MOBILE, Ala. — South Alabama continued preparations Tuesday for Saturday’s game against Tulane at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome in New Orleans, with head coach Joey Jones identifying the Green Wave defense as the most improved unit from last season.
South Alabama and Tulane kick off at 2:30 p.m. Saturday. The Jaguars are coming off a season-opening loss to Southern Utah, while Tulane opened with a 34-7 win over Jackson State.
Scouting the Green Wave
Tulane was outgained 356-308 by Jackson State but forced six turnovers, including two fumbles inside its own 5-yard line as Jackson State drove for scores.
“They have a bunch of guys flying around,” Jones said. “They are not very big at linebacker or in the secondary, but they are huge up front and have some really big guys inside. They are playing a lot better on defense.”
Tulane’s passing game averaged more than 20 yards per completion in the opener. Quarterback Nick Montana, son of former NFL quarterback Joe Montana, completed 6 of 14 passes for 144 yards and two touchdowns. Ryan Grant led the receivers with three catches for 82 yards. Orleans Darkwa ran for 50 yards and Ron Kelley added 41.
Kicker Cairo Santos made all of his attempts, two field goals and four extra points, and the Green Wave punter averaged 42 yards per kick.
“They do a good job with their run and pass ratio,” Jones said. “They are not a team where you just stop the run or stop the pass, they are pretty good at both.”
Ball Security a Priority
South Alabama committed 33 turnovers in 13 games last season. Against Southern Utah, the Jaguars turned the ball over once, on a fourth-quarter interception thrown by Brandon Bridge.
Opening-Game Numbers
South Alabama’s running backs combined for 187 rushing yards against Southern Utah. Jay Jones led the group with 92 yards on nine carries. Bridge added 56 rushing yards, including a 40-yard touchdown scramble in the second quarter. The Jaguars averaged 5.4 yards per play.
Defensively, South Alabama allowed 317 yards, including 134 rushing yards at 3.3 yards per carry.
- Enrique Williams made 12 tackles and forced a fumble on a sack. The performance moved him past Jake Johnson as South Alabama’s career tackles leader.
- Charles Watson had eight tackles.
- Maleki Harris had seven tackles, including 2.5 for loss.
Jones: Points Are What Matter
Jones said the improvements from the opener count for little without points.
“The bottom line is we want to win a ballgame, that’s the overall goal,” he said. “The biggest thing on offense right now is converting points. We dropped a touchdown pass, we dropped another 60-yard pass that could have put the game away. We have to make plays in those situations, if we make one of those the game is over.”
Jones said hard practice is what it will take for the team to learn to win, and that the Jaguars have put the Southern Utah loss behind them. Tuesday’s practice was focused on the Tulane game plan.
Saxton Held Out as Precaution
Wes Saxton did not dress or take part in drills Tuesday. Jones told AL.com the move was precautionary and that Saxton will be ready for Saturday.
Travel Packages
Bus trips to the game are available through the USA National Alumni Association, at $35 for the bus ride or $70 for the bus ride and a game ticket, and through Little Flower Catholic Church, at $65 including a ticket, subject to availability.
