https://youtu.be/kUD2KONZeMw
Well, that was an interesting 41-34 victory for South Alabama over the ULM Warhawks Saturday night at ‘The Bank.’ The one thing it wasn’t, was boring.
On one hand, it was a record setting night for the Jaguars. Quarterback Carter Bradley’s 420 passing yards are a new school mark. Same for Caullin Lacy’s 12 receptions. Throw in the Jaguars had three different receivers with over 100 yards (Lacy 133, Devin Voisin 141, Jalen Wayne 127) the first time ever.
On the other hand, ULM QB Chandler Rogers threw 371 yds and 4 TDs. Tyrone Howell caught 3 of those touchdowns and had 244 yards receiving.
On the other hand, (three hands?) the Jaguars completely dominated the 3rd quarter. Down 20-17 at half, South Alabama led 41-20 after the first play of the 4th quarter. The Jags out gained the Warhawks 233-36 in the 3rd quarter.
On the last hand (make it four), ULM wouldn’t go away, scoring a pair of touchdowns in the 4th quarter, making it a one score game. But South Alabama ran a perfect 4 minute offense, with 5 minutes to go, and ran out the clock without having to kick it.
With the win, the Jaguars improved to 5-1 and 2-0 in the Sun Belt. While only having played half of their games, South Alabama is in line to host the Sun Belt Championship come December. But that’s getting ahead of ourselves. Way ahead.
When the Jaguars play to their capabilities, as they did in the 3rd quarter, they can be dominating. Both offensively and defensively. When they don’t, it shows.
Despite putting up 17 points in the 1st Half, the offense still had the same issues as they did against Louisiana Tech and the Cajuns. Not being able to finish off drives. Although scoring three times, they really only had two scoring drives. Their first touchdown was more of a spectacular play, or explosive play, as Head Coach Kane Wommack prefers, 64-yard pass from Bradley to Wayne.
After ULM kicked a field goal to take a 20-17, the Jaguars had a chance to match it, at least. But poor game management prevented them from evening attempting a kick at the end of the 1st Half.
Defensively, when they got pressure on Rogers, they harassed him and sacked him three times. Still, there were numerous break downs leaving ULM receivers wide open. Should also mention Howell made some tremendous catches while being well covered at times. But his first touchdown came after a 5-yard slant and a missed tackle, leading to what appears on the stat sheet, as 75-yard touchdown.
So, as the Jaguars prepare for their rival the Troy Trojans and the Battle for the Belt, on a short week and on national TV, ESPN U, they can and should, bask in the glow of a 5-1 start. Fully knowing they have the potential of making 2022 a special season. They also know, or at least should, they’ll have to clean up more than a few mistakes, otherwise it’ll continue to be a very interesting season. My guess is, it won’t be boring.
