MONROE, La. — South Alabama begins Sun Belt Conference play Saturday at Louisiana-Monroe after being outscored 77-9 over its last two games. Kickoff is set for 6 p.m. The game will stream on ESPN+, with play-by-play on 99.5 FM The Jag in Mobile and worldwide on the iHeartMedia app.
The Jaguars are 1-3, but all eight of their remaining games are conference contests. South Alabama can still reach bowl eligibility, and it controls its own path toward a spot in the first Sun Belt Conference Championship Game. Oddsmakers list Louisiana-Monroe as a 16-point favorite.
Offense Struggling to Move the Ball
South Alabama enters conference play ranked 117th of 130 FBS teams in total offense at 322.5 yards per game, 119th in passing at 146.5 yards per game and 124th in scoring at 16.75 points per game.
The Jaguars have protected the ball better after committing several turnovers in their first two games, but they have struggled to move it in the last two weeks. Against UAB, the offensive line allowed four sacks and eight tackles for loss.
Quarterback Cephus Johnson ran for 41 yards on six carries against UAB, operating the option late in the first quarter, before leaving the game with a concussion. The coaching staff has reaffirmed its support for Johnson as the starter, and he is listed as probable. Wide receiver Jalen Wayne, who has a foot injury, is also probable.
Running back Tra Minter leads the team in rushing and all-purpose yards, and wide receiver Kawaan Baker has contributed as a receiver and on jet sweeps.
Head coach Steve Campbell said Monday that the problem has been execution rather than strategy.
“We can draw up new plays, but it is still going to be about a little thing here and a little thing there,” Campbell said. “It’s not what we’re doing, but how we are doing it. Obviously, we need to get the ball to Tra Minter and make sure that KB [Kawaan Baker] gets opportunities.”
Defense Seeks Early Stops
South Alabama’s defense struggled to get stops against Memphis and UAB. The Blazers held the ball for 39:58, did not punt until the third quarter, and converted all four of their third downs on the opening drive of the second half, a possession that lasted nearly nine minutes. The Jaguars did get stops in the second half of both games.
Tyree Turner is doubtful with an ankle injury suffered against Nebraska in the season opener.
Scouting the Warhawks
Louisiana-Monroe took Florida State to overtime before losing 45-44 and scored 20 points against Iowa State, though the Cyclones scored 72 points against the Warhawks. ULM’s defense has allowed nearly 6 yards per carry on the ground.
