MOBILE, Ala. — South Alabama returned to the practice field Sunday afternoon, a day after a 33-31 season-opening loss to Texas-San Antonio, holding a light workout in shells that lasted a little more than an hour.
The focus was on correcting the mistakes behind the Jaguars’ four turnovers.
Four Costly Turnovers
South Alabama had a pass intercepted in the end zone in the first quarter while attempting to go ahead 14-0. The Jaguars then lost three fumbles. T.J. Glover fumbled on a long kickoff return, and C.J. Bennett fumbled the exchange from center Trey Clark on a third-and-1 play from under center. Bennett lost a second fumble at the South Alabama 21-yard line when UTSA’s Demetre Baker appeared to knock the ball loose.
“We did a lot of good things but had a few mistakes that we’ve got to fix,” head coach Joey Jones said. “The turnovers were obvious and we had a couple of mental busts. We didn’t have a ton of penalties, but we had a couple at the wrong time. So really a lot of things that we’ve got to work on is we’ve got to work on us. We’ve got to stop that to win.”
Turning the Page to Nicholls State
Jones said he expects the team to put the loss behind it and focus on Saturday’s home game against Nicholls State.
“It’s tough when you lose. They aren’t going to come out here happy,” Jones said. “But they realize that you (have to look ahead). We always preach next play, the next game, the next day, so bottom line, that’s what we’ve got to focus on.”
Pass Rush a Point of Emphasis
The defense recorded five tackles for loss and two quarterback hurries against UTSA but did not register a sack. Generating more pressure on the quarterback is among the areas the staff wants to improve.
No Injuries Reported
Director of sports medicine Jinni Frisbey said South Alabama came out of the opener without injuries. Defensive back Gabe Loper was helped off the field during the game with leg cramps, and offensive lineman Melvin Meggs also dealt with cramps.
The 2012 season is South Alabama’s first in the Sun Belt Conference for football. The Jaguars host Nicholls State on Saturday at Ladd-Peebles Stadium.
