South Alabama quarterback Gio Lopez and wide receiver Jamaal Pritchett will not play in Saturday night’s IS4S Salute to Veterans Bowl vs. Western Michigan, a source told AL.com.
Lopez — who announced Thursday he would return to the Jaguars in 2025 rather than enter the NCAA transfer portal — has been battling turf toe since the first game of the season and has been limited in practice all week. Sophomore Bishop Davenport will make his second start of the season in Lopez’s place.
“It’s fun” – SGA on going head to head with Canadian teammate Dillon Brooks in the NBA Cup semifinal”It’s fun” – SGA on going head to head with Canadian teammate Dillon Brooks in the NBA Cup semifinal
Davenport filled in for the injured Lopez during a Week 2 loss at Ohio, completing 23 of 37 passes for 228 yards and one touchdown. He has played in nine games this season — including finishing up twice when Lopez was knocked out due to injury, completing 33 of 55 passes for 335 yards and one touchdown with no interceptions.
Pritchett, a first-team All-Sun Belt Conference pick this season, has chosen to opt out of the bowl game in order to prepare for a professional football career. The senior from Jackson leads the Sun Belt in receptions (91), receiving yards (1,127) and touchdown catches (9), which the reception and touchdown numbers tied for first in school history.
South Alabama vs Texas State Football
South Alabama wide receiver Jamaal Pritchett runs for yardage after a catch during the South Alabama vs Texas State football game, Friday, November 29, 2024, in Mobile, Ala. (Scott Donaldson/al.com)Scott Donaldson/al.com
With Pritchett out, the Jaguars will rely more heavily on senior Jeremiah Webb (31 receptions, 3 TDs), junior Devin Voisin (30 receptions) and tight end DJ Thomas-Jones (22 receptions, 3 TDs) in the passing game. Senior Shamar Sandgren and freshman Anthony Eager will also likely take on larger roles.
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Voisin twins playing together for final time at South Alabama in Salute to Veterans BowlDec. 12, 2024, 5:58 p.m.
South Alabama is already without running back Fluff Bothwell, who lead the team with 832 rushing yards and 13 touchdowns this season before entering the NCAA transfer portal last weekend. Junior Kentrel Bullock (701 yards, 6 TDs) had split time with Bothwell all year, but is expected to get the bulk of the carries in the bowl game.
In addition, starting Husky (nickel) safety Jordan Scruggs and kicker Laith Marjan are also in the portal and not suiting up for Saturday’s bowl game. Rickey Hyatt will fill in at Husky, with freshman Davis Little expected to handle kicking duties.
South Alabama (6-6) faces Western Michigan (6-6) at 8 p.m. at Cramton Bowl in Montgomery. The game will air live on ESPN.
