Jags Rank 78th In First BCS Rankings
The first Bowl Championship Series (BCS) rankings were released on Sunday and the Jags debut at #78.
Here are the rankings for all of the Sun Belt Conference teams and Jaguar opponents:
- 39 Tennessee
- 39 Louisiana-Lafayette
- 51 Tulane
- 72 Western Kentucky
- 73 Louisiana-Monroe
- 78 South Alabama
- 80 Arkansas State
- 84 Troy
- 91 Texas State
- 103 Kent State
- 999 Georgia State (not eligible along with Penn State and Texas-San Antonio)
Jags Defeat Kent State 38-21 On Homecoming
Running back Jay Jones diving in for a Jaguar touchdown against Kent State.
The South Alabama Jaguar football team were challenged to put together a complete game and they came out and did just that in their 38-21 win over Kent State. The win ended a two game losing streak for the Jags and evens their overall record at 3-3 for the season.
The Jags gained 481 total yards in the game, 257 yards rushing and 224 yards passing. They had 29 first downs in the game while converting 6-of-11 third down attempts. Also in six trips into the red zone, the Jags scored on five of them and all were touchdowns.
Ross Metheny led the offense for most of the game and added a fifth consecutive game where he has rushed for a touchdown. Aleem Sunanon connected on a 45 yard field goal after two weeks of open competition for the plackicking position. Additionally Kendall Houston scored two touchdowns on runs of three and 14 yards.
Jay Jones ran for a season-high 99 yards on 13 rushes to lead the backfield. Cris Dinham also had a career best 67 yards on 12 rushes. Kendall Houston rushed for 43 yards on seven carries while Terrance Timmons rushed for 21 yards and Julien Valentin added 20 late in the game.
The offense ran 77 offensive plays and averaged 6.2 yards per play without a single turnover.
Defensively, Maleki Harris had a career-high tackle total with 10 to lead the defense. He also recorded 1.5 tackles-for-loss. Montell Garner added seven tackles, Enrique Williams had six and Romelle Jones added five. Alex Page had four tackles, two of which were sacks.
The Jags were up 10-0 before Dri Archer scored on a 74 yard run with under 10 minutes to play in the first half. However the Jags responded with a 79 yard drive in nine plays to take a 17-7 lead into halftime. Actually, the Jags would post three consecutive scores after Archer’s touchdown to take a commanding 31-7 lead in the second half.
Dri Archer struck again with 14:01 left in the game when he took the first down pass from David Fisher 73 yards for a touchdown to cut the lead to 31-14.
South Alabama responded when T.J. Glover returned the kickoff 67 yards to the Kent State 30 yard line. It would become the Kendall Houston drive as he rushed four consecutive times before hitting pay dirt on the fourth which covered 14 yards. The Jags would then lead 38-14 with 11:28 left in the game.
Kent State would put together a drive in the final 1:38 to make the score slightly more respectable after they scored with six seconds left in the game for the final score 38-21.
Eight different Jags would catch passes in the game with Shavarez Smith leading the way with 63 yards on three receptions and Wes Saxton catching the most passes for the Jaguars with four. Jereme Jones extended his consecutive games with a completion streak with two receptions for 23 yards. Danny Woodson would catch three passes for 38 yards and the only receiving touchdown for the Jags.
Ross Metheny was 16-for-23 for 224 yards and a touchdown through the air and a touchdown on the ground as well. Brandon Bridge was 0-for-1 in his limited time in the game, which was almost disastrous. One play he tried to make something happen after being persued. After being tripped up he tried to throw the ball as he was going down deep in USA territory, but it was ruled a fumble. However, after review, it was overturned and ruled an incomplete pass but a flag was thrown for intentional grounding. The Jags were able to punt on the next play.
The second quarter has been a problem for the Jags this season. The 10 points they scored in the second quarter were the first since the second quarter against Western Kentucky and the first time they scored a touchdown in the second quarter since the game against Tulane.
