safety. Jones called Buchanan a very good, mature player who is ready to play but said he will have to keep working to hold the position.
Western Kentucky Up Next
South Alabama hosts Western Kentucky this weekend at Ladd-Peebles Stadium.
Turner said the Hilltoppers’ offense scored a lot of points against Kentucky and, without turnovers, could have done the same against Tennessee. He pointed to the size of their offensive line and their talent at running back and receiver.
Jones said Western Kentucky’s defense includes a linebacker capable of playing in the Southeastern Conference and that the team looks and plays well. He said the Hilltoppers’ quarterback is very efficient, noting that some of his turnovers against Tennessee came on tipped passes. Jones said he expects Western Kentucky could win the Sun Belt Conference and that his team must keep improving and stay focused.
Recruiting and Crowd Support
Turner said defensive line will be one of the biggest recruiting needs for next season, with six linemen graduating and one currently redshirting.
Jones closed the show by thanking fans who attended the Tulane game at the Superdome and said a strong crowd will be important for the Western Kentucky game.
Update: Sunday Practice and Additional Injury
South Alabama returned to the practice field Sunday night in shorts and helmets to begin preparing for Western Kentucky. The Tulane win ended a seven-game losing streak for the Jaguars, and Jones told his players they must approach every game the way they did that week, with intense practices and methodical preparation. He also said the team needs to close out games sooner after South Alabama, which led by as many as 21 points, committed two interceptions and a fumble early in the second half.
In addition to Will Thompson, Melvin Meggs will miss the season after tearing his ACL during summer workouts. Kickoff against Western Kentucky at Ladd-Peebles Stadium is set for 6:30 p.m. Saturday.
