WHAT: Louisiana-Monroe (2-4, 1-2 Sun Belt) at South Alabama (4-1, 1-0)

WHEN: 6 p.m., Saturday

WHERE: Hancock Whitney Stadium, Mobile

SERIES: ULM leads 4-3

TV: NFL Network

LINE: South Alabama by 17

THIS GAME WILL DETERMINE: If South Alabama can hold onto sole possession of first place in the Sun Belt Conference West Division.

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THREE THINGS TO LOOK FOR

1. Will South Alabama come out sharp after open date?

The Jaguars haven’t played since Oct. 1, and didn’t look particularly locked in during the early stages of a 20-17 victory over Louisiana on that day. But they’ve come out fast in every other game, in particular at home vs. Nicholls and Louisiana Tech. If the Jaguars get off to a good start on Saturday, it’s unlikely ULM will be able to keep up.

2. Can Jaguars contain ULM QB Chandler Rogers?

Rogers torched the Jaguars for 363 yards and four touchdowns as a freshman last season, one of the more inexplicable letdowns by the “Swarm D” during head coach Kane Wommack’s tenure. The Warhawks haven’t been quite as explosive this season, but still, keeping Rogers in the pocket and forcing him into mistake throws is going to be a big key this week.

3. Will injured South Alabama players return?

Linebacker Quentin Wilfawn, cornerback Jamar Richardson, tight end Brandon Crum and offensive guard Dontae Lucas have all been practicing this week and are on track to return vs. ULM after missing various amounts of time in recent weeks. More questionable is running back Braylon McReynolds, also the Jaguars’ top kickoff return man. We will likely see more of Omni Wells and Marco Lee when starting running back La’Damian Webb needs a breather.

KEY MATCHUP

ULM WR Boogie Knight vs. South Alabama DB Yam Banks: Knight missed last week’s game vs. Coastal Carolina with a concussion, but is expected to play on Saturday. He often works out of the slot, where he’d be matched up with Banks, who has made numerous big plays in coverage this season.

BY THE NUMBERS

92.6 — Rushing yards per game this season for Webb, on pace for a South Alabama program record.