“South Alabama Set for a Thrilling Showdown: Can the Top-tier Performer Return Before Game-Day?

On Monday, South Alabama coach Major Applewhite expressed optimism that quarterback Gio Lopez will be ready to compete on Thursday night against Northwestern State, following his absence from last weekend’s game at Ohio due to turf toe.

Lopez, a redshirt freshman, sustained the injury during the Jaguars’ Week 1 defeat to North Texas, yet he played the full game. He achieved a program-record 432 passing yards and 497 total yards in a 52-38 loss.

“He’s continuing to practice like he did last week,” Applewhite stated. “Our hope is to have him available for Thursday’s game. If not, we’ll have to wait another week.”

Lopez participated in parts of practice last week and did some preliminary warmups on game day. However, he didn’t play, and sophomore Bishop Davenport took over as the starter, playing the entire game against Ohio.

Davenport, who transferred from Utah State, completed 22 of 37 passes for 236 yards and a touchdown in the 27-20 loss. This was his first significant game action since making one start in three games as a true freshman at Utah State in 2022.

Braylon McReynolds, the starting running back for South Alabama, also missed the Ohio game due to an undisclosed injury. When asked about McReynolds’ availability for Thursday, Applewhite mentioned, “I think he’ll be back this week.”

South Alabama (0-2) will host Northwestern State (0-2) at Hancock Whitney Stadium, with kickoff scheduled for 6:45 p.m. This will be the first of two consecutive Thursday games for the Jaguars, who are also set to travel to Appalachian State for a nationally televised Sun Belt Conference opener on Sept. 19.