MOBILE, Ala. — The South Alabama San Diego State rematch went the Jaguars’ way again Saturday, as sophomore quarterback Cole Garvin threw three touchdown passes and South Alabama pulled away in the fourth quarter for a 42-24 win over the No. 19-ranked Aztecs.
San Diego State came in looking to avenge last season’s overtime loss to the Jaguars. Instead, South Alabama turned a 24-21 deficit into an 18-point victory with three unanswered touchdowns, the last on an 80-yard fumble return by Devon Earl.
Backups Step In
South Alabama played without its starting quarterback, Dallas Davis, and its starting running back, Xavier Johnson. Garvin made the start under center and finished 16 of 21 for 242 yards and three touchdowns, with one interception.
Tyreis Thomas started at running back in Johnson’s place and led the Jaguars on the ground with 33 yards and a touchdown on 11 carries. Dami Ayoola added 22 yards and a touchdown on eight carries.
Garvin found several receivers. Josh Magee had a team-high six catches for 83 yards and a touchdown, while tight end Gerald Everett led all USA receivers with 103 yards, including an 80-yard touchdown reception.
Aztecs Lead at the Half
Late in the second quarter, Kalen Jackson forced a fumble that Sir’Calvin Wallace recovered, giving South Alabama a chance to build a two-score lead. The drive ended when Garvin threw into double coverage and was intercepted, his only turnover of the day.
San Diego State then drove to the South Alabama 17-yard line before the Jaguars’ defense forced a field goal. The Aztecs took a 16-14 lead into halftime.
Everett Breaks Free
South Alabama needed only two plays to retake the lead after the break. Everett got behind the coverage, caught a pass from Garvin and ran 80 yards down the sideline for a touchdown that put the Jaguars ahead 21-16.
San Diego State answered after forcing a three-and-out. Leaning on running backs Donnel Pumphrey and Rashaad Penny, the Aztecs moved 90 yards for a touchdown, then converted a two-point try to go ahead 24-21.
The Jaguars responded with an 11-play, 69-yard drive that took 6:08 off the clock. Garvin finished it with a 20-yard touchdown pass to Magee, and South Alabama led 28-24 early in the fourth quarter.
Special Teams Miscue, Defensive Score Seal It
After the South Alabama defense forced a punt, San Diego State’s backup long snapper sent the snap over the punter’s head. The punter fell on the ball at the Aztecs’ 3-yard line, and Ayoola scored on the next series to make it 35-24.
San Diego State’s next drive reached the South Alabama 24 before the Jaguars knocked the ball loose. Earl scooped it up and returned it 80 yards for a touchdown, accounting for the final margin.
Wallace was hurt on that play, the second time during the game he needed attention from the training staff. A cart was brought onto the field, but he declined it and hopped off on one leg.
By the Numbers
Pumphrey entered the game as the nation’s leading rusher, averaging nearly 200 yards per game. He finished with 151 yards and a touchdown.
- Total offense: South Alabama 331, San Diego State 316
- Passing yards: South Alabama 242, San Diego State 159
- Rushing yards: San Diego State 157, South Alabama 89
- Time of possession: South Alabama 33:17, San Diego State 26:43
South Alabama has an open date next week before traveling to Arkansas State. The Jaguars are 0-4 all-time against the Red Wolves.
