5 Questions on South Alabama; Medlock Update

A little early in the week for "5 Questions", but that's because T.Y. Hilton will join us on here in the next day or two. I also have the return of "The Other Game" with a new FIU opponent in South Alabama on deck.

First, your Jake Medlock update for Tuesday. Medlock practiced again without any issues Tuesday morning. I had a chance to speak with the Panthers quarterback after practice and he said he's "good to go". Medlock showed me the hand he hit on the helmet of one of his offensive linemen against WKU on Saturday and the swelling has gone down completely. He will start against the Jaguars Saturday.

South Alabama (2-6, 1-3 in Sun Belt) is in its fourth year of football and second and final transition year into Division I football. The Jaguars are playing a Sun Belt Conference schedule this season, but are not eligible for the conference title because of being in transition from FCS to FBS college football.

The Jaguars have shown some life of late in SBC play after settling on a starting quarterback. SA defeated Florida Atlantic earlier this year for its first Sun Belt and FBS win, and scored some points in losses to Arkansas State and ULM. For more on the Jags, here is Tommy Hicks of the Mobile-Press Register to answer "5 Questions on South Alabama" . . . .

1. Tell us a little about the South Alabama offense. What are its strengths and where have they had issues this season?

TH: South Alabama's offense has improved in recent games. It is a new spread offensive attack put in this season by first-year offensive coordinator Robert Matthews and since the Jags went away from a two-quarterback system three games ago it has shown more consistency. There are pluses, but the team has to perform better with third-down conversions.

2. What kind of defense do the Jaguars feature and who are some of their playmakers?

TH: The defense is aggressive and active. Linebacker Jake Johnson is the group's best player and he has a lot of help at linebacker in Enrique Williams and Clifton Crews. B.J. Scott at safety and ends Pat Moore and Alex Page are having good seasons.

3. The Jaguars football program got off to a great start winning their first 19 games when football began in 2009 as an FCS member. How quickly do you envision South Alabama contending for bowl games and Sun Belt titles?

TH: I believe the Jags will have an impact in the league fairly quickly. They can now recruit up to the 85-player scholarship limit on a consistent basis and they have done a good job of redshirting talent for the future. The built their winning streak against JUCOs and prep schools the first year but each season afterward have added tougher and tougher schedules. This year's 13-game schedule has just one non-FBS opponent. As evidence in how they played against Arkansas State and Monroe, two of the league's better teams this year, even in losses, it's clear the Jags have made good strides, though there is still a lot of work ahead.

4. What are the thoughts around the Jaguars about FIU and the season the Sun Belt's preseason favorite has had?

TH: I haven't heard the team or coaching staff talk about FIU, to be honest. But they haven't practiced this week yet either (Tuesday afternoon is first practice). The talk among fans is that they are surprised FIU is struggling this season, especially based on the last couple of seasons.

5. Your prediction for Saturday's game?

TH: I'm going to pick the Jags to win. Let's go with 27-24.