Previewing LSU's Week Five Opponent the South Alabama Jaguars
The South Alabama Jaguars opened up the season on a rough note dropping their first two games of the season. This was in many ways expected as the Jaguars lost their Head Coach Kane Wommack to Alabama where he's now the defensive coordinator for the Crimson Tide. Major Applewhite replaces Kane Wommack and this weekend's game will be a homecoming in many ways for the Baton Rouge native.
In the last two games, Applewhite's offense has exploded as the Jaguars have outscored their opponents 135-14. On the season, South Alabama is averaging 48.25 points per game ranking 9th in the country offensively, which could be alarming as LSU hasn't been the most sound defensively this season.
The Jaguars have dominated teams with their rushing attack averaging 236.8 yards per game on the ground which ranks 20th in the country. Running Back Fluff Bothwell leads the way for South Alabama with 359 yards and 6 touchdowns averaging a whopping 9.7 yards per carry. When Bothwell leaves the game, you still have to worry about Kentrel Bullock who's picking up 6.8 yards per carry and dual-threat quarterback Gio Lopez who's picking up 8.1 yards per carry.
Lopez has hurt teams as a passer in addition to his ability to run as he's completing 62% of his passes picking up 843 yards through the air with nine touchdowns and no interceptions. The go-to receiver for Lopez has been Jamaal Pritchett who's caught 26 passes for 355 yards and 4 touchdowns. Tight End DJ Thomas-Jones is a player LSU better account for as he's caught six passes three of which have been touchdowns.
The Jaguars' defense has been great at forcing turnovers intercepting four passes one of which they returned for a touchdown while forcing and recovering three fumbles. The Tigers won't face a dominant pass rusher but, South Alabama is averaging a sack per game. Linebacker Blayne Myrick has been the leader for this defense with 34 tackles and a forced fumble on the season.
Don't take this team lightly
The LSU Football team can't afford to take this team lightly as the South Alabama Jaguars have scored early and often. The Tigers will be working a few new players into the lineup after the injury to Harold Perkins Jr. The goal this week should be to get up on this team early pushing the game out of reach as soon as possible so this team can get some of its younger players some game experience before SEC play.
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Note: Stats via ESPN