MOBILE, Ala. — South Alabama football is one week away from its 2013 season opener against Southern Utah. The Jaguars host the Thunderbirds at 6:30 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 29, at Ladd-Peebles Stadium.
The Thursday night game opens the season for South Alabama, which plays its home games at Ladd-Peebles Stadium and competes in the Sun Belt Conference. Head coach Joey Jones has led the program since it began play in 2009.
Fan Day at the Mitchell Center
Before the opener, fans will have a chance to meet the team. South Alabama will hold an autograph session Sunday, Aug. 25, from 4 to 6 p.m. at the Mitchell Center, where coaches and players will sign memorabilia.
Opening Week Schedule
- Sunday, Aug. 25: Meet the team and autograph session, Mitchell Center, 4-6 p.m.
- Thursday, Aug. 29: Southern Utah at South Alabama, Ladd-Peebles Stadium, 6:30 p.m.
Update: Fan Day Details
Admission to Sunday’s Fan Day at the Mitchell Center is free, and parking on campus will also be free. Jaguar players and coaches will sign autographs on the arena floor, joined by the South Alabama cheerleaders and mascot SouthPaw.
South Alabama ticket staff will be on hand to help fans select seats for the 2013 football season and provide information on all ticket options. The USA Bookstore will sell official JagWear merchandise and tailgating supplies, and the South Alabama volleyball coaches and players will also attend, handing out schedules and posters for their upcoming season.
Update: Scouting Southern Utah
Southern Utah enters the opener under head coach Ed Lamb, whose teams have finished 6-5, 6-5 and 5-6 over the past three seasons. The Thunderbirds moved from the Great West Conference to the Big Sky Conference last season.
Southern Utah must replace a record-setting quarterback who passed for nearly 9,500 yards and 61 touchdowns over three seasons. The new starter is Aaron Cantu, a transfer from East Los Angeles College. The Thunderbirds return seven starters on offense, six on defense and two on special teams, including all of their starters in the secondary and three linebackers. Among them is Zak Browning, who led the team with 115 tackles last season.
Last season, Southern Utah averaged 28.5 points and 371.2 yards per game, with 85.8 rushing yards and 285.4 passing yards per game. The Thunderbirds were outscored 70-37 in first quarters and outscored opponents 276-263 the rest of the way. Defensively, Southern Utah allowed 30.3 points and 424 yards per game, including 162.5 rushing and 261.5 passing. The defense tied for third in the FCS with 16 fumble recoveries and returned two for touchdowns.
South Alabama is a 19.5-point favorite for the 6:30 p.m. Thursday kickoff at Ladd-Peebles Stadium.
