NC State’s game against South Alabama tonight will mark the third time these two teams have faced each other, but it will be the first time that the two have tangled down in Alabama.  The Jaguars came to Raleigh and lost in 2011 (35-13) and 2012 (31-7).  Joe Gottfried, NC State head coach Mark Gottfried’s father, was the Director of Athletics at South Alabama for 25 years before retiring in 2009, and he managed to negotiate this series before his son ever took the job in Raleigh.

South Alabama’s football program started in 2009 and they earned FBS membership in 2013.  In only their second season as members of the FBS, the Jaguars went bowling in the Raycom Media Camellia Bowl last year, losing to Bowling Green 33-28.  After finishing last season with an overall record of 6-7, and a 6th place finish in the Sun Belt Conference, the Jaguars entered the 2015 season with a lot of unknowns.

They lost over 30 Seniors from last years team, but also saw an influx of former UAB football players join the team this offseason.  After UAB disbanded their football team in December, 8 of the players decided to transfer to South Alabama.  Some of these players include starting quarterback Cody Clements, and the Jaguars top two receivers so far in 2015: Tight End Gerald Everett and Wide Receiver Josh Magee.  4 Junior College players also transferred into the program this year.

South Alabama didn’t just inherent players from UAB.  They also inherited coaches.  Current USA Offensive Coordinator Bryant Vincent was serving in that role at UAB last season.

The Jaguars have talent on their team.  There are players on their roster that have also transferred in from Alabama, Virginia Tech, Texas Tech, South Florida and Memphis.

2015 Rundown

Week 1: Gardner Webb – 33-23 – 408 yards Total Offense & 309 yards of Total Defense
Week 2: Nebraska – 9-48 – 332 yards of Total Offense & 561 yards of Total Defense
Week 3: San Diego State – 32-27 – 511 yards of Total Offense & 305 yards of Total Defense

The Big Play

South Alabama has benefited from big ‘chunk’ plays through the first two weeks.  They aren’t grinding it out possession after possession.  They are getting a large percentage of their points and yards off of single plays, which could be a problem for NC State tonight.  The Wolfpack defense has been solid this season, except for their vulnerability to give up a big play here and there.

Gardner Webb – Terrance Timmons 49-yard touchdown run, Xavier Johnson 56-yard touchdown reception, Xavier Johnson 92-yard touchdown run.
Nebraska – Josh Magee 36-yard touchdown reception.  He also had receptions of 55, 56, and 33 yards.
San Diego State – Josh Magee 46-yard touchdown reception, Xavier Johnson 74-yard touchdown run, Gerald Everett 57-yard touchdown reception.

The Big Game

Last week South Alabama picked up the biggest victory in the history of their football program.  They entered the game against San Diego State as 17.5 point underdogs on the road, and walked out of enemy territory with a 7-point victory.  The Jaguars will be looking to pick up the biggest win in program history for the second week in a row against NC State tonight.  They enter the game as 17 point underdogs once again.