WHAT: Arkansas State (5-4, 3-2 Sun Belt) at South Alabama (4-5, 2-3)

WHEN: 4 p.m., Saturday

WHERE: Hancock Whitney Stadium, Mobile

SERIES: Arkansas State leads 6-5

TV: None (ESPN+)

LINE: South Alabama by 13.5

THIS GAME WILL DETERMINE: If South Alabama can stay on track for bowl-eligibility by picking up its fifth win.

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THREE THINGS TO LOOK FOR

1. Will South Alabama’s season-long pattern continue?

Dating to last December’s New Orleans Bowl, South Alabama has followed a pattern of two losses followed by two wins in its last 10 games. So it would stand to reason the Jaguars — who have lost their last two games — should win on Saturday to start another two-game pattern. USA certainly needs to put another game in the win column if it wants to go bowling. Home games the next two weeks vs. Arkansas State and Marshall should both be winnable.

2. Who will start at quarterback for the Jaguars?

Carter Bradley is still slowed with a knee injury, but seemed to be trending toward playing as the week of practice went along. If Bradley can’t go, freshman Gio Lopez would get his second straight start. Lopez had a decent showing vs. Troy last week, passing for 155 yards and rushing for 39. But having Bradley would open up the deep passing game, which is a substantial part of the Jaguars’ offense this season.

3. Can South Alabama contain Jaylen Raynor?

Raynor is one of several impressive freshman quarterbacks in the Sun Belt this season, and Arkansas State’s season turned around the moment he took over under center. He’s capable as both a runner and passer, and the Jaguars must keep him in the pocket to keep the Red Wolves at bay. If Raynor escapes the rush and is running free in the second level, that’s trouble for South Alabama.

KEY MATCHUP

South Alabama running game vs. Arkansas State front seven — The Jaguars controlled last year’s game vs. the Red Wolves on the ground, with La’Damian Webb running for 163 yards and three touchdowns in a 31-3 South Alabama victory. Looks for the Jaguars to try the same tactic this year vs. Arkansas State, which allows 172.8 yards per game rushing, 10th in the Sun Belt.

BY THE NUMBERS

14 — Rushing touchdowns this season for Webb, a South Alabama program record and second nationally behind only Michigan’s Blake Corum, who has 16.