MOBILE, Ala. — South Alabama begins a run of three consecutive road games this weekend at Memphis, where the Jaguars will face one of the most productive running backs in the country in Tigers junior Darrell Henderson.
The game is the first of a home-and-home series between the schools, with Memphis scheduled to visit Mobile next season. It is also South Alabama’s first meeting with a member of the American Athletic Conference. The Jaguars’ previous games against Tulane and Navy came when Tulane was in Conference USA and Navy was an independent.
Memphis is favored by 30.5 points.
Memphis Offense
The Tigers returned four of five starting offensive linemen. Henderson has run for 526 yards and six touchdowns on 36 carries, an average of 14.5 yards per rush and 173.7 yards per game.
Quarterback Brady White has thrown 10 touchdown passes without an interception.
South Alabama’s defense is allowing an average of 184 rushing yards and nearly 300 passing yards per game.
Defensively, Memphis returns an experienced group of linebackers. Last week the Tigers held Georgia State receiver Penny Hart in check.
Jaguars Defense Coming Off Big Day
South Alabama’s defense led the way in last Saturday’s win over Texas State. Safety Jalen Thompson intercepted two passes, returning one for a touchdown, and broke up three others. He has three interceptions this season.
The Jaguars totaled 10 tackles for loss and six pass breakups against the Bobcats. Chason Milner had three tackles for loss, including two sacks. Safety Nigel Lawrence leads the team in tackles.
South Alabama leads the Sun Belt Conference in turnovers gained and sacks.
Orth Leads Offense
The Jaguars have gained most of their yardage on the ground, using read-option and some triple-option looks. Quarterback Evan Orth has started as senior Cole Garvin remains suspended indefinitely, and redshirt freshman Cephus Johnson has seen limited playing time.
Orth has passed for 429 yards with three touchdowns and one interception, and he is also the team’s leading rusher with 104 yards.
Way Sets Receiving Record
Jamarius Way set a South Alabama single-game record with 11 receptions against Texas State and finished with 173 receiving yards. Kawaan Baker, who had been the Jaguars’ top target in the passing game, was held in check by the Bobcats.
Tra Minter added 171 all-purpose yards in the win.
Inside the Numbers
- Henderson: 526 rushing yards, 6 TDs, 14.5 yards per carry
- Brady White: 10 TD passes, 0 interceptions
- Jamarius Way vs. Texas State: 11 catches, 173 yards
- Jalen Thompson vs. Texas State: 2 interceptions, 1 TD, 3 pass breakups
- South Alabama defense vs. Texas State: 10 tackles for loss, 6 pass breakups
