MOBILE, Ala. – While the “Wild West” was known for its shootouts, that’s likely not what the University of South Alabama football team will find when it arrives in California this weekend.
Instead, a defensive battle could be what fans see when the Jaguars take on UC Davis Saturday. USA (6-0) has recorded three shutouts in its first six games this fall and is allowing an average of just five points per outing, while the Aggies — winners of two straight to improve to 3-3 on the season — have surrendered an average of just over 15 points per game in their last three contests.
Kickoff at Aggie Stadium is scheduled for 4 p.m. Central time as the Jags play in the second of two straight road games.
The Jaguars, who limited Lamar to a season-low 160 yards while handing the Cardinals their first shutout in last weekend’s 26-0 victory in Beaumont, Texas, are allowing 191.2 yards per outing, including just 57.5 per contest on the ground. Enrique Williams leads the unit — which has forced 18 turnovers after recovering four fumbles against LU — with 27 total stops, while Justin Dunn and Jake Johnson rank second and third on the squad with 22 and 21 tackles, respectively.
Randon Carnathan recovered a fumble for the second straight contest, while Josh Chestang opened the scoring against the Cardinals when he picked up a loose ball and ran it back 11 yards for a touchdown. It was the fifth score the USA defense has recorded this fall.
In picking up a 14-13 victory over NCAA Football Bowl Subdivision member San Jose State and following up with a 17-13 victory over South Dakota in its Great West Conference opener to open the month, UC Davis has allowed only 328 yards per game. SJSU managed to pick up just 114 rushing yards against the Aggies, while USD was just 7-of-26 passing for 89 yards in their most recent outing — UCD was off last weekend.
Dozie Amajoyi has a team-high 54 tackles for the Aggies, with four of those for loss, and has also intercepted a pair of passes. Danny Hart has made 44 stops and Jordan Glass has 38, while Marshall Congdon has posted a team-leading five tackles behind the line of scrimmage.
With the loss of Brandon Ross for the season, Kendall Houston stepped in and carried 21 times for a school-record 166 yards in the win at Lamar. He’s now averaging 8.2 yards per attempt and still leads the Jaguars with 36 points even though he did not reach the end zone last weekend.
C.J. Bennett has thrown for more than 100 yards each of the last two weeks after going 13-of-16 for 109 yards against the Cards, and Brennan Sim threw his team-high fifth touchdown pass of the year in the third quarter to help give USA a 20-0 lead. Courtney Smith caught seven passes for 59 yards — both totals led all players — as he paces the Jaguars with 17 receptions, 266 yards and three touchdown catches this fall. Bryant Lavender and Corey Waldon both have nine catches as well after making two each in the LU win.
Lawson McGlon would kick four field goals, from 22, 32, 30 and 29 yards out, as USA scored on five of its seven possessions that reached the end zone and ended the night with 376 total yards.
“We came out and played a physical game, which is what we like to do each week,” stated Sim. “We were able to put up points, but it was unfortunate that we were able to get close to the end zone a few times and had some things that kept us from getting touchdowns. Overall, I thought we moved the ball well; we just have to punch it in the end zone a little better this week.”
The Aggies collected 294 yards last time out, which included 260 passing after Randy Wright ended the game 25-of-34. For the season, he has completed 57.6 percent of his passes for 1,195 yards and six scores, with Sean Creadick his top target. Creadick has 34 receptions for 429 yards, although Dean Rogers has a team-leading three touchdowns among his 18 catches. Josh Reese paces the ground game with 268 yards, with Nick Aprile adding 188 and four scores; both are averaging four yards per attempt.
“They are a multiple-formation team who is really well-established and well-grounded,” commented linebacker Charlie Higgenbotham. “They are all well-coached and have intelligent players who are efficient in their routes and play calling, so it’s a big challenge for us to study for their multiple formations. I’m excited about it.
“It’s going to be a test for our players, but it’s going to be interesting.”
UC Davis was picked in the preseason to win the Great West Conference, and has received votes in the Sports Network’s FCS poll each of the last two weeks.
“They are just a really good football team. When I look at them, I see a team that bonds together,” observed Jaguar head coach Joey Jones. “Those are the teams that are tough to beat. Hopefully, we have a similar situation with our guys.
“They have proven that they can play with the big boys. They beat San Jose State, and they won their conference last year and have a chance to win it this year. Lamar was a very talented, but much younger team than UC-Davis. They have guys who have been coaching together for 20 years; the head coach and his staff have been there a long time. They have a lot of tradition, know how to win and are playing at home.
“When you put all of those factors together, then we have a real challenge on our hands.”
Prior to departing for Davis on Friday, Jones will speak at the “Jag Lunch” Wednesday at Wintzell’s Oyster House on Airport Boulevard. Doors will open and food will be served at 11:30 a.m., with Jones set to speak at 12:15 p.m.
For more information about South Alabama athletics, check back with www.usajaguars.com. Season tickets for all Jaguar athletic events can be purchased by calling (251) 461-1USA (1872).
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