An inability to capitalize on trips to the red zone and a slow start cost Appalachian State (1-3, 0-1) a chance to win last week at Georgia Southern.
“We’ve just got to get off to a better start,” head coach Scott Satterfield said.
Taylor Lamb is expected to start at quarterback for Saturday’s game. Against Georgia Southern, he threw for 256 yards and was picked off once.
The Mountaineers’ best is needed Saturday when South Alabama is in Boone for a 6 p.m. Sun Belt Conference game.
The Jaguars (2-2, 1-1) have 32 seniors on their roster. The defense, which allows only 21.5 points per game, has eight seniors starting.
Leading that unit is senior linebacker Maleki Harris. Through four games, he has a team-high 33 tackles, four tackles for loss, two forced fumbles and an interception. Jimmie Gipson, a defensive end or outside linebacker, has four quarterback hurries, 2.5 tackles for loss and two sacks.
App State leads the league in interceptions (7), first downs per game (17), and third-down defense (31.9-percent conversion rate). It’s also second in the league in pass defense with 151.2 yards per game.
Joel Ross and Doug Middleton have combined for five interceptions.