South Alabama is a unique team to play because they are a "transitional" team. They are in the process of moving from FCS to FBS. For 2012, they aren't full FBS members, but this game will count as a game vs. a FBS school for Mississippi State. In 2013, USA will join the Sun Belt and be a member of the FBS.
Prior to 2009, there was no South Alabama football history. In their inaugural season they played 7 games against the likes of Hargrave, Georgia Military Academy, Huntingdon College, etc. But hey, they stomped all of those teams. In 2010, they stepped up the competition slightly but still won every game en route to a 10-0 season. Last year, they played some Division II, mostly FCS and N.C. State. The Wolfpack beat them 35-13....overall USA went 6-4. So in 3 years, they are 23-4 in games against every division known to man.
It's hard to project how good this team is. They have won a lot in their first three years but they've only played one FBS game. Their players have the measurables, their offensive line averages 6'-4", 300+...all other positions stack up in height and weight.
- The Jaguar's QB, C.J. Bennett, threw for 1,640 yards last year; 7 TDs & 17 INTS
- Leading RB Kendall Houston rushed for 558 years in 2011
- They will be running a spread offense
- Return 9 starters on defense, 6 on offense
- Their head coach, Joey Jones, was an All-SEC receiver at Alabama in the early 80s
- Kicker's last name is Chapuseaux. I don't know how to say that.
- Phil Steele says they have a secondary worthy of top Sun Belt billing, their defensive line isn't their strong suit though