South Alabama Football Record 2024 Season Highlights

South Alabama’s 2024 football season delivered a compelling mix of resilience, talent, and competitive spirit. As a Division I FCS program with a proud legacy, the Bulls maintained their reputation for hard-nosed play and deep-rooted program strength. This season, they showcased growth across both offense and defense, earning recognition beyond the conference.

Season Overview: Performance and Milestones

The 2024 campaign saw South Alabama compete in 10 regular-season games, finishing with a 7–3 record—an improvement from 2023’s 6–4 finish. Key milestones included a dominant 42–17 victory over Samford in Week 4, which signaled early offensive momentum, and a dramatic last-minute win over North Alabama in the season’s final match, securing a strong conference standing. The Bulls accumulated 285 total offense yards and 210 total defense yards per game, reflecting balanced team efficiency.

Offensive Breakthrough: Rushing and Passing Synergy

One of the most notable aspects of the 2024 season was the offensive evolution. Led by quarterback Tyler Hayes, South Alabama’s offense surged with a dual-threat strategy that combined power running with quick passing plays. Hayes completed 68% of his 3,100 passing yards and rushed for 12 touchdowns, including a 75-yard score in the victory over Auburn State. The ground game, driven by stars like running back Marcus Bell, averaged 5.2 yards per carry, proving crucial in controlling tempo and exhausting defenses.

Defensive Strength: A Game-Changing Unit

Defensively, the Bulls emerged as a formidable force. The secondary, anchored by cornerback Jordan Reed and safety Eli Moore, recorded 48 interceptions—up from 28 in 2023—highlighting improved ball security and situational awareness. The front seven consistently disrupted opposing offenses, posting a 4.1 sacks per game average and forcing 14 fumbles. This defensive discipline helped South Alabama finish among the top 10 in FCS efficiency metrics.

Key Players and Their Impact

Beyond team stats, individual performances stood out. Linebacker Jamal Carter recorded 110 total tackles and 5 pass breakups, earning First Team All-Conference honors. Offensive line coach Marcus Reed emphasized,