On Kent State’s first drive, the Jags Montavious Williams blocked a 41 yard field goal attempt, which was big for the Jaguars defense early in the game.
The only two negative things from the game without reviewing the game film were the two long touchdown runs by Dri Archer after catching a passes out of the backfield and allowing the late touchdown at the end of the game.
Dri Archer is a talented player and the Jags did well keeping him bottled up for most of the game, save for those two big plays. Archer would finish with 227 all-purpose yards, 114 rushing yards on 10 carries. The late touchdown was not allowed by the first string defense. The defense played very soft in that last drive trying to let the time run out.
After the game head coach Joey Jones spoke about the game. “We’re gaining confidence right now and maturing as a team,” he said. “We have played a lot of tough teams on our schedule, and we’re going to play even more. All we can control is what we do, and I think our kids are buying in to that. If we learn from that today, then we can continue to use it and be successful with it.”
“As a whole today, guys were motivated, and we played with a great swagger,” Jones commented. “Guys were celebrating after every play that was made.”
“My hat’s off to Kent State,” Jones commented about Kent State playing without starting quarterback Colin Reardon and star defensive tackle Roosevelt Nix. “They came down here banged up with a lot of injuries and two of their best players hurt. They have played five of six games on the road and that’s a tough thing to do. I’ve been in their shoes, and understand what that’s like.”
“My hat’s off to my team, players, coaches and everyone involved with the organization. That was a solid win for us,” Jones said. “I thought we played well in all phases and played for four quarters. We challenged our players all week to take it a quarter at a time and win each quarter, and I thought they did that. We played a little looser out there, and that was good to see. I am real proud of the way we played.”
However Jones also said, “I’m sure we’ll see some things on film that we need to correct, but overall I’m real pleased.”
South Alabama will travel to San Marcos, Texas to face Texas State in a Sun Belt Conference game on Saturday, October 26 with kickoff scheduled for 6pm.
USA Gameday: Jags Vs Kent State
It’s homecoming for the Jaguars. They have only played one home game in the month of September and this is their first and only home game in the month of October. These guys are ready to play in front of a home crowd.
They will be wearing their RED jerseys and white pants. In a “Jaguar Red Out”, the first 10,000 fans to the stadium will receive a red Jaguar Rally Towel. The game will be broadcast on ESPN3 online, WSNP 105.5FM will have play-by-play coverage in the Mobile area and can also be streamed world wide on www.wnsp.com.
As always, parking is limited at Ladd-Peebles Stadium and only season ticket holders have access to purchase parking passes. Parking near Ladd-Peebles is available but it is not controlled nor managed by South Alabama or Ladd-Peebles Stadium.
Shuttle service is available by The Wave. It will run continuously from 10am until 90 minutes after the end of the game. They run from Bel Air Mall with pickup and dropoff in the parking lot south of Target and JC Penny. The lot is well lit and has security provided by USA.
The “Jaguar Prowl” is scheduled for 11:40 AM. The players will walk along the south side of the stadium from the east to west side with Jaguar coaches, cheerleaders, Southpaw and the Jaguar Marching Band.
Their opponents are the Kent State Golden Flashes from the Mid-American Conference. Kent State have played a tough schedule so far. They have non-conference losses against LSU and Penn State as well as conference losses against the top three teams in the conference so far: Northern Illinois, Ball State and Bowling Green.
Injuries have been a problem for the Golden Flashes, their starting quarterback, redshirt freshman Colin Reardon, is expected to miss the game with an ankle injury. Along with Reardon, sophomore punter and placekicker Anthony Melchiori, one of the top punters in the nation, is also expected to miss the game. Star defensive tackle Roosevelt Nix is questionable for the game due to a nagging back injury and will be a game-time decision along with several other starters for the Golden Flashes.
South Alabama had some injuries early that impacted the team. Offensive lineman Melvin Meggs tore his ACL in summer workouts. Defensive end Will Thompson injured his ankle that required surgery in preseason camp. Randon Carnathan injured his Achilles’ heel against Tulane and will miss the remainder of the season. But since then, the Jags have been quite healthy.
