South Alabama Football Surges: Latest Scores, Rankings & Must-Watch Highlights

South Alabama football fans have a rare Tuesday-night spotlight this week as the Jaguars welcome Sun Belt foe Arkansas State to Hancock Whitney Stadium in Mobile. Kickoff is set for 6:30 p.m. CT on ESPN2, giving Jag Nation a mid-week national platform just when momentum is desperately needed. The matchup marks head coach Major Applewhite’s first nationally-televised home game since taking the reins, and he’s looking to spark a turnaround after a frustrating 1-5 start. South Alabama’s lone win came on opening weekend, but the offense has shown flashes behind quarterback Gio Lopez and all-purpose dynamo Devin Voisin. The challenge has been finishing drives; the Jags are converting just 32 percent of their red-zone trips into touchdowns, the second-lowest rate in the league. Arkansas State (2-4) arrives riding the arm of red-shirt freshman QB Jaxon Dailey and the legs of tailback Ja’Quez Cross. The Red Wolves have been vulnerable on defense—allowing 438 yards per game—but they’re opportunistic, forcing eight takeaways in the last three contests. Key Matchups to Watch • Third-Down Efficiency: South Alabama owns a league-worst 26 percent conversion rate, while Arkansas State’s defense ranks 11th in the Sun Belt on third down. Something has to give, and sustained drives could dictate tempo. • Explosive Plays: Applewhite’s attack averages 6.4 yards per play when Voisin touches the ball but just 4.1 otherwise. Expect creative motions and jet sweeps designed to spring the veteran slot receiver into space. • Pass Rush vs. Freshman QB: Jaguar edge rusher Wy’Kevious Thomas (4.5 sacks) faces a Red Wolf front that has allowed 18 sacks in six games. Pressure could flip the turnover script. Injury Report South Alabama may be without starting left tackle Cam Stutsman (ankle) and safety Yam Banks (concussion protocol). Arkansas State lists linebacker Omarion Bridges as questionable with a shoulder issue. Betting Odds & TV Details Most sportsbooks opened South Alabama as a 3.5-point favorite with the total hovering around 57.5. The Jaguars are 0-4 against the spread in conference play this season, while Arkansas State has covered three straight. Fans can stream the game on the ESPN app or tune in via ESPN2. Why This Game Matters Beyond snapping a three-game skid, a victory would keep South Alabama’s slim bowl hopes alive; six wins are still mathematically possible with five Sun Belt games remaining. It’s also pivotal for recruiting, as several Mobile-area blue-chip prospects are expected to attend under the lights. How to Attend Single-game tickets remain available starting at $18 through the USAJaguars.com ticket portal. Gates open at 4:30 p.m., and the university is hosting a “White Out,” encouraging fans to wear white for a national-TV visual punch. Bottom Line With ESPN cameras rolling and conference stakes rising, Tuesday night offers South Alabama football a golden reset button. If the Jaguars clean up red-zone woes and harass Dailey early, Applewhite could celebrate his first Sun Belt win—and put the rest of the league on notice that the rebuild in Mobile is ahead of schedule.