Jaguars Rally Past Warhawks 26–14 in Road Victory

MONROE, LA - November 15, 2025 - South Alabama clawed back from an early deficit to defeat Louisiana-Monroe 26–14 on Saturday night, snapping a two-game losing streak and reigniting hopes for a strong finish to the season. The Jaguars, now 3–7 overall, showcased resilience and defensive grit in a game that started ominously but ended with a commanding second-half performance.

First Quarter Shock

The Warhawks stunned South Alabama early, scoring two quick touchdowns in the first quarter. ULM quarterback Hunter Herring connected on a 66-yard bomb to Tyrone Howell, followed by a 2-yard rushing score from Isaiah Woullard. The Jaguars looked flat, trailing 14–0 after just 15 minutes.

But the tide turned quickly.

Jaguars Find Their Rhythm

South Alabama responded in the second quarter with a 1-yard touchdown run by Kentrel Bullock, capping a methodical drive that chewed up clock and settled the offense. The defense began to tighten, forcing punts and limiting ULM's yardage. By halftime, the Jaguars had cut the deficit to 14–7 and were gaining momentum.

The third quarter belonged to quarterback Bishop Davenport. Filling in with poise and precision, Davenport led two scoring drives, including a 3-yard rushing touchdown and a 1-yard plunge that gave South Alabama its first lead of the night. The Jaguars added a field goal and another short touchdown run in the fourth quarter to seal the win.

Defensive Dominance

After the first quarter, South Alabama's defense pitched a shutout. Linebacker Khalil Jacobs and safety Yam Banks led the charge, combining for multiple tackles for loss and a key fourth-down stop in the red zone. The Warhawks were held to just 85 total yards in the second half and failed to convert a third down after halftime.

ULM's early spark fizzled as South Alabama's defensive line began winning the battle in the trenches. The Jaguars forced two turnovers and sacked Herring twice, disrupting the Warhawks' rhythm and silencing the home crowd.

Coaching and Execution

Head coach Major Applewhite praised his team's resilience:

"We didn't flinch after that first quarter. Our guys stayed locked in, made adjustments, and executed the game plan. That's the kind of fight we want to see every week."

The Jaguars leaned heavily on their run game, racking up 187 rushing yards and controlling the clock. The play-calling emphasized short gains and ball control, keeping ULM's offense off the field and wearing down their defense.

Looking Ahead

South Alabama returns home next week to face Southern Miss in a Sun Belt showdown. With bowl eligibility out of reach, the Jaguars are playing for pride, development, and momentum heading into the offseason.

For Alabama fans and stakeholders, the win offers a glimpse of the program's depth and potential. Davenport's performance, in particular, suggests a promising future under center. The defense's ability to adjust and dominate also reflects the coaching staff's adaptability and the players' commitment.

Outreach and Community Impact

The Jaguars' road win resonates beyond the scoreboard. For South Alabama alumni, students, and Mobile-area supporters, it's a reminder of the program's growth and grit. The team's ability to rally and execute under pressure reflects values cherished across Alabama - perseverance, teamwork, and pride in representing the state.

As the season winds down, South Alabama's focus shifts to development, recruiting, and community engagement. Saturday's win provides a strong foundation for those efforts, and a morale boost for fans eager to see the Jaguars finish strong.