South Alabama opened its 2025 football season with a 38-21 win over Morgan State in Mobile on Saturday night. The Jaguars delivered key plays on offense, defense, and special teams to secure the victory and begin the year 1-0.
The Jaguars scored first when Kentrel Bullock finished an 11-play, 80-yard drive with a one-yard touchdown run late in the first quarter. Shortly after, freshman E’Mauri Smiley forced a fumble that RJ Moss recovered, leading to a field goal by Hamilton DiBoyan and South Alabama’s first lead of the game.
Before halftime, Anthony Eager took a jet sweep from Bishop Davenport for a 19-yard touchdown, putting South Alabama ahead 17-7. After halftime, PJ Martin added another score with a three-yard run at the end of a 10-play drive.
Devin Voisin contributed on special teams by returning a punt 46 yards to set up another Bullock touchdown. On Morgan State’s next possession, Christopher Wallace Jr. recovered a fumble; Davenport immediately connected with Voisin for a 31-yard touchdown pass to put the game out of reach.
Quarterback Bishop Davenport completed 13 of his 15 passes during the game. The Jaguars’ defense forced four turnovers while only giving up one themselves and recorded ten tackles for loss.
Kentrel Bullock ran for over 100 yards for the fifth time in his career, finishing with 127 yards. Wesley Miller had his fifth career interception, Ty Goodwill set a personal best with eleven tackles, and Voisin scored his first touchdown in two seasons.
Head coach Major Applewhite said after the game: “Just had a good talk with the team in the locker room. Told them we’re always grateful to win. But at the same time, we’re very honest with ourselves. Very proud that we won the ball game. Very proud of the way our guys came together and played.”
Quarterback Bishop Davenport added: “It feels great. We can’t take it for granted starting 1-0. It’s good for momentum for the season, now we just have to build from there.”
Wide receiver Devin Voisin reflected on scoring: “There was a lot of emotions going into it. I was excited. The first thing I thought about was my family. That’s why I pointed up. It’s just a really good feeling.”
Safety Ty Goodwill commented on his performance: “It felt great just being around the ball and being able to tackle. First start, so I was a little nervous, but I got used to it.”
Linebacker Blayne Myrick said: “We came in and did what we needed to do to get the win, but there’s a lot of stuff we need to week on. This week’s going to be big, preparing ourselves for our next opponent.”
The Jaguars will play their next game at home against Tulane on September 6 at Hancock Whitney Stadium. Tulane began its season with a win over Northwestern.
