South Alabama Jaguars: Keys To The Season, Top Game, Top Transfer, Fun Stats
South Alabama Jaguars: Key To The 2022 Offense
Score EVERY chance possible.
Duh, that’s sort of the point of playing offense, but South Alabama really can’t give away good chances.
Even with the lack of a running game and the painful inability to convert third down chances, the offense was still great at controlling the time of possession and had several chances to pull off a few great wins that slipped on through.
It lost to Louisiana 20-18 – it also came away with two empty trips in the red zone.
It lost a week later to Texas State – there was one empty trip inside the 20 in that, too.
On the year, the Jaguars were among the worst teams in the country in red zone conversions, scoring just 37-of-50 times.
South Alabama Jaguars: Key To The 2022 Defense
Don’t get bombed on.
The pass defense was good, and the 15 interceptions were great, but there were some strange times when the secondary melted down.
The win over Bowling Green was on the road, but it was also a bit tougher than it had to be. The pass defense was picked apart and allowed way too many downfield passes.
The ULM loss was inexcusable – the USA D allowed 369 yards and four touchdowns through the air with a total inability to stop the passing attack.
Again, overall things were fine – teams only his 59% of their passes – but more consistency would be a plus.
South Alabama Jaguars: Key Player To The 2022 Season
QB Desmond Trotter, Jr.
The passing game has to be stronger, and it has to do it without Jalen Tolbert.
The Jaguars were able to throw okay throughout last year, but the third down conversions weren’t there and the downfield plays were lacking, averaging just 11.25 yards per completion. Former QB Jake Bentley handled the work for most of the season, but Trotter stepped in late in a tough situation.
He’s a veteran with the program, and he has to elevate an offense that won’t likely have a top running game and needs the passing attack to shine.
HOWEVER …
South Alabama Jaguars: Key Transfer
QB Carter Bradley, Sr.
In theory this should be Desmond Trotter’s quarterback job, but Bradley is being given every opportunity to win it.
The 6-3, 215-pound transfer from Toledo might not be all that accurate, but he’s got four years of playing experience throwing for just under 2,400 yards with 14 touchdowns and eight picks. He’s not a runner, but if Trotter can’t make the O go, the passing game will get a different option.
South Alabama Key Game To The 2022 Season
Troy, Oct. 22
South Alabama has a Troy problem.
It lost four straight times to the Trojans including a 31-24 battle last year that was a MUST to get to six wins and a bowl game. This year it comes before road games against Arkansas State and Georgia Southern. Both are winnable, but win this, and the back half the season might take on a different tone.
South Alabama Jaguars: 2021 Fun Stats
– USA 1st Quarter Scoring: 52 – USA 2nd Quarter Scoring: 112
– Penalties: Opponents 77 for 663 yards – USA 58 for 526 yards
– Kickoff Return Average: Opponents 27.9 – USA 16.4
Offense, Defense Breakdown
Season Prediction, What Will Happen
South Alabama Top 10 Players | USA Schedule