South Alabama is a 12-point favorite at home Saturday against New Mexico State.
The Jaguars (5-6, 1-6 Sun Belt Conference) must win to reach a bowl game for the second time in three years. Saturday is also Senior Day, as 23 players will be honored in their final home game.
"This certainly is a do-or-die game for us as far as getting into a bowl game," South Alabama coach Joey Jones said. "The plus side for us is that we do have that opportunity; there are a lot of teams right now that are out ... We have a great opportunity in front of us and getting to a bowl game was one of our goals coming into the season.