WHAT: South Alabama (2-3, 0-1 Sun Belt) at Louisiana-Monroe (2-2, 0-1)

WHEN: 6 p.m., Saturday

WHERE: Malone Stadium, Monroe, La.

SERIES: ULM leads 5-4

TV: None (ESPN+)

LINE: South Alabama by 10

THIS GAME WILL DETERMINE: If South Alabama can finally snap the curse of Malone Stadium and win at ULM for the first time in five tries.

READ MORE SOUTH ALABAMA FOOTBALL

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THREE THINGS TO LOOK FOR

1. Can South Alabama’s offense get off to a good start?

The Jaguars barely moved the ball early vs. James Madison last week, resulting in an early 14-0 hole they couldn’t climb out of. South Alabama has made good halftime adjustments both offensively and defensively this year, but would be better served to play well in the first half.

2. Can the Jaguars’ defense tackle better in the open field?

South Alabama’s defensive problems this season haven’t been all about busted coverages. There has been some shoddy tackling downfield as well, leading to two long touchdowns by James Madison last week and some late quarterback heroics by Central Michigan the week before. Sound fundamentals are a key to success for the Jaguars this week.

3. Will Caullin Lacy continue his excellent recent run?

Lacy has totaled four straight 100-yard games, including 139 against JMU last week. The Mobile native has continued to excel despite a season-ending injury to fellow receiver Devin Voisin, and is averaging 17.7 yards per catch with five touchdowns. Lacy had 12 catches for 133 yards and a touchdown vs. ULM last year, so look for him to come up big again on Saturday.

KEY MATCHUP

South Alabama CBs vs. ULM WR Tyrone Howell: Howell blistered South Alabama for nine catches, 244 yards and three touchdowns in 2022, and that was a Jaguars team that included future NFL cornerback Darrell Luter. Current corners Marquise Robinson and Ricky Fletcher will have their hands full with the 6-foot-3, 200-pound Howell.

BY THE NUMBERS

0 — Punt return yards allowed by South Alabama this season, which obviously ranks No. 1 in the country.