MOBILE, Ala. — South Alabama football coach Joey Jones said Monday he was pleased with how the Jaguars closed out a 30-27 win over Georgia State, and he cautioned against reading too much into Troy’s 1-6 record as the in-state rivals prepare to meet Friday night at Ladd-Peebles Stadium.
Jones was joined at the weekly press conference by offensive lineman Melvin Meggs and linebacker Davin Hawkins.
Finishing Against Georgia State
Jones said the Jaguars controlled the final four possessions of Saturday’s homecoming game.
“When you can finish a ballgame like we did — the defense stops them, we drive down and score, we stop them again and we kill the clock — it makes you feel good,” Jones said. “The guys kept their poise and composure late in the game.”
He said the team’s play on the road over the past several weeks has been a step forward and credited the growth of newer players. “Maturity is probably the biggest thing, we are maturing,” he said.
Troy’s Record Not a Factor
Jones said he pays no attention to opponents’ records.
“This conference is very tough from top to bottom,” he said. “I look at film and watch athletes, how they play and how they are coached because we have to have a good plan to be able to defeat somebody. That’s our plan, I could care less about what record they have.”
He praised Troy offensive coordinator Kenny Edenfield for his play calling and for introducing new trick plays each game. Defensively, Jones said the Trojans are big and physical up front and run to the ball.
“It’s obvious this is a big game, it’s an in-state game,” Jones said. “Louisiana-Lafayette has become a rival as well. But Troy is there because of the tradition and success they’ve had.”
First Home Win
The Georgia State game was South Alabama’s first home win of the season.
“We owe it to our fans, because they come out and support us regardless of the situation,” Meggs said. “To be able to finally get a win at home and give them something to look forward to Friday means a lot.”
Meggs said the offense’s improved consistency began in practice, with seniors encouraging teammates when things went wrong. He described Troy’s defensive line as quick off the ball and its linebackers as hard-flowing.
Hawkins Back on the Field
Hawkins returned against Georgia State after missing games with an injury, including the Jaguars’ trip to North Carolina.
“It felt amazing. I don’t know what I would do without football,” Hawkins said. “I thought I’d be a little timid going back out there but it was just like I never left.”
He said the defense focused on fundamentals such as tackling and taking good angles. “Any win in the Sun Belt is a good win,” Hawkins said.
Hawkins said defensive coordinator Travis Pearson emphasizes consistency. “We felt like we weren’t doing that at times earlier this season, but we just want to be consistent in our performance,” he said.
Game Information
South Alabama hosts Troy at 6:30 p.m. Friday at Ladd-Peebles Stadium. The game will be televised nationally on ESPNU.
