On Tuesday, Sept. 12, South Alabama defeated Northwestern State in a pummeling 87-10 win.
The Jaguars made national headlines, as it was the most points in a game by an FBS team since 1991. They had a 52-10 lead going into halftime after putting up 203 yards of total offense in the second quarter alone.
Because of the atrocity that was taking place, the fourth quarter was shortened to six minutes.
Just as it was against Northwestern State, the Jaguars’ offense has been the engine of the team.
“Really good football team. [South Alabama head coach] Major Applewhite’s done a great job,” Brian Kelly said. “Had a great road win at Appalachian State this past weekend, really tore them apart 48-14.”
South Alabama ranks sixth in the nation in total points scored this season with 193, which is the highest amongst Group of Five conference schools, and ninth in points per game with 48.3, which ranks second amongst Group of Five schools.
They also rank 13th in the country and second in the Group of Five in total offensive yards per game with 504.5.
While the numbers might be elevated due to the Jaguars’ 77-point win, this is an offense that has a rhythm, and one that’s allowed South Alabama to win its last two games after dropping its first two.
Over the past two weeks, the Jaguars have outscored their opponents 135-24.
“They’ve got 28 FBS transfer portal players on the roster, nine of them from SEC schools,” Kelly said. “This is a team that has some really good football players.”
The Jaguars’ offense works most efficiently on the ground, as it ranks 14th in the country in total rushing yards on the season with 947. In a 48-14 win over Appalachian State, South Alabama ran the ball 43 times for 320 yards and scored five times on the ground.
Their run game is led by Fluff Bothwell, who is a true freshman running back. He’s part of a five-way tie for 11th in total rushing touchdowns with six, and he ranks 30th in the country in total rushing yards with 359. Bothwell averages 9.7 yards per carry on 37 attempts.
Running Back Kentrel Bullock is right behind Bothwell with 203 rushing yards and three touchdowns on 30 carries.
Alongside Bothwell and Bullock is a quarterback that is able to use his legs as well: Gio Lopez. On 21 carries, Lopez has run for 171 yards, including a 50-yard carry and two touchdowns.
Lopez has also thrown for 843 passing yards, completing 57 of his 92 pass attempts. He’s thrown for nine touchdowns and has yet to throw an interception.
His favorite target this season has been Jamaal Pritchett, who’s caught 26 passes for 355 yards and four touchdowns. Tight end D.J. Thomas-Jones has been a red zone threat with three touchdowns on six receptions.
“These [Lopez and Bothwell] are two outstanding freshmen players that you have to keep an eye on,” Kelly said. “Pritchett, the wide receiver, is very, very gifted and skilled.”
With South Alabama’s run-heavy offense, there might not be a better time for LSU’s front seven to have a rhythm of its own.
In LSU’s last two games, defensive end Bradyn Swinson has racked up five sacks, 10 total tackles, and two forced fumbles. On the other edge, Sai’vion Jones has totaled 1.5 sacks, nine tackles, a forced fumble and a fumble recovery. Linebacker Whit Weeks also had 18 total tackles in the past two games.
“Him [Swinson], Sai’vion, our interior players, certainly doing a great job of disrupting offenses,” Kelly said.
The Tigers’ defense limited UCLA to 14 net rushing yards, so keeping that momentum up front early will be key for LSU.
A quick start overall is crucial for LSU. And after that quick start, keeping its foot on the gas and putting together a complete game could pay dividends for the Tigers going forward.
“We know we can dominate our opponents in the second half, now we have to do it for four quarters,” Kelly said.
