Sunday, September 4, 2016

Southern fades in second half, drops season opener to Louisiana-Monroe 38-21

MONROE, Louisiana -- — Southern coach Dawson Odums was hopeful his team would play a meaningful fourth quarter against Louisiana-Monroe in Saturday’s season opener.

That happened, but the rest of Odums’ wish did not come true as the Jaguars faded in the second half of a 38-21 loss at ULM.

“You still were in the ballgame,” Odums said. “You’ve got to make plays.”

The Jaguars were outscored 24-9 in the second half as they allowed ULM to roll up more than 300 yards in the final 30 minutes.

ULM quarterback Garrett Smith threw for 208 yards and two touchdowns while adding 150 yards and a score on the ground. His previous career high in rushing yards was 38.

Despite the rough second half, the Jaguars did what their coach wanted them to do. With 8:11 remaining, they had made things interesting.

Willie Quinn beat his man in the middle of the field to catch a 9-yard touchdown pass from Austin Howard, capping a 71-yard drive that took only 2:37 and cut ULM’s lead to 10.

Attendance: 24,718

BOX SCORE

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