WHAT: South Alabama (0-1) at Ohio (0-1)

WHEN: 5 p.m., Saturday

WHERE: Peden Stadium, Athens, Ohio

SERIES: First meeting

TV: None (ESPN+)

LINE: South Alabama by 2

THIS GAME WILL DETERMINE IF: South Alabama can avoid an 0-2 start to the season for the first time since 2018.

RELATED: Fluff Bothwell making early impact for South Alabama

THREE THINGS TO LOOK FOR

1. Can South Alabama’s defense show improvement?

The Jaguars were burned repeatedly by North Texas last week, giving up 38 points in the second half and 550 total yards in the game. The good news is that Ohio doesn’t throw the ball nearly as effectively as the Mean Green did, so perhaps South Alabama’s defense will be able to get off the field more consistently.

2. Will the Jaguars’ offense remain in high gear?

As poor as the South Alabama defense was in its opener, the offense was that explosive and exciting. Gio Lopez gave the Jaguars a run-pass dimension at quarterback they’ve never had, and the receiver corps — led by senior Jamaal Pritchett — put up big numbers. The offense might have to continue to carry South Alabama for now.

3. Will Ohio stay on the ground again this week?

The Bobcats rushed for 255 yards as a team in a loss at Syracuse last week, including 206 and two touchdowns by Northwestern transfer Anthony Tyus. Ohio’s offense has is built around the running game under fourth-year head coach Tim Albin, but one wonders if they will not take to the air against South Alabama’s porous pass defense.

KEY MATCHUP

Ohio center Parker Titsworth vs. South Alabama nose guard Wy’Kevious Thomas

Titsworth is the Bobcats’ top lineman, and perhaps the key to their running game. Thomas is the Jaguars’ top defensive lineman, and the key to stopping the run.

BY THE NUMBERS

3-1 — South Alabama’s all-time record on the road vs. members of the Mid-American Conference. The Jaguars won at Central Michigan in 2022 and at Bowling Green in 2021, but lost at Kent State in 2011.