MOBILE, Ala. — South Alabama will play its final road game of the 2019 season Saturday at Georgia State, looking for its first win of the year over a Football Bowl Subdivision opponent and an end to a road losing streak that dates to the 2017 season.
The Jaguars (1-9, 0-6 Sun Belt) face the Panthers (6-4, 3-3 Sun Belt) at 1 p.m. at Georgia State Stadium in Atlanta. South Alabama has lost 14 consecutive road games. Georgia State is a 10-point favorite.
Jaguars’ Offense Finding a Rhythm
South Alabama’s offense has been more productive over the past two games with redshirt freshman Desmond Trotter at quarterback.
Against Texas State, the Jaguars missed a potential go-ahead field goal in the final two minutes. Last week against Louisiana-Lafayette, which entered the game with the Sun Belt’s top scoring defense, South Alabama rushed for 351 yards and scored 27 points.
Tra Minter has carried a heavy load in the backfield all season, and Carlos Davis has emerged as a complement to Minter in the running game.
Georgia State’s defense is allowing more than 200 rushing yards per game. Kenny Edenfield is South Alabama’s offensive coordinator.
Trotter’s Passing Still Developing
Trotter has made two career starts and has not yet thrown for 200 yards in a game. Against Louisiana-Lafayette, he attempted 15 passes and had 2 passing yards at halftime.
Defense Has Struggled Recently
South Alabama’s defense allowed 373 passing yards to Texas State two weeks ago and 255 rushing yards to Louisiana-Lafayette last weekend. The Jaguars have had difficulty getting off the field on third down this season, including allowing several recent conversions on third-and-long.
Ellington Leads Georgia State
Georgia State quarterback Dan Ellington has completed 64 percent of his passes for 1,901 yards, 19 touchdowns and six interceptions this season.
Ellington was once committed to the staff of South Alabama head coach Steve Campbell when Campbell coached at Central Arkansas. He chose Georgia State instead of following Campbell to Mobile.
Ellington has been playing through a torn ACL. He started last week against Appalachian State and is listed as probable for Saturday. Georgia State led that game 21-7 early before falling 56-27. Ellington threw two interceptions and was replaced in the second half by redshirt freshman Cornelious Brown.
Ellington’s running ability has been a key part of his game, and his mobility has been limited by the injury.
Injury Report
- Out: defensive lineman Tyree Turner, tight end Khameron Taylor
- Questionable: offensive lineman Joshua McCulloch
- Probable: defensive lineman Jordon Beaton
How to Follow
The game will be streamed on ESPN+. Radio coverage begins at 11 a.m. on 99.5 FM The Jag and 96.1 FM in Mobile, and worldwide on the iHeartRadio app.
South Alabama closes its season the following week at home.
