Jaguar buzz: South Alabama travels to Oklahoma State
WHAT: South Alabama (1-1) at Oklahoma State (2-0)
WHEN: 6 p.m., Saturday
WHERE: Boone Pickens Stadium, Stillwater, Okla.
SERIES: Oklahoma State leads 2-0
TV: None (ESPN+)
LINE: Oklahoma State by 7
THIS GAME WILL DETERMINE: If South Alabama can record its second-ever victory over a Power 5 opponent.
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THREE THINGS TO LOOK FOR
1. Is La’Damian Webb ready for a full workload?
Webb has been limited to just 16 carries through the first two games following offseason surgery, but was highly productive in a reduced role vs. Southeastern Louisiana. He appears to be trending toward 100% health, and if he’s ready to produce at the level he was late in the 2022 regular season, that would go a long way toward South Alabama’s chances to win on Saturday.
2. Can the Jaguars’ secondary avoid the big plays?
Explosive plays by the opposition have been a huge problem for the Jaguars through two games, with even FCS Southeastern Louisiana hitting multiple throws down the field. South Alabama has been banged up in the secondary this season, but will continue to get picked on in the passing game until it proves it can stop the deep ball.
3. What will Oklahoma State’s quarterback rotation look like?
The Cowboys have rotated Garret Rangel, Alan Bowman and Gunnar Gundy under center in the first two games, and are expected to do so again vs. South Alabama. Rangel started in Week 1 and Bowman in Week 2, which means Gundy (the son of Cowboys head coach Mike Gundy) might get the nod against the Jaguars.
KEY MATCHUP
Oklahoma State offensive line vs. South Alabama defensive line: The Cowboys start four seniors and a junior on the offensive line, but haven’t gotten much push in the running game. The Jaguars are deep and experienced on the defensive line, and have been one of the toughest teams to run on in the country the last two years.
BY THE NUMBERS
1-13 — South Alabama’s all-time record vs. Power 5 competition, with the lone win at Mississippi State in 2016.