South Alabama Jaguars

South Alabama's offense looked sharp in the season opener, a 39-14 win over Southeastern Louisiana. Quarterback Bishop Davenport completed 18 of 27 passes for 154 yards and a touchdown, adding a 2-yard rushing score, and the Jaguars piled up 241 rushing yards and three touchdowns on the ground. PJ Martin led the way with 69 yards on 18 carries, while Brendan Jenkins caught a 26-yard touchdown pass on the game's opening drive. The offensive line, which returned just one starter but added transfer experience, held up well. Davenport, who completed 68% of his passes last season, looks comfortable in Major Applewhite's system, and the receiving corps, featuring Jenkins, Anthony Eager, and gadget threat Micah Woods, gives him reliable targets. This unit should continue to be the team's strength.

The Jaguars' defense, overhauled under new coordinator Todd Orlando, allowed just 14 points in the opener, but the competition was an FCS opponent. South Alabama lost All-Sun Belt corner Nehemiah Chandler to Florida State, several defensive linemen to the portal, and key contributors at linebacker and safety. The front seven now relies on FCS transfers like Mase Lewis and Dylan Chiedo, while the secondary features unproven safeties Cole Blaylock and Dallas Young. The Jaguars did intercept two passes against Southeastern Louisiana, but they also gave up 186 passing yards and two touchdowns. The real test comes against Tulane, a more talented offense, and the defense's ability to hold up against FBS competition remains the biggest unknown of the season.

Kicker Davis Little was perfect in the opener, making all three of his field goal attempts, including a 26-yarder, and the punting game, led by Aleksi Pulkkinen, who averaged 40.4 yards per punt last season, looks solid. Keenan Phillips is expected to handle kick returns after returning three kicks last year. In a season where the defense is rebuilding and the offense is still finding its rhythm, reliable special teams play can be a difference-maker in close games. Little's performance in Week 1 suggests he has locked down the kicking job, and the Jaguars should have an edge in the kicking game most weeks.

Head coach Major Applewhite is in his third season at South Alabama, with an 11-14 record over his first two years. After a 7-6 bowl-winning debut, the Jaguars slipped to 4-8 last season, and this year's roster has undergone significant turnover, especially on defense. The offense, with Davenport back and a solid supporting cast, is expected to improve, but the defense's rebuild leaves many questions. The opener was a positive step, but the schedule gets tougher with a road game at Tulane in Week 2. Applewhite's ability to mold this new-look roster into a competitive Sun Belt team will define his tenure, and the next few weeks will reveal whether the Jaguars can exceed expectations or face another challenging season.

South Alabama's Week 2 matchup at Tulane, where they are a 9.5-point underdog, will be a significant early-season measuring stick. The Jaguars have not faced an FBS opponent yet, and Tulane, despite an 0-1 start, is a more talented and physical team than Southeastern Louisiana. The offense will need to maintain its efficiency against a stiffer defense, while the rebuilt defense will face its first real challenge. A competitive showing, even in a loss, would signal that the Jaguars are on the right track. A blowout loss, however, would raise concerns about the defense's readiness for Sun Belt play. This game will set the tone for the rest of the season and provide a clearer picture of where South Alabama stands.