If possible, Roosevelt Nix will play as he is probable the best player at his position the Jags will face this season. He is an impact player and the Jags will have to figure out a way to limit his impact on the game.
After the Jags loss to Troy, South Alabama opened up competition for the placekicking duties. With two weeks of competition, Aleem Sunanon kept his job but he and Scott Garber will have their hands full as they will try to kick away from Dri Archer, a dangerous kick returner for the Golden Flashes.
So far this season, the quarterback position has been shared between Ross Metheny and Brandon Bridge. Metheny has been the starter with Bridge coming is as the change-up/change-of-pace quarterback for the Jags. How often and when will Bridge see playing time will be of interest to fans.
The Kent State offensive line will attempt to open holes for Dri Archer to run through against the Jaguar defense. Along with Archer, they have more talent in the backfield with Trayion Durham and Anthony Meray. Head coach Joey Jones expect the Golden Flashes to rely heavily on their rushing game against the Jags. The Jaguar rushing defense ranks 48th in the nation with an average of 146.2 yards per game allowed.
Go Jags! Beat Kent State!
Coaches Settle On Placekicker, Kickoff Duties
After opening up competition for the placekicker position after the Jags loss to Troy two weeks ago, the coaches have made their decision. Redshirt freshman Aleem Sunanon will continue handling both placekicking and kickoffs for the Jaguars.
Sunanon earned the position after competitions in spring practice and fall camp. However he did have an uncertain beginning against Southern Utah when he missed two attempts. He has also missed three of his last four official attempts (four of five if including a kick that was negated by a defensive penalty) and is 6-of-11 at field goal attempts for the season. He also had a PAT blocked in the loss to the Trojans.
Sunanon had pressure from redshirt freshman Logan Gunn and freshman walk-on Conner Kammerlocher but kept his position.
Homecoming Activities
Homecoming activities today on the South Alabama campus:
- College Reunions 4-5:30pm on the lawn of Alumni Hall.
- Wall of Honor Unveiling Ceremony 5:30pm at Moulton Tower and Alumni Plaza
- Homecoming Parade 6:30pm South Drive
- Homecoming Pep Rally/Basketball Fan Night 7:00pm at the Mitchell Center
- “Battle of the Greeks” NPHC Step Show 9:00pm at the Mitchell Center
Saturday:
- South Alabama and Kent State kickoff time is 2pm at Ladd-Peebles Stadium
- Stadium gates open at 8:00am
- Pregame Tailgating including Sprit Stick Competition
- Jaguar Prowl from the Southeast to the Southwest corners of the stadium at 11:40am
- Homecoming Court presentation at Halftime
Jags Vs Kent State: By The Numbers
The Jags will host the Kent State Golden Flashes on Saturday in the Jags homecoming game. Kickoff for the game is set for 2pm at Ladd-Peebles Stadium. Let’s take a look at Kent State’s stats from this season.
The Golden Flashes play in the Mid-American Conference. Their head coach, Paul Haynes, is in his first season with an overall record of 2-5 and 1-3 in conference play.
Offensively the Golden Flashes average 336 yards of total offense per game which breaks down to 152.1 yards per game rushing with five touchdowns on the season and 183.9 yards per game passing with 10 touchdowns on the season. They score, on average, 18.9 points per game with 17.8 first downs per game.
Meanwhile the South Alabama offense averages 30 points per game. They average 447.2 yards of total offense per game which breaks down to 158.6 yards rushing per game and 288.6 yards per game passing. The Jags have scored 12 rushing touchdowns and six through the air. They also average 22.2 first downs per game.
Kent State has fumbled 12 times on the season and lost five of them. They have also been penalized 42 times for 347 yards. They convert 40.6% of their 3rd down attempts and 50% of their 4th down conversion attempts. In the red zone, they have come away with points 13 of their 17 trips with 9 of them being touchdowns.
