South Alabama Falls to North Texas 36–22 in Road Battle

September 27, 2025 - DENTON, Texas - South Alabama's road trip to undefeated North Texas ended in a 36–22 loss Saturday afternoon at DATCU Stadium, as the Jaguars struggled to contain Mean Green running back Caleb Hawkins and missed key opportunities in the second half. The defeat drops South Alabama to 1–4 on the season, with Sun Belt play looming.

🔹 Hawkins Dominates in All Phases

North Texas running back Caleb Hawkins was the difference-maker, racking up 218 total yards and three touchdowns-two on the ground and one through the air. His 68-yard screen pass touchdown in the third quarter broke the game open, and his 27-yard scoring run in the final minutes sealed the win.

South Alabama's defense had no answer for Hawkins, who broke multiple tackles and consistently extended drives. The Mean Green improved to 5–0, continuing their best start in program history.

🔹 Jaguars Show Fight, But Fall Short

Quarterback Bishop Davenport led a late rally, connecting with Rod Gibbs for a third-quarter touchdown and orchestrating an 87-yard drive capped by Kentrel Bullock's 2-yard touchdown run and a successful two-point conversion. That narrowed the score to 28–22 with just over five minutes remaining.

"I'm proud of how our guys fought. We didn't quit, and we gave ourselves a chance late in the game," said South Alabama head Coach Major Applewhite.

But on the next possession, Hawkins broke loose again, dashing 27 yards for his third touchdown and putting the game out of reach.

"We've got to tackle better in space," said Coach Applewhite. "That's been a consistent issue, and it showed again tonight."

Key Stats

• South Alabama QB Bishop Davenport: 17-of-34, 195 yards, 1 TD, 1 INT

• WR Devin Voisin: 5 receptions, 97 yards

• RB Kentrel Bullock: 2-yard TD + 2-point conversion

The best player on the field though was North Texas RB Caleb Hawkins who rushed for 140 yards. He also had 78 receiving yards and accounted for three touchdowns.

"He's a special back," said Applewhite. "We knew that coming in, but we didn't do enough to contain him. He made us pay."

🔹 What's Next

South Alabama returns to Alabama for a pivotal in-state showdown against Troy on October 4 at Veterans Memorial Stadium. With both teams looking to rebound, the matchup could set the tone for their Sun Belt campaigns.