South Alabama is entering just their third year in the FBS but are looking to have an impact in the Sun Belt Conference this season. The 2014 South Alabama Jaguars Schedule has some tough competition on it, including a pair of SEC opponents.
Last season South Alabama went 6-6, but they were four points away from being 9-3 and probably playing in a bowl game. One-point losses to Troy and Arkansas State, parlayed with a two-point loss to Texas State, put them at just 6-6 for the season. They were a very competitive team in just their second full season in the FBS. Now the program is stepping up again in 2014 with a pair of SEC squads on the schedule — they host Mississippi State on Sept. 13 and travel to South Carolina late in the season.
The fact they are hosting an SEC opponent in just their third year in the FBS is remarkable. Joey Jones enters his sixth season at the helm of the Jaguars, winning 31 games over his first five seasons. This year they bring back eight starters on offense, which is definitely a positive as they averaged just over 29 points per game and 425 yards of offense.
They do, however, have to replace a lot of depth and experience from last year's team as 28 seniors graduated the program. The biggest one is former quarterback Ross Metheny, who was the Sun Belt's leader in total offense. They are going to have some solid competition at the position. Tailback will be a positive for the Jags with solid contributors coming back. South Alabama will also return four starters from the offensive line. If they can get solid play at the quarterback position, this offense could be very good.
Defensively they are looking to continue to be solid. All four in the secondary return for South Alabama along with a good mix of young players as well spread throughout the defense.
They might not be able to win nine games this season, but if they can figure out the quarterback spot South Alabama has the chance to be very good.
2014 South Alabama Jaguars Football Schedule
Sept. 6 at Kent State
Sept. 13 Mississippi State
Sept. 20 Georgia Southern
Sept. 27 at Idaho
Oct. 4 at Appalachian State
Oct. 11 Bye week
Oct. 18 Georgia State
Oct. 25 Troy
Nov. 1 at Louisiana
Nov. 8 at Arkansas State
Nov. 15 Texas State
Nov. 22 at South Carolina
Nov. 28 Navy
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