South Alabama Jaguars 2022 College Football Preview
July 21, 2022
2021 Recap
Record – 5-7
ATS – 5-7
The Jags started out like a HOUSAFIRE winning their first three games but then lost that momentum by losing each of the next two games by two points. Argh. They still appeared to be in good shape to make a bowl game but sadly, GLUG GLUG GLUG, the season sank to the depths as they lost their final four games to finish at 5-7.
Let’s try and get an idea of what’s in store for year two of the Kane Wommack era.
South Alabama Jaguars 2022 Outlook
OFFENSE
South Alabama had good success utilizing the THROW GAME LY thanks to the fine play of QB Jake Bentley (70%, 17-8 TD to INT) and star WR Jalen Tolbert (1,474, 8 TD) who’s off to the NFL. Both of those men depart and it’ll be up to a pair of seasoned signal callers to lead the way in 2022. It’ll either be Toledo transfer Carter Bradley or last year’s back-up Desmond Trotter starting in week one, and the early speculation is that it’s Bradley’s job to lose. The Jags aren’t in bad shape at WR/TE with the return of #2 WR Jalen Wayne and the addition of Ole Miss (!) TE Damarcus Thomas but it’s gonna be harder than people think to replace one of the Sun Belt’s all-time great wideouts. The running attack was BAD LY (#115 FBS) and recall that both of their top-two RBs averaged less than 4 YPC. We’re unsure what to expect from the RB room but there’s reason for optimism as they’ve added some Power 5 transfers and upgraded the overall talent level. Maybe former Seminole La’Damian Webb can provide the spark they need? The OL brings back four starters and has impressive size so that bodes well for an improved ground game. This has the look of an average Sun Belt offense with the potential to be better than expected. GET CHO POPCONE!
DEFENSE
The Jags were just fine on defense LY and made big strides compared to 2020. They were #5 in the FUN BELT in run D, #3 in pass efficiency D and managed to book 32 sacks (#6). Things look good this year as they return eight starters and five of their top-six tacklers. The DL will be the strength of the defense as they are CHOCK FULL of talent and return everyone of consequence from 2021. #1 tackler AJ DeShazor and Indiana transfer James Miller lead a deep LB corps, and the secondary features a pair of excellent players in safety Keith Gallmon and CB Darrell Luter who filled up the stat sheet LY (10 PBU, 4 INT). We like the talent, and we like the coaching, yo.
SPECIAL TEAMS
This is likely to be a problem area as the return game is a BARREN WASTELAND and they need to break in a new PK.
Schedule Analysis
Overall – Yes, guy. It looks pretty tame. The only non-conference BODY BAG game is vs UCLA and they miss all the big boys (!) from the East division. Note that the November slate is BUTTERY SOFT.
Potential ATS Trouble Spot – November 19 – at Southern Miss
This will be the Jags’ 3rd road game in four weeks and it’s a revenge game for the Golden Eagles. South Alabama beat them like a RENTED MULE in last year’s season opener (W 31-7).
Season Win Total
per BetOnline July 21
Over 5.5 -135
Under 5.5 -105
MEGALOCKS says:
Lean: Over
We think these guys have a great shot to get to a bowl game. Five wins is likely the worst-case scenario.
MEGAmazing Tidbits
MEGALOCKS Outlook:
The Jaguars certainly appear to be a team on the rise in a very deep Sun Belt conference. The defense will be rock solid but there are still some questions on offense. The schedule is all you could ask for and we’ll call for six or seven wins and a bowl bid. Let’s go, Jags!
Want more South Alabama Football ?
WEBSITE
https://usajaguars.com/sports/football
FORUM
http://southalabama.247sports.com/Board/South-Alabama-Jaguars-Message-Board-Forum-59456
NEWS
http://www.al.com/usafootball/
http://www.espn.com/college-football/team/_/id/6/south-alabama-jaguars