Doug Konkel has been publishing the South Alabama 247Sports site since the program’s founding in 2008 and been a presence on Atlanta’s Sports Radio 680 The Fan longer than that. He can always be found on JagsJungle.com or on Twitter/X at @dougkonkel.
1. What is a South Alabama fan’s first thought of Auburn football at this exact moment?
Auburn seems to have found its footing a bit and is starting to show real progress towards returning to a more competitive level in the SEC.
2. What are your thoughts on Hugh Freeze coming into this game?
Really good coach and knows how to build a roster, but disappointing as a person. I can’t forget that he said that the NCAA was targeting him in the recruiting violations investigation at Ole Miss because he was so public in his Christianity…..and then he got fired when they found calls to an escort service on his phone records.
3. What’s the vibe like in Mobile after nearly knocking off Tulane?
Mixed, as you can imagine. Jaguars showed a ton of fight when they easily might have packed it in and had Tulane fans awfully quiet there at the end but couldn’t close the deal. The loss doesn’t feel good because everyone had marked that game on the calendar as a chance to make a statement. Now Auburn gets that honor.
4. Who are your two favorite Auburn Tigers of all time?
Bo Jackson is #1, for sure. A uniquely gifted athlete and always conducted himself well. For my second I guess I’ll really go back in time and pick Lionel Little Train James. An inspiration to undersized players everywhere.
5. Name two Jaguars that Auburn fans should look out for and why?
Definitely keep an eye out for LB Blayne Myrick if he plays (he sat out a big portion of the Tulane game in concussion protocol). The Sun Belt Preseason Defensive Player of the Year, het turned down a hefty pay bump from other schools to stay at South. I’m going to cheat and say two more – WR Devin Voisin and RB Kentrel Bulloch. Two seniors looking to cap really good careers by going out with a bang.
6. Which two Tigers scare you the most and why?
Jackson Arnold, because really mobile quarterbacks scare anyone with any sense and he’s finally got a coach that knows how to use him. Rayshawn Pleasant is the other. I was glad USA was going to avoid him when he left Tulane before I realized he’d landed with Auburn. Can change games with his return ability.
7. Where will each team have an advantage over the other?
South Alabama’s defensive line is all new and not especially big, so they may have a tough time with Auburn’s OL. The Auburn receiver corps will be a big challenge for a team that last six defensive backs in the portal. Major Applewhite will be the best offensive mind on the field. He’ll have designed a game plan that will give the Jaguars a punchers chance.
8. What is your analysis/score prediction for the game?
I think South Alabama will hang tough for a good while and may even keep it close until the end. If they do, their experience may enable them to pull off the upset, but the realistic odds don’t favor that. One thing we learned last week is that USA won’t give up just because they get down a couple of scores to a team that seems physically superior.
9. Where will Auburn and South Alabama end up this season?
It’s early yet and I haven’t seen Auburn play an entire game yet, but I think eight or nine wins and top half finish in the SEC West is very achievable for them. I think South Alabama can the Sun Belt West and play in the conference championship game.
10. Are most South Alabama fans actually Alabama fans or Auburn fans?
Probably every South Alabama fan grew up in household that pulled for one of those teams, so yes… but it is changing as the students seem to be much less likely to wear the wrong the shirt to a game. Whichever wins the popularity contest in Mobile, I’m pretty sure Auburn comes in third.
