Team Profiles
Before diving into the specifics of the South Alabama vs. Arkansas State game, it’s essential to understand the teams involved. South Alabama, based in Mobile, Alabama, is a member of the Sun Belt Conference. The Jaguars have a rich history in college football, with notable seasons and players over the years. Arkansas State, on the other hand, is a member of the Missouri Valley Football Conference and has a storied past, including a national championship in 1964.
Head Coaches
The head coaches of both teams play a crucial role in shaping the game’s outcome. South Alabama’s head coach, Bill Clark, has been with the program since 2016, leading the Jaguars to a 31-27 record. His coaching style emphasizes a strong defense and a balanced offense. Arkansas State’s head coach, Blake Anderson, has been at the helm since 2018, guiding the Red Wolves to a 22-22 record. Anderson’s offensive-minded approach has been a hallmark of his tenure.
Key Players
South Alabama’s key players include quarterback Kellen Mond, who has thrown for over 7,000 yards in his career, and running back Jalen McCleskey, who has rushed for over 2,000 yards. Arkansas State’s standout players are quarterback Brady Amack, who has thrown for over 3,000 yards, and running back Kenneth Gainwell, who has rushed for over 1,000 yards.
Historical Performance
Historically, South Alabama and Arkansas State have faced each other 10 times, with the Red Wolves holding a 6-4 advantage. The most recent meeting took place in 2019, with Arkansas State winning 31-24. This game was a high-scoring affair, with both teams combining for over 55 points.
Recent Performance
In the most recent seasons, both teams have had their ups and downs. South Alabama finished the 2019 season with a 6-6 record, while Arkansas State finished with a 5-7 record. The 2020 season was canceled due to the COVID-19 pandemic, and the 2021 season saw both teams struggle, with South Alabama finishing 3-8 and Arkansas State finishing 2-9.
Game Preview
The upcoming South Alabama vs. Arkansas State game is shaping up to be a highly anticipated matchup. With both teams looking to improve their records, the game promises to be a battle of offense versus defense. Here’s a breakdown of what to expect:
| Position | South Alabama | Arkansas State |
|---|---|---|
| Quarterback | Kellen Mond | Brady Amack |
| Running Back | Jalen McCleskey | Kenneth Gainwell |
| Wide Receiver | Deonte Hardeman | Devin Otten |
| Offensive Line | South Alabama | Arkansas State |
| Defensive Line | South Alabama | Arkansas State |
| Linebackers | South Alabama | Arkansas State |
| Secondary | South Alabama | Arkansas State |
South Alabama’s offense has been a strength, with Mond and McCleskey leading the way. Arkansas State’s offense, led by Amack and Gainwell, has also been productive. On the defensive side, both teams have shown improvement, but there’s still room for growth.
Key Matchups
Several key matchups will determine the outcome of the game. One of the most crucial matchups will be between South Alabama’s defensive line and Arkansas State’s offensive line. The Jaguars’ defensive line has been dominant at times, while the Red Wolves’ offensive line has been inconsistent.
Another key matchup will be between South Alabama’s secondary and Arkansas State’s