South Alabama at Nebraska 8/31/19 - College Football Picks & Predictions

The South Alabama Jaguars visit Memorial Stadium in Lincoln, Nebraska on Saturday August 31 to play the Nebraska Cornhuskers in the opening game of the 2019 college football regular season for both.

South Alabama finished its 2018 season 3-9. The Jaguars must replace their starting and backup quarterback from last season. Sophomore Cephus Johnson will start at quarterback for South Alabama while Desmond Trotter could see time. The top running back from last season Tra Minter returns, while Kawaan Baker is the top returning receiver. The Jaguars defense in 2018 was No. 124 out of 128 in passing efficiency and No. 122 in points allowed.

Nebraska was 4-8 in 2018, but expectations are high entering the 2019 season. Adrian Martinez returns as the starting quarterback. Martinez is equally dangerous passing or running the ball. Kanawai Noa transferred to Nebraska from Cal and is considered the top receiving target for Martinez. Freshman Wan’Dale Robinson will play both running back and wide receiver. Nebraska’s defense allowed 31.3 points per game in 2018, but the defensive line has improved by adding transfer Darrion Daniels. Last season Cephus Johnson threw for 120 yards, three touchdowns and one interception but started just one game. Tra Minter returns to the offensive backfield for the Jaguars. Last season Minter rushed for 801 yards and six touchdowns. Kawaan Baker is the top returning wide receiver from last season when he caught 33 passes for 494 yards and four touchdowns.

Adrian Martinez threw for 2,617 yards, 17 touchdowns and eight interceptions, while rushing for 629 yards and eight TDs. Maurice Washington rushed for 455 yards and three touchdowns in 2018. The top returning wide receiver from 2018 is JD Spielman who caught 66 passes for 818 yards and eight touchdowns.