Bishop Davenport dominates with three touchdowns in South Alabama's comeback win

On December 14, 2024, South Alabama's football team achieved a hard-fought victory against Western Michigan at the Veterans Bowl, held in Montgomery, Alabama. This game marked an important moment for South Alabama under the guidance of first-year head coach Major Applewhite as they continued to establish their presence in postseason bowl games. Bishop Davenport, in his second start of the season, played a pivotal role by accounting for three touchdowns. He completed 15 of 24 passes for 271 yards and rushed for another 85 yards, including a notable 50-yard touchdown run that contributed to the team's success. The match began with Western Michigan taking an early lead, jumping ahead 10-0 thanks to a 1-yard touchdown run by Jalen Buckley and a 37-yard field goal by Luka Zurak. However, South Alabama responded effectively after a Broncos three-and-out, with Davenport connecting with Jeremiah Webb for a stunning 45-yard touchdown pass that secured their lead at 16-10 by the end of the first half. Webb’s impressive performance included six receptions totaling 182 yards with two touchdown catches, showcasing the team's offensive strength. Despite Western Michigan's efforts to close the gap, highlighted by Hayden Wolff's touchdown pass to Anthony Sambucci making it a one-score game at 23-20, South Alabama's running back Kentrel Bullock sealed the game with a strong performance, scoring on a 22-yard run and finishing with 130 yards on 17 carries. This victory not only advanced South Alabama’s record to 7-6 for the season, but it also underscored their achievement of winning back-to-back bowl games, a first in the program’s history. The game also highlighted challenges faced by South Alabama. Notably, they were without starting quarterback Gio Lopez due to a turf toe injury and top wide receiver Jamaal Pritchett, who opted out of the game. Pritchett was a significant contributor throughout the season, leading the Sun Belt Conference in receptions and receiving yards. His absence was felt, yet the team managed to adapt and innovate, demonstrating resilience and teamwork in the face of adversity. This game was a testament to their development as a competitive football program as they aim to build towards future successes.