The SLU Lions traveled to Mobile in hopes of upsetting the FBS USA Jaguars, and that looked possible in the first half, as SLU scored first and took a 7-7 tie to the halftime break. But after a great second-half performance, the Jaguars were able to pull away and win, as expected. The final score was 35-17.
It was a bit of a surprise to see Eli Sawyer get the start, after Zachary Clement started and played well against Mississippi State, and was presumed to see action first against the Jaguars. Sawyer looked shaky, completing 7-12 passes for 83 yards. Zachary Clement came in and looked better, completing 18-24 passes for 267, with a touchdown and an interception.
On the ground, Harlan Dixon led the way with 11 carries, but was only able to muster 19 yards, and a garbage-time touchdown. Rodeo Graham Jr. led the Lions in rushing yards with 33, but had a costly fumble in the end zone that resulted in a touchback for South Alabama.
Receiving-wise, Darius Lewis consistently found the ball in his hands, racking up 81 yards on 7 catches. Sophomore Da’shun Hugely, who didn’t record a catch last week, came up with a huge 76-yard play in the 4th quarter.
Harlan Dixon did more in the passing game than on the ground, going for 62 yards through the air on 5 catches. The quarterbacks spread the wealth around well, hitting Mike Williams for 3 catches, and finding Jaylon Domingeaux, Corey Lorio, Bauer Sharp, and Ivan Drobocky for 2 catches each. Drobocky also scored the one passing touchdown for the Lions. Xavier Hill also added a catch.
For SLU, Ian Goodly led the team in tackles for the second straight week, with 11. Kaleb Proctor, who recorded the lone sack this week, totaled 4 tackles, one of which was behind the line of scrimmage. Tyrone Legette was able to secure an interception, for the Lions’ first takeaway of the year.
For South Alabama, Carter Bradley performed much better this week, as he threw for 258 on 19-26 passing, along with both a touchdown and an interception. His favorite target seemed to be Caullin Lacy, who caught 8 balls for 139 yards and the touchdown. Devin Voisin was another preferred target, with 4 catches for 70 yards. Rushing-wise, the Jaguars ground game was led by Kentrel Bullock, who went 14-82-1. Four of the Jaguar’s five touchdowns, and two more were added by La’Damian Webb, with 81 yards on just 7 touches. Marco Lee Jr. scored the final time for USA, on 11 carries for 66 yards.
On defense for USA, defensive back Yam Banks led the team with 7 tackles, plus recorded the interception off Clement. Another DB, Wesley Miller, recorded the recovery on the Rodeo Graham fumble. The Jaguars were able to record two sacks, with Maurice Strong Jr. earning one himself and Jamall Hickbottom and Wy’Kevious Thomas sharing the last one.
Frank Scelfo was happy with his teams performance but recognized that the Lions were overpowered and got beat at the line-of-scrimmage constantly in the second half.
Southeastern will continue their road trip with a matchup on the red turf against Eastern Washington University in Cheney, WA. South Alabama will travel to Stillwater for a game against Oklahoma State.