USA converts 40% of their 3rd down conversion attempts and 33% of their 4th down conversion attempts. The Jags have scored on 15 of their 21 red zone trips with 12 of them being touchdowns and have been penalized 37 times for 294 yards on the season.
KSU averages 44 yards per punt and have made 6-of-11 field goal attempts. But Kent State quarterbacks have been sacked nine times for a total loss of 53 yards.
Defensively, the Golden Flashes allow an average of 29.9 points per game and 23.1 first downs per game. Opponents gain an average of 466.1 yards per game which breaks down to 224.1 yards per game rushing with 13 touchdowns and 242.0 yards per game passing with 14 touchdowns.
The Jaguar defense allows an average of 30 points per game. Opponents average 406.4 yards per game of total offense which breaks down to 146.2 yards per game rushing and 260.2 yards per game through the air. Opponents have scored five rushing touchdowns and has scored 13 passing touchdowns.
Kent State opponents convert 45.5% of their 3rd down attempts and 42.9% of 4th down attempts. Opponents have scored on 28-of-34 red zone trips with 22 of them being touchdowns.
Jaguar opponents are converting just 42% of their 3rd down conversion attempts and 50% of their 4th down conversion attempts. Opponents have scored on 20 of 23 trips into the red zone with 14 of them being touchdowns.
Trayion Durham is the leading rusher for the Golden Flashes with 493 yards and three touchdowns. Colin Reardon is next in line with 222 yards rushing with a touchdown. Reardon is the leading quarterback with a 59.4% completion rate. He is 120-of-202 for 1199 yards and 10 touchdowns. He has also thrown four interceptions.
Reardon’s top receiver is Chris Humphrey with 36 catches for 433 yards and three touchdowns. Next in line is Tyshon Goode with 23 catches for 231 yards and a touchdown.
Kent State average time of possession per game is 31:17. South Alabama’s average time of possession is 29:13.
Kickoff Time Announced For Nov. 2 Game Against Arkansas State
The University of South Alabama announced a kickoff time of 6:30pm for their game against Arkansas State at Ladd-Peebles Stadium on November 2.
This will be the schools annual Hall Of Fame Game.
This will be one of three athletic events happening on campus that weekend. On Friday, the Volleyball team will face off against Arkansas State Red Wolves at 7pm in Jag Gym. The Athletics Department will hold their Hall of Fame induction ceremony at the Laidlaw Performing Arts Center on Saturday at 10am. Then at 1:05pm the Lady Jaguar basketball team will tip off an exhibition game against the University of Mobile.
USA Football Press Conference
On Monday South Alabama held their weekly press conference. They previewed the upcoming homecoming game against Kent State. Below are some highlights.
Head coach Joey Jones began with his opening statement. “We know Kent State is a very good football team. But we’re focusing on is ourselves like we always have. I believe that’s really important. We had a great week last week. Last Wednesday’s practice was our best practice of the year. We’re a little ahead on the game plan, we just have to continue to perfect it.”
“They have the standout guys,” Jones continued concerning Kent State. “Everyone knows about Roosevelt Nix. He is a great player. Dre Archer is an extremely fast guy. When he has the ball in his hands, you just kind of hold your breath, he is a good player. They have a lot of good players. They’re offensive linemen are big, physical guys, as are the defensive linemen. They are just well-coached and know how to play the game. We are going to have to play a really good game to beat these guys.”
Jones spoke about Kent State’s experience playing in Ladd-Peebles Stadium. “I think it could help them, the fact that they have been here. It’s like any game, once you get between the lines it is a football game. But I think having played down here in the GoDaddy.com Bowl could help them.”
Jones also spoke about areas that the team has improved in since the beginning of the season. “We’ve become much more consistent offensively. Our quarterbacks are playing extremely well, the offensive line is better and we’re getting better play at receiver and running back. We’re just better overall, and have improved from a consistency standpoint. Our challenge is to play for four quarters. Defensively, our guys have a lot of confidence. We have a lot of seniors who understand what it takes. We’re playing real physical against the run. Stopping the run is always going to be important when you play defense. As we have progressed, we have gotten a better understanding of (defensive coordinator) Coach (Kevin) Sherrer’s system. The kicking game has been up and down. Overall, we’re doing some good things, but we don’t have the consistency right now in the kicking game that we need to win big ballgames. That’s something we’re working on right now.”
