Put quite simply, South Alabama was one of the least effective rushing teams in the country in 2017.
Due in part to both the late-season suspension of all-time leading rusher Xavier Johnson and a rash of injuries in the backfield, the Jaguars averaged just 97.2 yards per game on the ground, and a mere 3.1 yards per carry. Forced to play from behind in many games, USA actually threw the ball more times (411) than it ran it (375) last season.
South Alabama's inability to run the ball with any authority was a big reason for the Jaguars' 4-8 final record, and led directly to the coaching change from Joey Jones to Steve Campbell.