South Alabama gets set for ‘Battle of Mardi Gras' at Tulane on Saturday

South Alabama will hit the road for the first time this season Saturday, traveling to New Orleans to face Tulane in a matchup that carries more than just regional bragging rights. The Jaguars and Green Wave are meeting as part of Tulane's Mardi Gras-themed home opener, rekindling the familiar debate between Mobile and New Orleans over which city owns Mardi Gras. The regional connection goes beyond Mardi Gras. Tulane coach Will Hall spent part coaching career in the Sun Belt, serving as Southern Miss' head coach from 2021 through the first seven games of the 2024 season. Hall and South Alabama coach Major Applewhite have also crossed paths throughout their coaching careers, giving the two a familiarity with each other and the region. Applewhite said coaches naturally evolve as they move through different staffs and programs, learning from the people they work with along the way. 'You take from people that you work with,' Applewhite said. 'You take from experiences that you have.' The Mardi Gras rivalry between the two cities has found its way into this football matchup before. South Alabama wore helmets featuring a 'Home of Mardi Gras' decal when the Jaguars traveled to Tulane in 2023, adding another layer to a matchup between schools separated by roughly 140 miles. This year's game also marks the first road test for a South Alabama team that opened the season with a 39-14 win over Southeastern Louisiana on Saturday at Hancock Whitney Stadium. The Jaguars scored on each of their first three offensive possessions, forced two interceptions and did not commit a turnover in the victory. Now, they will have to take that performance on the road. 'Love that game for us,' Applewhite said. 'Played them a few times there and at home and like that kind of regional matchup.' Applewhite said the regional nature of the matchup is part of what makes the game appealing. With New Orleans close enough for families and fans to make the trip, he said regional games offer a different experience than matchups that require longer travel. Yulman Stadium has also continued to develop its atmosphere since opening in 2014. Applewhite described the venue as tight, close and intimate, creating an environment that can make communication difficult for a visiting team. For South Alabama's younger players, Saturday will be their first opportunity to handle the challenges that come with playing away from home. Defensive coordinator Todd Orlando said the Jaguars will have to adjust to the travel, crowd noise and different environment while maintaining the same level of focus they showed in the season opener. 'This is going to be the first time we're on the road,' Orlando said. 'It's going to be good for us to figure out what we're all about.' South Alabama's defense enters the game after forcing two turnovers against Southeastern Louisiana, including interceptions by Damyrion Darby and Jaylen Moson. But Orlando said the unit still has plenty to clean up after reviewing the season opener. The Jaguars missed tackles, had communication issues that led to touchdowns and were not as aggressive or physical as Orlando would like. 'We're not as violent as we want it to be,' Orlando said. Applewhite also pointed to areas South Alabama needs to improve after watching the film from Saturday's win. He said the Jaguars had issues with ball security, quarterback eyes, wide receiver timing and anticipation, as well as a lull after scoring on their first three possessions. South Alabama also saw its fundamentals and pad level slip as the game went on, something Applewhite attributed in part to the high number of snaps. The Jaguars were able to respond after Southeastern Louisiana scored in the second half, using special teams to create field position before the defense forced a turnover and the offense converted it into points. Applewhite said that type of response will be important against Tulane. 'You've got to prepare your mind, your body and your soul for a long game,' Applewhite said. 'And we're going to have to play that type of game in New Orleans.' South Alabama controlled the ball for a program-record 37:48 against Southeastern Louisiana and did not commit a turnover. The Jaguars will now try to carry that performance into a road environment that combines a familiar opponent, a growing series history and a little extra Mardi Gras motivation. South Alabama and Tulane will kick off at 6 p.m. Saturday at Yulman Stadium. The game will stream live on ESPN+.