WHAT: South Alabama (5-5, 4-2 Sun Belt) at Southern Miss (1-9, 0-6)

WHEN: 2 p.m., Saturday

WHERE: M.M. Roberts Stadium, Hattiesburg, Miss.

SERIES: South Alabama leads 4-0

TV: None (ESPN+)

LINE: South Alabama by 21.5

THIS GAME WILL DETERMINE IF: South Alabama can get bowl-eligible for the third straight year and stay alive for the Sun Belt West title.

RELATED: After breakthrough win, South Alabama suddenly has plenty to play for

THREE THINGS TO LOOK FOR

1. Can South Alabama play well for four full quarters?

The Jaguars let a commanding fourth-quarter lead get away in a 34-30 loss vs. Georgia Southern on Nov. 2 and nearly did so last week vs. Louisiana before stopping the Ragin’ Cajuns on a two-point attempt with 1:16 remaining to win 24-22. South Alabama has rarely put four good quarters together this season, perhaps not since a 48-14 win at Appalachian State on Sept. 21. Saturday’s game against a 1-win Southern Miss team is probably their best opportunity to do so.

2. Can Jaguars slay the ‘penalty monster’?

South Alabama has committed the most penalties (84) for the most yards (724) in the Sun Belt and is one of the worst teams in the country in both categories. The offensive line and defensive backfield have been especially guilty, with a number of holding, false start and illegal formation fouls short-circuiting offensive drives and pass interference flags leading to opposing points. The best way to keep a less-talented team in the game is to give them additional opportunities, so South Alabama needs to play “cleaner” on Saturday.

3. Will Southern Miss put up a fight?

The Golden Eagles have essentially been playing out the string since head coach Will Hall was fired on Oct. 20, and have not won a game since beating FCS opponent Southeastern Louisiana on Sept. 7. Southern Miss has been especially bad lately, having scored only three points in each of its last two games. If South Alabama gets out to a big early lead on Saturday, the Golden Eagles might mail in another one, the quicker to get to the offseason and hire a new coach who can rebuild the roster and reshape the program.

KEY MATCHUP

South Alabama WR Jamaal Pritchett vs. Southern Miss CBs

Pritchett is one of the best receivers in the country, leading the Sun Belt and in the Top 10 nationally in receptions (73) and yards (939). The Golden Eagles start two redshirt freshmen at cornerback and have allowed 20 touchdown passes, second-worst in the conference.

BY THE NUMBERS

23.2 — Southern Miss’ average margin of defeat in its six Sun Belt games this season. The Golden Eagles’ closest loss in conference play was 23-13 vs. Louisiana on Oct. 5.