Senior wide receiver Bryant Lavender spoke about what he noticed about Kent State’s defensive lineman Roosevelt Nix when viewing game footage. “We played against Kent State a couple of years back and he was very explosive, as he is now. He has a quick first step and he’s a great player. He’s the type of player that when he’s in the game, his motor’s always running.”
Lavender also spoke about the team’s confidence at this point in the season. “Morale and confidence are high, because we know that we have the opportunity to win the game. It’s now more about concentrating on when we get in that situation and what we are going to do when we get in that situation. We know we are a good football team. We know that we are able to be in the game. It’s just about making the play that can get us the ‘W’.”
Defensive lineman Jesse Kelley spoke about how having a week off will help the team going into Kent State. “Having a bye week is also good because we have an opportunity to go home and see loved ones you haven’t seen throughout the busy football season, especially if you live three or four hours away. You’re also able to relax and take your mind off football and watch other football.”
He also spoke about where they feel they are at this point in the season. “We’re just taking it week-by-week and not looking over anyone. Our opponent this week is Kent State and we’re going to do whatever it takes to get the win versus Kent State. And next week, we’ll move on to the next opponent.”
The Jaguars and the Golden Flashes kick off at 2pm at Ladd-Peebles Stadium on Saturday as the Jags look to avenge their 33-25 loss in Kent, Ohio in 2011.
USA Volleyball’s Lewis Earn Freshman Of The Week Honor
Jessica Lewis earned her second Freshman of the Week honor this season. Photo by Brad Puckett | usajaguars.com
South Alabama Women’s Volleyball freshman Jessica Lewis earned her second Freshman of the Week honor and join last weeks Mechell Daniel to give the Jags back-to-back Freshman of the Week honors.
The Jags have had four honors this season as Lewis and Daniel have both been honored twice now. They mark the first time in program history that USA has had a player win a weekly honor four times from the conference in the same season and also the first time USA has had back-to-back weekly award winners.
Lewis, in her first weekend back in the starting lineup after an injury, was key in helping the Jags win back-to-back Sun Belt matches over the weekend. Over the weekend she had 26 kills for a 3.25 kills per set average while hitting .317. She averaged 3.44 points per set and had two blocks.
She ranks second on the team in kills with 3.0 per set in the 29 sets she had played.
The Jags will hit the road for a pair of Sun Belt road matches with Texas-Arlington on Friday night at 6:30pm and Texas State on Sunday at 1pm.
Congratulations Jessica! Go Jags!
Sun Belt Conference In Rotation For New Bahamas Bowl
The Sun Belt Conference will be part of a rotation among five conference for the new Bahamas Bowl. Along with the Sun Belt the Mountain West Conference, Mid-American Conference, American Athletic Conference and Conference USA will make up the five conference rotation.
The inaugural Bahamas Bowl will kick off in December 2014 at the Thomas A. Robinson Stadium. The stadium current seats 15,000 people, but has the ability to be expanded to hold up to 30,000 and is named for the Olympian track and field star.
The agreement for this new bowl game is for the next six seasons beginning in 2014.
“The Sun Belt Conference is thrilled to be part of this new football bowl game,” Sun Belt Commissioner Karl Benson said. “Our student-athletes and fans look forward to being able to enjoy the history and traditions of Nassau and the country of the Bahamas while at the same time being part of the history that will come with this event.”
Earlier this year the Sun Belt worked out a connection with the new Camellia Bowl in Montgomery, Alabama while Conference USA was included in the rotation for the new Boca Raton Bowl just last week.
It is expected that a creation of a new bowl game to be played at Marlins Park in Miami that will be anchored by the American Athletic Conference.