MOBILE, Ala. — South Alabama returns to the practice field this week after the South Alabama open week, which gave players several days of rest while the coaching staff went on the road recruiting.
The Jaguars have eight games remaining, beginning Saturday at Arkansas State in Jonesboro, Ark. The open week followed the first five games of the season, which included road games at N.C. State and Mississippi State.
Next Opponent
Arkansas State, the defending Sun Belt Conference champion, beat FIU 34-20 on Thursday night to even its record at 3-3 overall and 1-1 in league play.
Offensive Statistics
South Alabama’s practice focus this week includes moving the ball more consistently on offense, limiting big plays on defense, and reducing penalties and turnovers. The Jaguars are working to end a losing streak.
Among the 10 Sun Belt teams, South Alabama ranks last in rushing offense, passing efficiency and third-down conversions. The Jaguars are ninth in passing offense, total offense, scoring offense, kickoff coverage, penalties and turnover margin, and eighth in time of possession and first downs.
Defensive Statistics
The defense ranks second in the conference in total defense, fourth in rushing defense and fifth in both scoring defense and passing defense.
Senior linebacker Jake Johnson leads the Sun Belt in tackles per game. Fellow linebacker Enrique Williams is 11th in the league in the same category.
Quarterback Change
Head coach Joey Jones announced during the open week that the team is ending its two-quarterback rotation and named Ross Metheny the starter for the Arkansas State game. Jones said every position, including quarterback, will be evaluated on a week-to-week basis.
Remaining Schedule
After Arkansas State, South Alabama hosts Florida Atlantic, then travels to Louisiana-Monroe. The Warhawks beat Arkansas in overtime earlier this season and lost to Auburn in overtime.
The Jaguars then host FIU before a road game at North Texas. Their final home game is against Middle Tennessee, which recently beat Georgia Tech by three touchdowns. South Alabama closes the regular season with road games at Louisiana-Lafayette and Hawaii.
