Southern Jaguars’ Mistakes Cost Them in Loss to Alabama State
The Southern Jaguars suffered a disappointing 14-10 loss to Alabama State, where a series of mistakes from the Southern team proved costly. Despite having a veteran team and high expectations for a clean performance, Southern coach Eric Dooley was left shaking his head at the numerous errors made on the field.
While the defense put up a commendable performance, the offense struggled to make crucial plays due to their own blunders. Coach Dooley acknowledged that while these mistakes are typical in Week 1 of a new season, he did not anticipate them from a team with experienced players. However, he remains optimistic about the long season ahead and believes the team can correct these errors to keep their goals intact.
It is worth noting that although this loss came against a Southwestern Athletic Conference opponent, the game did not affect Southern’s standings. Nevertheless, the Jaguars have some work to do in tidying up their performance.
The list of mistakes made by Southern was extensive, with a particular focus on the third quarter. Kicker Joshua Griffin failed to execute the second-half kickoff, resulting in Alabama State gaining possession at the Southern 36-yard line. Additionally, a holding penalty by Josh Trask turned a manageable third-and-1 situation into a more difficult second-and-14. Moreover, the team struggled with a 20-yard punt, a delay of game penalty, a quarterback sack and fumble, a holding penalty on a significant run, a first-down fumble, an unsportsmanlike conduct penalty, and two interceptions in the final minute. These mistakes proved costly and prevented Southern from gaining the upper hand in the game.
Despite the team’s offensive shortcomings, the Southern defense demonstrated an outstanding performance. They handled the Hornets’ offensive shifts and direct snaps to running backs effectively, resulting in two fourth-down stops and four sacks. However, the defense was unable to force any turnovers, which could have been a turning point in the game.
Individual defensive players made notable contributions to the team’s performance. Defensive end Ckelby Givens stood out with 2.5 tackles for loss and one sack, while Jalen Campbell recorded 15 tackles, one for loss, and half a sack. Despite the team’s strong second-half defense, defensive end Tahj Brown emphasized the importance of starting strong and preventing the opposition from scoring any points.
The Jaguars’ defense acknowledged that while they were aware of the Hornets’ wildcat runs, they did not anticipate the frequency at which they would be utilized. This strategy allowed Alabama State to control possession and limit Southern to just three possessions in the first half. Adjustments were made during halftime, but the team’s efforts fell short of securing a victory.
Reflecting on the game, Coach Dooley praised the defense for their overall performance and their ability to make crucial plays that provided the team with opportunities. However, he acknowledged that certain situations prevented the team as a whole from securing a win.
Moving forward, the Southern Jaguars will need to address the mistakes that proved costly in their loss to Alabama State. With a long season still ahead, the team aims to correct these errors and keep their goals intact. They have a veteran team, and the coaching staff believes in their ability to bounce back.
In conclusion, Southern’s mistakes and blunders plagued their performance in the loss to Alabama State. While the defense displayed resilience and made key plays, the offensive errors undermined their efforts. Coach Dooley remains optimistic about the team’s prospects and their ability to correct these mistakes moving forward. The Jaguars have a challenging season ahead but are determined to play better football to achieve their goals.
