2 points or less have determined four of South Alabama’s losses this season. More heartbreaking is that all three of their Sun Belt Conference losses were decided by 4 points total. Saturday’s match was a dog fight in the truest sense and the 18,000 fans in attendance in Mobile could only watch these dogs run the field. The Arkansas State Red Wolves came ready to scratch their way into some postseason play and the result was too familiar for the Jaguars of South Alabama.
How Did You Vote?
What we find interesting is the way our readers voted on the final outcome of the game. 109 votes were cast in favor of the Jaguars, and only 15 in favor of the Red Wolves, who ultimately won the game. The home team had the fan support in the polls and in the stands!
Close… Real Close
After a scoreless first quarter, South Alabama took the lead in the second quarter with a pair of field goals. Confident and playing with a strong defense, they hit the locker room at the half leading 6-0. However, Arkansas State wasn’t going to give up that easily – they still had some fight in them. Halfway through the 3rd quarter, they marched the ball efficiently down the field. The 12 play, 80 yard march culminated with QB Adam Kennedy finding 12 yards of field to run it for a touchdown.
The Jaguars can run and they did. Moving the ball back down the field for a quick touchdown just 3 minutes later, they recaptured the lead at 13-7.
The fourth quarter kept the fans on their feet as both Arkansas and South Alabama posted field goals and kept the game within one touchdown. South Alabama held the lead until 6:29 remained on the clock, when Arkansas found the end zone one last time on a 3 yard run. Arkansas took the lead, and the Jaguars were unable to find their way to another score in the remaining minutes.
After Saturday’s game, Arkansas State moves to 4-4, 2-1 in Sun Belt while South Alabama falls to 3-5, 1-3 in conference play.
Around the Sun Belt and Conference USA
Louisiana Lafayette made a huge comeback against a strong New Mexico State team. NMSU led the Cajuns 28-14 at the half. Lafayette answered with 35 straight points to finish the game at 49-35 over New Mexico.
Florida Atlantic stunned Tulane, not allowing QB Nick Montana to ever find his groove. FAU played without two coaches and an injury laden team. It’s been rocky for them, taking a big loss at Auburn and losing two coaches to scandal ridden resignations.
#RLBowl Predictions
ESPN analysts are still pointing to an all Louisiana R+L Carriers New Orleans Bowl. Tulane v. Lafayette is the prediction. Check back here on Tuesday, November 5th for our Week 11 Game of the Week.
