South Alabama Sticks With Jared Hollins at Quarterback for Halloween Showdown With Sun Belt West Leader Louisiana Tech

MOBILE, Ala. — South Alabama will not make a quarterback change heading into one of the biggest games of its season.

Jared Hollins will make his sixth straight start when the Jaguars host Louisiana Tech on Saturday, Oct. 31, head coach Major Applewhite said Monday. Kickoff for the Halloween matchup at Hancock Whitney Stadium is set for 2 p.m. Central.

“Yeah, Jared’s our starter,” Applewhite said.

Sun Belt West title hopes on the line

The game carries major stakes in the Sun Belt West Division. South Alabama (4-3, 2-1 Sun Belt) sits a half-game behind Louisiana Tech (5-2, 3-0), which leads the division after winning four straight games.

The Jaguars are trying to bounce back from a 20-13 loss at Marshall, their first conference defeat of the season, and close the gap on the Bulldogs.

Hollins’ rough night at Marshall

Hollins is 3-2 as South Alabama’s starter this season, but he struggled against Marshall, completing 12 of 33 passes for 148 yards with no touchdowns and one interception.

The offensive output was a sharp drop for a team that had scored more than 50 points in consecutive wins over ULM and Arkansas State before the trip to Huntington, West Virginia.

Bishop Davenport, who started all 12 games for the Jaguars in 2025 and the first two games this season, was sidelined by a minor injury. He has been listed as available for South Alabama’s last two games but has not taken a snap.

Applewhite puts the blame on himself

Applewhite said he needs to do a better job putting Hollins in position to succeed, both during the week and on game day.

“That’s where I was disappointed in myself coming out of the ball game,” Applewhite said. “Just being able to gather him and get him in the right headspace to be able to go out and execute.”

He said the Jaguars have to improve across the board, including in how the coaching staff prepares the team and makes adjustments during games.

“We got to play better, and we got to coach better,” Applewhite said.

One game at a time

Though Louisiana Tech remains unbeaten in league play, Applewhite said he is focused on the opponent, not the standings.

“The picture for the Sun Belt championship will change,” he said. “I’d rather focus on Louisiana Tech instead of a moving target and play one game at a time.”

Applewhite described Louisiana Tech as a quality opponent that has played consistently over its last seven games, with a physical, intense style built on a strong running game and an efficient passing attack.

He said South Alabama will need to limit explosive plays on special teams, show patience and poise against Louisiana Tech’s defense, and execute on offense. On defense, he said, the Jaguars must account for the Bulldogs’ skilled playmakers and avoid giving up big gains.

Orlando: ‘Our guys making plays against their guys’

Defensive coordinator Todd Orlando said Louisiana Tech presents challenges at several positions, especially in the passing game. He pointed to the Bulldogs’ slot receivers, tight end and quarterback, along with an offensive line that has helped create a balanced attack.

Orlando said Louisiana Tech’s receivers are among the best South Alabama has faced this season, comparing them with Kentucky’s group, and he highlighted their ability to make contested catches.

“This game is simply going to be our guys making plays against their guys,” Orlando said.

He said the Jaguars returned to their normal practice schedule after the Marshall loss. He acknowledged disappointment in the locker room but said players have taken responsibility rather than assigning blame.

“Nobody’s pointing fingers, nobody’s blaming people,” Orlando said.

Next up: Louisiana at 4 p.m.

South Alabama also announced the kickoff time for its following home game, a Sun Belt matchup against the Louisiana Ragin’ Cajuns at Hancock Whitney Stadium. According to a university social media post, that game will kick off at 4 p.m.

Louisiana is 5-3 overall and 2-2 in conference play. Entering this week, South Alabama ranked second in the West Division and Louisiana third, making the back-to-back home games pivotal in the division race.

Louisiana leads the all-time series 10-4 and beat the Jaguars 31-22 in Mobile last season.

Game information

• Matchup: Louisiana Tech (5-2, 3-0 Sun Belt) at South Alabama (4-3, 2-1 Sun Belt)
• When: Saturday, Oct. 31, 2 p.m. Central
• Where: Hancock Whitney Stadium, Mobile
• Starting quarterback: Jared Hollins, sixth straight start
• Up next: Louisiana Ragin’ Cajuns at Hancock Whitney Stadium, 4 p.m. kickoff