MOBILE, Ala. — South Alabama football coach Joey Jones said Monday the Jaguars have simplified their game plan for a short week as they prepare to host Mississippi Valley State on Thursday night at Ladd-Peebles Stadium.
Jones reviewed Saturday’s win over Henderson State with defensive end Anthony Taylor and freshman running back J.J. Keels at the weekly press conference.
Responding After Georgia State
South Alabama beat Henderson State one week after losing at Georgia State. Jones said the team answered the challenge.
“We were challenged by that loss, and we needed to respond not only as a team but as men. I thought we did that,” Jones said. “The challenge this week is that we have to do it again.”
The Jaguars forced seven turnovers, a school record, and led 28-0 at halftime.
“I think we just got after them early and they just never got going,” Jones said. “I thought we played extremely well defensively in the first half.”
Short Week, Simple Plan
Jones said the Thursday game forced the staff to have the game plan ready by Monday morning and to trim it so players can execute.
“You don’t want to put too much in and then the kids don’t get it and don’t perform well on Thursday night,” he said. “Sometimes change is just good. As coaches, we are about routine, but sometimes a change is good not only for the staff but for the players.”
He noted that the visitors face the same short week plus travel, and that the Thursday date gives his players extra time off before the season finale.
Jones described Mississippi Valley State, which earned its first win of the season last week, as athletic on both sides of the ball. He said a tall quarterback who can run and throw is the key to its offense, and that the Delta Devils’ many defensive fronts and blitzes were another reason to keep South Alabama’s plan simple.
Taylor’s First Interception
Taylor recorded the first interception of his career against Henderson State, dropping into coverage on a zone blitz.
“The interception really turned it around, because they were moving the ball on us,” Taylor said. “It was a big moment for me and my team. I got a newfound respect for what running backs do on that play. There is a lot going on and a lot of colors running together. The first thing I did was get out of bounds.”
He said coaches emphasized running to the ball after the Georgia State loss. “We got seven takeaways, that was a record-setting performance,” he said. “I think getting back to the little things really helped us, just being an all-around swarming defense.”
Keels Makes First Start
Keels made his first career start against Henderson State and said he did not learn he would start until the walkthrough the day before the game.
“It kind of took me by surprise, but it was the position I wanted to be in,” Keels said. “I was happy and excited and tried to do my best to show everyone why I was recruited.”
Keels said the last time the Jaguars played on a Thursday was against West Alabama, and that the practice week is shorter with a stricter schedule.
“Everyone can come for entertainment, but it’s just another day at work,” he said.
Game Information
South Alabama and Mississippi Valley State kick off at 6:30 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 3, at Ladd-Peebles Stadium. The Jaguars will wear all-white uniforms and have asked fans to wear white.
