MOBILE, Ala. — With South Alabama North Texas set for Saturday in Denton, Texas, head coach Joey Jones said the Jaguars must be ready for a physical game against a Mean Green team that runs the ball directly at opponents.
“Defensively, we better realize it’s going to be a very physical game and we better step up to the challenge,” Jones said after Wednesday’s practice. “They’re going to run the football right at you and find out if you can stand up to them.”
“Offensively, they’re the same way,” he said. “They’re physical inside and they’re going to try to take the run away and we have to be physical to match up with their physicality. We better be ready for that type of game.”
Second Day in Shells
South Alabama practiced in shells for the second straight day. Jones said Tuesday that the change affects only the equipment the players wear, not the way the team prepares.
Jones was not satisfied with Wednesday morning’s two-hour workout. “I didn’t think we had a great day. I thought we had an average day,” he said. “We were up and down a little bit and not as consistent as I would like to be.”
McCarney Compliments Jaguars
North Texas head coach Dan McCarney spoke Wednesday on the WNSP morning show and complimented South Alabama and Jones, singling out the Jaguars’ defensive line and linebackers.
McCarney said he expects his offensive line to be prepared, noting that it has faced LSU, Kansas State and Houston in addition to its Sun Belt schedule.
Strength Against Strength
The North Texas offensive line leads the Sun Belt in sacks allowed, giving up six through nine games. South Alabama’s defense is second in the conference with 20 sacks in nine games.
Both teams have struggled early in games. South Alabama has been outscored 175-75 in the first half this season, and North Texas has been outscored 143-80 before halftime. Both teams have outscored their opponents in the fourth quarter.
South Alabama enters the game at 2-7 overall and 1-4 in the Sun Belt in its first season as a full Football Bowl Subdivision and conference member. North Texas is 3-6 and 2-3 in league play.
