MOBILE, Ala. — South Alabama head coach Joey Jones said the Jaguars closed out their on-field preparation for Middle Tennessee with a strong practice Thursday, and the team received good news on the injury front with linebacker Clifton Crews medically cleared to play.
The Jaguars were scheduled to hold a brief walk-through on Friday before facing the Blue Raiders in Sun Belt Conference play.
Jones Pleased With Middle Tennessee Preparation
Jones said Thursday’s workout was the final full practice of the week and that his players had approached it with an understanding of the opponent.
“It was really good,” Jones said. “I think they understand how good Middle Tennessee is and because of that our preparation has been better. Now we’ve got to carry that to the game. We practiced well, now we’ve got to go out there and play well.”
Earlier in the week, Jones said the offense’s preparation for Middle Tennessee had been very good and that the Jaguars were adding a new wrinkle or two to the offensive game plan.
Game Plan for a Multiple Defense
Jones said the Blue Raiders’ defense presents a variety of looks, which will require South Alabama to make adjustments at the line of scrimmage.
“I feel good about the plan,” Jones said. “They run around and do a lot of different things defensively and we’ll have to make some checks and some good calls during the game. I think we’ve got that planned out. The coaching staff has done a great job of preparing the players for those checks during the game because they do so many multiple things.”
Clifton Crews Cleared
The South Alabama defense, which has dealt with several injuries this season, is expected to have Crews available. The linebacker suffered a concussion in the second quarter of the Jaguars’ game against North Texas when he took a knee to the helmet.
Crews practiced with the team Thursday after receiving medical clearance. His progress will continue to be monitored closely, and a final decision on his status will be made on game day.
South Alabama competes in the Sun Belt Conference under Jones, who has led the Jaguar football program since its founding.
