MOBILE, Ala. – It was another big year for South Alabama Athletics in 2023-24. The Jaguars earned multiple big wins, championships, postseason appearances and awards.
Throughout the month of July, USAJaguars.com will recap some of the biggest storylines from the past year as we get ready for another big season of competition in 2024-25.
Up next, we look back on South Alabama Football's first bowl victory in program history.
Football Wins 68 Ventures Bowl for First Bowl Championship in School History
After shutting out Marshall 28-0 on Nov. 18, 2023, South Alabama Football secured its sixth win of the season which ensured the Jaguars would be going bowling in back-to-back seasons for the first time in program history. Then, on Dec. 3, the Jags learned they would be staying home for the holidays by earning a bid to the 68 Ventures Bowl, played at Hancock Whitney Stadium in Mobile.
In the comfort of its own stadium and with the support of its hometown, South Alabama cruised to a 59-10 victory over Eastern Michigan to secure the first bowl championship in school history. True freshman quarterback
Gio Lopez was named the bowl game's MVP after completing 14 passes for 192 yards and three touchdowns to go with 88 rushing yards and an additional score.
Jamaal Pritchett earned Offensive MVP recognition with eight catches for 127 yards and two touchdowns.
Jamie Sheriff earned Defensive MVP honors with four total tackles and two tackles for loss. Kicker
Diego Guajardo connected on an early field goal which won him Special Teams MVP.
The bowl victory gave the Jags a 7-6 record for the year, which secured back-to-back winning seasons for the first time as a fully-eligible FBS program.
Top 2023-24 South Alabama Stories
July 1 - Football Smacks Oklahoma State in Stillwater
July 3 - Francois Prinsloo Wins National Championship in Discus
July 8 - Softball Trio Sets Numerous Records
July 10 - Thyr Claims Second Conference Title
July 16 - Soccer Claims Seventh Regular Season Sun Belt Championship
July 18 - Baseball Secures Road Challenge at #25 Alabama
July 22 - Men's Track and Field Cruises to Second Sun Belt Championship in Three Seasons
July 24 - Marquee Wins Help Softball Earn NCAA Bid
July 26 - Football Wins 68 Ventures Bowl for First Bowl Championship in School History
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