JONESBORO, Ark. – After battling back to take the lead on an electric touchdown pass with less than two minutes to play, South Alabama Football could not hold on late as Arkansas State kicked a game-winning field goal with 10 seconds left to defeat the Jaguars, 18-16, Saturday night at Centennial Banks Stadium.
 
The loss dropped the Jags to 2-4 on the season with a 1-1 record in Sun Belt Conference play.
 
"It was a different one to lose because we had so many opportunities early," said head coach Major Applewhite. "We had turnovers in the red area with tons of penalties on offense and it got us. I'm very proud of our defense. I know we gave up a field goal to lose the game, but they kept us in the game, and I'm proud of the way we are improving on that side of the ball."
 
The game was a defensive battle for the majority of the night with the Jags leading 10-9 heading into the third quarter. The Jaguar defense performed admirably, surrounding just 66 rushing yards for the game, and only allowing the Red Wolves to find the end zone one time on the night. Blayne Myrick led the defensive attack with 13 total tackles, including three for loss. Courtney McBride Jr. and Tyler Thomas also pitched in sacks, and the team totaled 10 tackles for loss.
 
Offensively, Jamaal Pritchett was the star for the Jaguars with seven catches for 137 yards and two touchdowns. Quarterback Gio Lopez found him for a 75-yard strike in the third quarter to give the Jags their first touchdown of the night, and then again in the back of the end zone with less than two minutes to play on a third and 25 from the 26-yard line. Kentrel Bullock served as the team's leading rusher with 66 yards.
 
The Jaguars got off to a slow start offensively, but the defense kept them in the game by collecting stops and forcing Arkansas State to kick field goals. Trailing 6-3 at halftime, South finally found its rhythm in the third quarter with Pritchett's long touchdown score. The Red Wolves responded with their lone touchdown of the night, but USA answered again with a 10-play, 80-yard touchdown drive to take the lead in the final minutes. The defense could not close with one final stop, though, as the Red Wolves advanced down the field to kick a game-winning, 34-yard field goal.

South Alabama will now enjoy a week off before welcoming Troy to Hancock Whitney Stadium on Tuesday, Oct. 15. Kickoff between the Jaguars and Trojans will take place at 6:30 p.m. CT and the game will be nationally televised on ESPN2.
 
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