LSU vs South Alabama Week 5 Preview

Erik Trosclair • September 26, 2024

Let's get into it!

Spread: LSU -21.5

O/U: 65

Time: 6:30 PM

TV: SEC Network


For the 1st time ever, LSU and South Alabama will be meeting on the football field.


Despite an 0-2 start to the season, South Alabama has outscored their last 2 opponents 135-24. No matter who you are playing, that is impressive. This South Alabama offense is 13th in the nation in total yards per game (504.5). This defense is more middle of the road, giving up 394 total yards per game. This offense is led by quarterback Gio Lopez, who has yet to throw an interception this season. Running back Fluff Bothwell has rushed for 6 touchdowns this season, which is tied for the 11th most in the nation. Wide receiver Jamaal Pritchett (Preseason 2nd Team All-Sun Belt) is the clear leading pass catcher on this team. Pritchett is a really homerun threat in the return game as well. The Jaguar defense is led by linebacker Blayne Myrick, who is tied for the 32nd most total tackles in the nation with 34. Defensive backs Jordan Scruggs and Jaden Voisin are the leaders in the defensive backfield, each having an interception and 21 total tackles on the season. Defensive linemen Wy'Kevious Thomas (Preseason 2nd Team All-Sun Belt) and Jordan Norman are the leaders in the trenches; both have 14 total tackles, and Norman has a sack. On special teams, punters Jack Martin and Aleksi Pulkkinen appear to be splitting time; Pulkkinen has pinned opponents 5 times within the 20. Kicker Laith Marjan is 5-6 on the season. This team would love nothing more than to prove themselves on a big stage.


LSU (3-1, #14/#13) shook back in a big way in the 2nd half of last week's victory against UCLA. The Tiger defense shut out the Bruin offense in the 2nd half. Quarterback Garrett Nussmeier has had a white hot start to the season. Mason Taylor is on the brink of becoming the most decorated tight end in LSU history. Wide receiver Kyren Lacy is among the leaders in the nation in touchdown receptions. Aaron Anderson is always coming up big for the Tigers when a big catch is needed. Running back Josh Williams appeared to find something in the running game last week. Freshman playmakers Ju'Juan Johnson and Caden Durham have stepped up big time in the Tiger backfield. This Tiger defense suffered another massive blow with Harold Perkins Jr. suffering a season ending knee injury last week. Bradyn Swinson and Sai'vion Jones have stepped up in a massive way for this defense; each of the Tiger defenders is in the top 15 in sacks in the nation. Ashton Stamps has really held it down in the defensive backfield for this Tiger defense. Jordan Allen, PJ Woodland, Jardin Gilbert, and Major Burns are beginning to step up in this defensive backfield. Whit Weeks, Wes Weeks, and Greg Penn III are having solid seasons at the linebacker position. Kicker Damien Ramos is as good as they come in college football, in my opinion. Punters Peyton Todd and Blake Ochsendorf split time, with Todd being more of the bigger leg, while Ochsendorf can pin you. Punt/kick returner Zaivion Thomas is a real threat in the return game, while really coming into his own on offense, can flip a field in a hurry.



KEYS TO THE GAME


- BROKEN RECORD - I know I may sound like a broken record, but this South Alabama run defense is among the bottom 20 in the nation in rushing yards given up per game. This is a great spot to get the running game going.

- OPPORTUNITY TO SHINE - Can the linebackers step up to replace Harold Perkins Jr.? Coach Kelly mentioned some shuffling in the linebacker room, with Xavier Atkins being the next one up.

- KEEP IT UP - Can this Tiger passing game continue to shine? Nussmeier and his pass catchers are off to a great start.

- COVERAGE - This Tiger return coverage team has been pretty good these last few weeks. Can they contain Jamaal Pritchett in this one?


Fun fact: South Alabama head coach, Major Applewhite, who is from Baton Rouge, is mentioned in the Lil Wayne, Gudda Gudda, and Short Dawg song Break Up.



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Tulane Green Wave PWO Commit: Brett Paukstis

By Patrick Harkness • July 30, 2026
Class of 27 QB Brett Paukstis 6-0/185 Washington, DC He trains with QB Factory and is positioned for a big senior year that could elevate his stock further. Arm Talent & Passing Ability (Strong for regional level): Paukstis possesses legitimate arm talent with velocity, spin, and the ability to drive throws downfield (including 50+ yard air yards). He makes all the throws, short, intermediate, and deep, with good touch and anticipation. Off-platform accuracy stands out; he can throw receivers open while scrambling or from awkward arm angles. Ball placement is precise, and he layers passes over defenders effectively. Accuracy & Mechanics: High completion rate (mid-to-high 60s) reflects sound mechanics, timing, and decision-making. Quick release and consistent footwork allow him to get the ball out cleanly. He goes through progressions with high football IQ and makes correct reads quickly. Velocity and arm strength continue to improve. Mobility & Playmaking: True playmaker who keeps plays alive when protection breaks down. Excels extending downs outside the pocket, using mobility to create space before delivering accurate downfield throws. Capable of off-platform creativity and arm strength on the run. Not a designed-run heavy QB but adds a valuable dimension through scrambles and creating opportunities in high-leverage moments. Decision-Making, Poise & Leadership: Poised and confident in the pocket with excellent command of the offense. High football IQ, precise decisions, and the ability to spread the ball around. Described as a great leader who elevates those around him; two-time All-Conference performer who has “breathed life” into the program through production and intangibles. Low turnover stretches (e.g., zero in key late-season games) show growth. #RollWave Make sure to follow Patrick Harkness on X
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Transfer Portal Spotlight: Dawson Johnson

By Patrick Harkness • July 30, 2026
TE Dawson Johnson- ODU @DawsonLJ_ 
Dawson Johnson fits Tulane as a 6’3”, 230-pound modern hybrid tight end with proven college receiving production, reliable hands and route-running, functional blocking, and positional versatility (inline, slot, H-back) who immediately adds depth, competition, and mismatch upside to a depleted TE room alongside Vance Bolyard. 
He’s a redshirt sophomore transfer from Old Dominion (Sun Belt) who committed on January 9, 2026, via the portal (entered late December 2025). Originally a three-star high school recruit out of Cherry Creek HS (Englewood/Denver, CO), he signed with Florida as a true freshman (2024, redshirted with no appearances) before moving to ODU. He has three years of eligibility remaining (#19). 
Athletic Profile and Scheme Fit: Tulane’s offense (under head coach Will Hall) emphasizes tight ends who can contribute in 12 personnel packages, sealing edges in the run game while creating mismatches in the passing game through play-action, bootlegs, and option routes. Johnson is an ideal modern hybrid fit 
• Movement and receiving traits: Smooth mover for his size with good speed to threaten vertically, reliable hands on short-to-intermediate concepts (stick routes, seams), and the ability to flex out or operate in space as a chain-mover and safety valve. Early ODU usage (including a TD vs. ranked James Madison) highlighted his comfort getting open quickly against linebackers. 
• Blocking and physicality: Willing, technically sound functional blocker who’s not yet a dominant in-line mauler but stays on the field in multiple groupings, perfect for supporting Tulane’s run game while developing into a complete TE. 
• Versatility and intangibles: High football IQ (346 offensive snaps as a redshirt freshman) and multi-positional value (inline/slot/H-back). Comes from an athletic family (brothers played D1 lacrosse/football). Tulane targeted portal TEs with immediate production potential to complement bigger in-line types like Bolyard. #RollWave Make sure to follow Patrick Harkness on X
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