Jaguars over Bears, South Alabama Wins Season Opener

An ugly start by the Jags didn’t come back to bite them, as a strong second half propels South Alabama over Morgan State 38-21 in the season opener.

The game started with what would be a common theme for both teams: a fumble.

Morgan State recovered the first one, though, and did not let it affect them. The Bears quickly drove into the redzone with a few big passes by quarterback Kobe Muasau. South Alabama would force a 3rd and Goal, but a pass interference gave Morgan State a fresh set of downs, where they proceeded to score on a Jason Collins Jr. touchdown run.

The Jags would respond quickly though, driving 75 yards in just 3:35 seconds to tie the game up, 7-7, following a touchdown run by Kentrell Bullock.

Fumbles continued being a big story through the end of the first half. Following the touchdown and a quick three-and-out, the Jags drove down the field and got the ball back into Morgan State territory– before a Bishop Davenport fumble would be recovered by the Bears. Just two plays later, South’s RJ Moss Jr. would recover a Morgan State fumble and put the Jags in the redzone.

Morgan State’s defense would do their job, though, holding the Jags to a field goal.

After a couple of three-and-outs by both teams, Morgan State would fumble yet again giving the Jags great field position. South Alabama would capitalize a few plays later with an Anthony Eager touchdown reception putting the Jags up 17-7.

Morgan State would follow this up with drive right down the field, throwing the ball well. Unfortunately the Bears turned the ball over yet again, once again in the redzone. South Alabama would let the clock run and headed into the half up 17-7.

South Alabama received the ball to start the second half, and proceeded to drive right down the field scoring a quick touchdown, throwing just one pass on the 10-play drive. With South up 24-14, Morgan State, aided by a couple big penalties by the Jags, would respond with a 10-play touchdown drive of their own, scoring on another Collins Jr. touchdown run.

The fourth quarter would open with a three and out by both teams before a great punt return by Devin Voisin, in which it looked as if he had a touchdown. However, he was called out at the 4-yard line on what was a questionable call at best and upheld even after review.

Justice for our king @Devinvoisin 🥲 https://t.co/x7SIPmrIfc pic.twitter.com/8kqGsiVmOh

— South Alabama Football 🏈 (@SouthAlabamaFB) August 31, 2025

Regardless, South would quickly put it in the endzone on a Kentrell Bullock touchdown rush. Both teams would score one more touchdown after this to finish things off with South Alabama winning 38-21.

Offensively, it was a very different look for South Alabama compared to what we saw last year. The offensive playcalling featured a number of play action passes and deep shots in 2024. However, this game primarily featured inside runs and many short passes under new offensive coordinator Paul Petrino.

“We came into the game knowing that we’re breaking in a new quarterback, some knew wideouts and some guys experienced running the ball. We wanted to just be deliberate in what we called,” said Coach Applewhite. “We didn’t really test the field vertically, [tonight] we really played more ball control offensively.”

It didn’t seem to impact them too much though, as South Alabama would end the game with 367 yards of offense. They were primarily driven by senior running back Kentrell Bullock’s 23 rushes for 127 yards, averaging 5.5 yards per carry and two touchdowns. Devin Voisin led the receivers with seven receptions, 69 yards, and a touchdown. New starting quarterback Bishop Davenport threw for 166 yards, 12 completions, and two touchdowns on 14 attempts. Defensively, South Alabama was led by sophomore Ty Goodwill, who in his first start totaled 11 tackles and four pass breakups.

Morgan State totaled 340 yards of offense, 159 of those passing yards, 181 rushing yards. The bears were led offensively by MEAC preseason player of the year Jason Collins Jr. who ran for 83 yards and two touchdowns.

When looking at the main thing the Jags can improve on, fumbles and penalties were a big issue tonight for South Alabama. South had a total of three fumbles and eight penalties for 50 yards in the game.

“The number of turnovers, the number of loose balls. We’re getting ready to play a really good team. We have to clean a lot of stuff up before next week,” said Coach Applewhite.

Next week South Alabama will be facing a really good team indeed, as they will host a John Sumrall-led Tulane team who shut down Northwestern 23-3 in their season opener. That game will kickoff in Mobile on Saturday, Sept. 6 at 6 p.m. on ESPN+.