RAPID REACTION: What we learned from the Southeastern Louisiana game

South Alabama took fans on a little bit of an emotional roller coaster ride on Saturday night in their 39-14 season-opening victory. There was the euphoria of racing out to a 19-0 lead over a quality FCS opponent, the terror-inducing stress of watching that opponent tighten the game to a single score at 22-14 and then the endorphin-releasing combination of relief and joy brought on by cruising to a much-needed win.

This Jaguar team is a combination of many new faces, both on the roster and among the coaching staff, and changing roles and philosophies. The results were promising but here are the elements I found to stand out the most:

The Offensive Identity Will Remain Terrestrial

When Kane Wommack arrived in 2021 with Major Applewhite as his offensive coordinator, he decreed that the Jaguars would run the ball, something Coach Applewhite very much believed (and still believes) in as well. Whether the quarterback was a pocket passer (Jake Bentley/Carter Bradley) or a dual threat (Gio Lopez/Bishop Davenport), the ground game would always lead the way. That remained true against Southeastern Louisiana as they ran the ball 59 times as opposed to passing it only 27. That ratio isn't a true reflection of the playcalling by Applewhite, who is now his offensive coordinator, as 17 of the last 18 plays were called runs as the Jags salted the game away, but 42-26 still shows where this team will base its attack. Kudos all around to the running backs that played, particularly PJ Martin. Finally healthy, he set the tone last night and seems poised to be the leader of a very effective rotation.

The New Defense Was There But Bigger Tests Await

The new defense under Todd Orlando did well initially, but SELA made some nice adjustments and started moving the ball. Orlando countered them and shut them down the rest of the way. SELA rushed for 248 yards and 4.9 yards per carry in a 34-28 loss to Houston Christian in the opener, but USA held them to 45 yards on the ground and 2.6 yards per carry, with 35 of those yards coming on two carries with outstanding individual efforts by the Lion backs. Keying on the run did lead to opportunities in the passing game, which SELA took advantage of, especially with throws to their tight end. We knew that the pressure defense that has been installed would require strong coverage on the back end and we saw what will happen if that isn't the case. For a first game it was overall a very nice performance. It will need to improve, but there is every reason to assume that there was more in Orlando's bag last night that he didn't use in order to have some surprises left for the stronger competition that awaits.

Youth Is Being Served...Already

We knew coming into the year that the reality of G6 football at our income level meant that the recruiting class needed to hit on some incoming freshmen that could contribute right away. That mission looks accomplished. Eight different true freshmen (not that there are redshirt freshmen anymore, but old habits die hard - see what I did there....we're on the Diehard Sports Network now!) played last night with one of them, linebacker Xavious Anderson Jr starting and contributing three tackles. Running back Caleb Wynn (three carries for 22 yards) and tight end Julius Mathis got snaps on offense late in the game and the rest mostly contributed on special teams with safeties Teryn Green (two tackles) and Camen Upshaw (one tackle), linebackers Perry Hand II (one tackle) and Zech Hall, and offensive lineman Artem Korchagin Jr getting their first exposure to college football. More members of the Class of 2026 will make their debuts as this season wears on. Count on it.

More is Needed, But Is On The Way

Yes, the overall performance was good, but also yes, the competition gets much tougher from here on out. However, there is every reason to expect even better results going forward. The old adage, which we've heard repeatedly over the last week, is that a team improves the most from week one to week two. That seemed to be the case for SELA as their ball security was much better, despite the two interceptions. South Alabama should be able to count on that improvement as well, particularly because of the new defense. You can implement and practice schemes all that you want, but it's not until they are put into practice against an opponent do the changes really sink in for some of the players. Despite his vast experience as an offensive coordinator, this was Major Applewhite's first time calling plays from field level. That is a big change that he has to adjust to and it's possible we saw that play out in real time last night. The opening, scripted drives went very smoothly, the subsequent ones were less effective, and then the offense found its footing from the mid-third quarter on. Like I suspect for Orlando, I believe there were things held back by Applewhite last night and I expect to see some differences going forward, particularly extending the range of the passing game. Another reason to expect improvement throughout the season is the expected return of several key players from injury in the weeks to come. On defense, linebackers Tirrell Johnson and Caleb Dozier and defensive lineman Emmanuel Waller will all play significantly, if not start, when they are back. Offensively, freshman wide receiver has shown he can be a contributor and every Jaguar fan knows what receiver Anthony Eager can add to the attack with his size, speed and skills. Eager played snaps as the gunner on special teams against SELA with his hand in a club to protect a healing finger injury, but he is expected back at full participation before too much longer.

The next challenge for the Jaguars will be on Saturday, Sept. 12 at Tulane (0-1). Last year's two-point loss to the eventual College Football Playoff participant still stings, but there is an outstanding opportunity for redemption waiting in New Orleans.