South Alabama’s football team lost to Troy 31-24 in an overtime game at Veterans Memorial Stadium on Saturday night. The Jaguars managed to tie the game late in regulation but were unable to score or stop Troy in the extra period.
The defeat leaves South Alabama with a 1-5 overall record and 0-2 in Sun Belt Conference play.
Troy opened the scoring with a touchdown, but South Alabama answered with a 33-yard touchdown pass from Bishop Davenport to Micah Woods. In the second quarter, Nehemiah Chandler intercepted a pass in the end zone, preventing another Troy score. At halftime, Troy led 14-7.
Early in the third quarter, Dominic Wiseman forced a fumble that Christopher Wallace Jr. recovered for South Alabama’s second takeaway of the night. The Jaguars converted this turnover into a 40-yard field goal by Hamilton DiBoyan, narrowing Troy’s lead to four points.
Davenport later ran for a 56-yard touchdown, giving South Alabama its first lead at 17-14. However, Troy responded with ten straight points before Davenport connected with Kentrel Bullock on a 15-yard swing pass for a touchdown, tying the game and sending it into overtime.
In overtime, Troy scored on its first possession and then stopped South Alabama on fourth down to secure the win.
Statistically, Troy outgained South Alabama 420 yards to 369. While South Alabama had more rushing yards (265) than Troy (217), their passing attack was less effective with only 104 yards compared to Troy’s 203. Penalties were an issue for South Alabama as they committed seven penalties for 45 yards; Troy had three penalties for just 15 yards. Despite these challenges, South Alabama won the turnover battle by forcing two takeaways and not committing any turnovers themselves.
Micah Woods’ first-quarter touchdown was his first career score and only his second reception as a Jaguar. Chandler’s interception marked both his first at USA and the team’s first since their season opener against Morgan State. Davenport’s rushing touchdown was his third of this season and fourth of his career; it was also his longest run so far at USA.
Tirrell Johnson set a new personal best with eight solo tackles during the game. This matchup was also notable as it marked South Alabama’s first overtime contest since 2021.
After the game, head coach Major Applewhite said: “Ultimately disappointed. Disappointed in the way the game finished. When we got it into overtime, I thought we had an opportunity there. I thought our defense did an outstanding job all night. Had a few explosives, one before half that was costly, it was a big momentum swing. But for the most part played well. Got them off the field and got two takeaways. We’ve got to do a better job as an offense capitalizing on those takeaways.”
South Alabama will next face Arkansas State at home on October 14 in a nationally televised game on ESPN2 starting at 6:30 p.m. CT.
