South Alabama travels one state over as a big underdog, and looks to pull off what would be one of the biggest upsets of the early season thus far.
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That’s because South Alabama stunned Mississippi State Saturday, 21-20, when the Bulldogs missed a 28-yard field goal at the buzzer. Mississippi State wide receiver Deddrick Thomas (18) reaches for a touchdown pass against South Alabama cornerback Jalen Thompson (2) in the first half of an NCAA college football game in Starkville, Miss., Saturday, Sept.
“It was just coming out and playing better”, Davis said. “Ever since the beginning of camp, coach has preached playing fast and finishing strong”.
Two days after Appalachian State nearly toppled No. 9 Tennessee before losing in overtime, South Alabama kicked off a season that follows a year full of wild endings. “I’m sure all of them can hold their own, but we just want to make it as easy as we can for them”.
Multiple Jaguars said they weren’t surprised at the outcome – even if most everyone else was. The Bulldogs did have a chance for a game-winning field goal, but Westin Graves’ 28-yard attempt bounced off the left upright in the waning seconds. But he was 0-of-3 on the first two drives, and Dan Mullen went with junior Damian Williams the rest of the way except for a one-play Fitzgerald kneeldown at the end of the first half. The win is the first over a Power Five opponent for the Jaguars since making the transition to FBS football in 2012.
The Jaguars held possession for almost two-thirds of the first half but that didn’t prevent Mississippi State from holding the 17-point edge.
The start of the post-Dak Prescott era in Starkville arguably couldn’t have gone off to a worse start.
Williams was 20-of-28 for 143 yards and a touchdown, and also led the Bulldogs in rushing with 93 yards on 12 carries.
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South Alabama: The Jaguars host Georgia Southern next Saturday in their first Sun Belt game of the season.
