South Alabama Begins Final Four Game Stretch At Texas State
South Alabama (1-7, 0-4 SBC) begins their run of four game to close out the 2019 season with a trip to San Marcos, Texas to face the Texas State Bobcats (2-6, 1-3 SBC) in what may be the Jaguars best chance to add their first FBS win of the season.
Last time out on the gridiron, the Jags fell 30-3 to Appalachian State and secured a losing record. Despite keeping the game close for most of the game, the most concerning aspect of the game was how futile the offense seemed to be for most of the game. Through the first 19 offensive play, the Jags amassed only 2 yards of total offense. By halftime, the Jags only had 43 yards of total offense.
The Jags put together a very good game plan to open the season against Nebraska with the best offensive showing in any of the six FBS games they have played this season (excluding their 37-14 win against FCS Jackson State). But they had all of preseason camp and the normal game-week preparation time to gear up for a good showing against a Power-5 school.
With two weeks to prepare, can the Jags put together another good game plan to face Texas State?
When head coach Steve Campbell spoke to the media on Monday, he said that they worked problem areas such as third down, red zone, and two minute drills. He also confirmed that quarterback Cephus Johnson has been playing on a bad ankle since the Georgia Southern game and it has limited his mobility. It was very apparent against Appalachian State as he kept few, if any, carries in the RPO game which limits its effectiveness. The offense picked up once Desmond Trotter came into the game in the third quarter.
Coach Campbell also indicated that they have made changes at other positions and also indicated the quarterback position was not off limits to potential changes. While it may be Trotter who could be the main recipient of expanded playing time, especially if Johnson’s ankle continues to hamper his ability. But with the new redshirt rule for freshmen, it will benefit Tanner McGee as he can play in all four of the remaining games without losing his redshirt.
Ultimately the offensive strategy and execution has not been successful on the field. Out of the 130 FBS teams in the country, the Jags rank 125th in total offense, 123rd in passing offense, 84th in rushing offense, 127th in 3rd down percentage and 128th in scoring offense.
Defensively the Jags will need to play assignment football. The Bobcats have a handful of plays that they run throughout the game and they take advantage of defenses when they line up wrong or miss assignments.
Last season the Jags defeated the Bobcats in Mobile 41-31. Both teams finished 3-9 that season. Similar to last season, both teams are desperate for a win. This time it’s in San Marcos and it’s the Bobcat’s homecoming game. Texas State is a 7.5 point favorite in the game.
I think the Jags will cover the spread and in fact I think they will win outright and spoil the Bobcats homecoming.
The game is set for a 2pm kickoff at Bobcat Stadium in San Marcos, Texas. It can be streamed on ESPN+ and the radio broadcast can be heard on 99.5 FM locally in Mobile and on the iHeartMedia app worldwide starting at 12pm with pregame coverage.
Go Jags!