South Alabama vs. Eastern Michigan Short Report | Dec 23, 2023
Hancock Whitney Stadium
Mobile, AL
Dec 23, 2023
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Game Recap
The South Alabama Jaguars secured their first-ever bowl victory by trouncing the Eastern Michigan Eagles 59-10 in the 68 Ventures Bowl, held at Hancock Whitney Stadium in Mobile. South Alabama's impressive offense, led by freshman Gio Lopez, scored on their first three possessions and built a commanding 38-3 halftime lead, ultimately outgaining the Eagles 627 yards to 150. The Jaguars' balanced attack overwhelmed Eastern Michigan, showcasing dominance both through the air and on the ground.
Lopez, who shared quarterback duties with Desmond Trotter, shined by completing 14 of 19 passes for 192 yards and three touchdowns, while also rushing for 88 yards and another score. Wide receiver Jamaal Pritchett starred with 127 receiving yards and two touchdowns, stepping up in the absence of All-Sun Belt receiver Caullin Lacy. On defense, South Alabama stifled Eastern Michigan, holding them to just 10 first downs and under 100 total yards until the final minutes. Eastern Michigan's offensive struggles were compounded by missing their starting quarterback and being severely outmatched, leading to a comprehensive Jaguars win despite playing as the nominal away team on their home field.
Key Plays:
Diego Guajardo (South Alabama Jaguars)
Diego Guajardo kicked a 46-yard field goal to open the scoring for South Alabama. This set the tone for a dominant performance by the Jaguars, as they scored on their first three possessions.
Desmond Trotter (South Alabama Jaguars)
Desmond Trotter passed to DJ Thomas-Jones for a 3-yard touchdown, extending the Jaguars' lead to 10-0. This was part of a drive that showcased the Jaguars' balanced attack both through the air and on the ground.
Gio Lopez (South Alabama Jaguars)
Gio Lopez passed to Jamaal Pritchett for a 5-yard touchdown, increasing the margin to 17-0. This marked Lopez's first scoring play of the game as he began to establish his rhythm.
Jesús Gómez (Eastern Michigan Eagles)
Jesús Gómez kicked a 49-yard field goal, putting Eastern Michigan on the scoreboard with a score of 17-3. This came after a Joe Sparacio interception, offering a brief moment of promise for the Eagles.
Kentrel Bullock (South Alabama Jaguars)
Kentrel Bullock rushed for a 17-yard touchdown, adding to the Jaguars' lead and making it 24-3. This play highlighted the Jaguars' dominant ground game.
Gio Lopez (South Alabama Jaguars)
Gio Lopez connected with DJ Thomas-Jones for a 20-yard touchdown pass, extending the Jaguars' lead to 31-3. This touchdown illustrated Lopez's accuracy and Thomas-Jones' reliability in the red zone.
Gio Lopez (South Alabama Jaguars)
Gio Lopez threw a 42-yard touchdown pass to Jamaal Pritchett, increasing the Jaguars' lead to 38-3. This play further showcased Lopez's deep ball abilities and Pritchett's speed.
Desmond Trotter (South Alabama Jaguars)
Desmond Trotter rushed for a 3-yard touchdown, pushing the score to 45-3. This demonstrated the Jaguars' ability to capitalize in the red zone through a mixture of plays.
Gio Lopez (South Alabama Jaguars)
Gio Lopez displayed his dual-threat capability by rushing for a 27-yard touchdown, bringing the score to 52-3. This highlighted his versatility and athleticism.
PJ Martin (South Alabama Jaguars)
PJ Martin rushed for a 6-yard touchdown, capping a dominant quarter and further extending the Jaguars' lead to 59-3. This score reflected the depth of South Alabama's running game.
Cam'Ron McCoy (Eastern Michigan Eagles)
Cam'Ron McCoy rushed for a 10-yard touchdown, earning a consolation score for Eastern Michigan. This reduced the deficit to 59-10, but came too late to alter the game's outcome.
Standout Players:
Gio Lopez (South Alabama Jaguars, QB)
As the MVP of the game, Lopez completed 14 of 19 passes for 192 yards and three touchdowns while also leading the Jaguars with 88 rushing yards and scoring a rushing touchdown, underscoring his dual-threat capabilities.
Jamaal Pritchett (South Alabama Jaguars, WR)
Stepping up in place of the transferred Caullin Lacy, Pritchett caught eight passes for 127 yards and two touchdowns, significantly contributing to the Jaguars' air attack.
Desmond Trotter (South Alabama Jaguars, QB)
With starting quarterback Carter Bradley out, Trotter threw a touchdown and rushed for another, showcasing his versatility and leadership on the field.
Kentrel Bullock (South Alabama Jaguars, RB)
Bullock was efficient and impactful, rushing for 68 yards and a touchdown on just six carries, further solidifying the Jaguars' dominant ground game.
DJ Thomas-Jones (South Alabama Jaguars, TE)
Thomas-Jones was a reliable target in the red zone, scoring two touchdowns and contributing crucially to the Jaguars' scoring drives.
Jesús Gómez (Eastern Michigan Eagles, K)
Gomez managed to put the Eagles on the scoreboard with a 49-yard field goal, providing one of the few bright spots in a challenging game for Eastern Michigan.
References:
2023 68 Ventures Bowl Game Recap: South Alabama Jaguars 59, Eastern Michigan Eagles 10 - Hustle Belt
South Alabama Jaguars vs. Eastern Michigan Eagles Box Score and Stats - December 23, 2023 | FOX Sports
Football vs Eastern Michigan on 12/23/2023 - Box Score - University of South Alabama Athletics
Lance Does: 2023 68 Ventures Bowl (South Alabama Jaguars vs. Eastern Michigan Eagles) - YouTube
Highlights: Eastern Michigan 10-59 South Alabama in NCAAF | December 23, 2023 - VAVEL USA
Team
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South Alabama Jaguars
17
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21
0
59
Eastern Michigan Eagles
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10
