MOBILE, Ala. — South Alabama football coach Joey Jones said Tuesday that Mississippi Valley State’s athletic, blitz-heavy defense presents a lot to prepare for on a short week, as the Jaguars turn to Thursday’s game without receiver and returner Jereme Jones.
Jones and strength and conditioning coach Justin Schwind discussed last Saturday’s game against Henderson State and the quick turnaround on the Joey Jones Show with host Lee Shirvanian at Baumhower’s on Airport Boulevard.
Henderson State Review
South Alabama built a strong first half against Henderson State, and Jones said the staff rested starters in the second half to give other players time on the field ahead of the short week.
Demetre Baker ran for his first 100-yard game of the season, including a 7-yard touchdown run, despite limited practice during the week because of a sore knee. Freshman J.J. Keels made his first start, which Jones said was mainly because of injuries. Kendall Houston has been nursing a knee injury but looked close to 100 percent Tuesday for the first time in two weeks, Jones said. At one point the staff was unsure whether either Baker or Houston would play.
Jones singled out freshman linebacker Desmond LaVelle, named linebacker of the week by the staff, for his attitude and nose for the ball. He also praised redshirt freshman offensive lineman Melvin Meggs for perhaps his best game of the season, including his blocking on Baker’s touchdown, and defensive back Gabe Loper for his man-to-man coverage and improving zone technique.
Jereme Jones hurt his shoulder on a 65-yard run against Henderson State and will miss the Mississippi Valley State game. He was the only injury Jones reported.
Fake Extra Point and Red Zone Concerns
Leading 16-0, South Alabama ran a preplanned fake on the point-after attempt that failed. Jones said a missed blocking assignment led to the ball carrier being stopped, and that correct blocking would have produced an easy score. He said the call was meant to surprise Henderson State and show future opponents the Jaguars are willing to fake at any time, which helps slow the rush. Jones said the team probably should have tried it earlier in the season and that special teams coach Tommy Perry regularly urges him to fake kicks to keep opponents honest.
Jones said he is very concerned about the offense’s inability to run the ball consistently inside the 5-yard line, an area where it was strong early in the season. He said the staff should have recognized the problem sooner and is making changes.
Center Trey Clark had trouble with shotgun snaps, which Jones attributed to dry hands in cold, windy conditions. Clark’s snaps improved after he put on a glove. Jones said wind can also affect Clark’s snapping style because the ball does not travel in a spiral.
Jones said the Jaguars chose to take the wind in the first and fourth quarters after studying forecasts, because the wind is strongest around 4 p.m. and dies down by 7 p.m.
Blue Uniforms
South Alabama wore all-blue uniforms for the first time against Henderson State. Jones said he liked them, as did the players and President Gordon Moulton, and the Jaguars will wear them again, though he wants fan feedback.
High school students will receive free end zone tickets to Thursday’s game, with $5 companion tickets for parents.
Scouting Mississippi Valley State
Jones described Mississippi Valley State as very athletic, with a dynamic defense that uses numerous blitzes, coverages and fronts. He said the Delta Devils’ quarterback can throw and run and often rolls to the edge, so the Jaguars must contain him while watching for deep passes.
Jones said South Alabama does not add plays simply because opponents use them, noting that personnel determines what works. Without T.J. Glover, he said, the Jaguars lack the speed to run a speed sweep effectively.
Looking Ahead
Jones said running back Brandon Ross is about 90 to 95 percent recovered and could possibly play in the final game, but the staff will wait for him to return next season rather than risk it.
Asked whether South Alabama could compete near the top of the Sun Belt Conference, Jones said the program is not yet at full scholarship strength but will be after this recruiting class. He said the Jaguars want to be competitive in a league with Troy and FIU, with Western Kentucky and Arkansas State improving, but that the biggest challenge will be facing good FBS teams every week. He said South Alabama will likely add four or five junior college players, mainly in the secondary and on the offensive line, along with a pass-rushing defensive end.
Building Strength
Jones said Schwind, who has worked with him for about five years, is excellent at his job and a strong motivator. Schwind said he motivates players by showing them how weight room work translates to the field, and named tight end Paul Bennett the hardest worker. He said opposing coaches have told South Alabama it is the most physical team they have played. Jones said Kent State’s defense was the most physical South Alabama has faced.
Schwind said offseason training focuses on getting bigger and stronger, while in-season work emphasizes recovery and maintenance. He said overtraining is possible if players repeat the same work daily, and that balanced programs reduce injury risk. Schwind said he and Jones have discussed emphasizing discipline and striving for perfection in offseason workouts as the Jaguars move to an FBS schedule next season.
Schwind said speed can be developed through technique by improving stride frequency and stride length, fundamentals he said many players have not been taught before college.
Gameday Update
Kickoff for Thursday’s game against Mississippi Valley State at Ladd-Peebles Stadium is set for 6:30 p.m. South Alabama will wear all-white uniforms for a “White-Out” game.
The Delta Devils enter 1-8 after a 12-9 win over Texas Southern last weekend, their first victory of the season. Mississippi Valley State’s previous eight games were losses to Alabama State (41-9), Murray State (39-0), Alcorn State (39-14), Prairie View A&M (43-34), Southern (28-21), Alabama A&M (37-14), Jackson State (17-16) and Grambling State (30-24 in overtime).
In addition to Jereme Jones, South Alabama will be without safety B.J. Scott, who has a knee injury. Running backs Kendall Houston and Demetre Baker have both been playing through knee injuries. South Alabama’s next game after Thursday is against Cal Poly on Nov. 19.
Earlier this week, Auburn High School offensive lineman Clay Machen gave South Alabama his verbal commitment. Machen, a three-star prospect according to Scout.com, is listed at 6-foot-4 and 295 pounds. His high school coach, Tim Carter, said Machen can play any position on the offensive line but projects best at center long term, and noted that Machen also plays basketball.
