When playing a potent triple option attack like the one Air Force possesses, it’s even more important than usual to start quickly.
Seeking the first bowl victory and winning season in its program brief FBS history, South Alabama produced that ideal start.
The Jaguars (6-7) jumped on the Falcons right away, as Dallas Davis found Josh Magee for a 75-yard touchdown pass on the first-play from scrimmage.
Air Force responded with an 11-play, 55-yard drive, but South Alabama’s defense stood tall in the red zone to force a 25-yard field goal by Luke Strebel.
Over the next few possessions, the USA defense put the clamps on the Falcons’ vaunted attack while its signal-caller Dallas Davis continued to complete throws down the field to set up a pair of touchdowns that allowed the Jaguars to take a 21-3 lead with just under 11 minutes remaining in the first half.