South Alabama starting QB Week 4: Who will start for Major Applewhite against App State?

On Thursday, the South Alabama Jaguars travel to Boone, North Carolina, to take on the Appalachian State Mountaineers in a Week 4 matchup.

South Alabama earned its first win of the season last week against Northwestern State, topping the Demons 87-10. The Jaguars opened their latest slate with consecutive losses. In Week 1, they fell 52-38 against North Texas and then dropped a 27-20 contest against Ohio in Week 2.

App State poses a tough matchup for the Jaguars, especially at home. The Mountaineers have won two of their first three, with wins over East Carolina in Week 3 and East Tennessee State in their season opener.

Despite their early setbacks, the Jaguars are solid at quarterback. Let's examine who will start behind center this weekend for South Alabama.

Will Gio Lopez continue to start for South Alabama in Week 4?

South Alabama starting quarterback Gio Lopez will get the nod for the Jaguars in Week 4. The redshirt freshman has impressed through three games this season and looks to lead his team to a win this week.

247Sports ranked Lopez as a three-star recruit in 2023. During his senior season at James Clemens High School in Madison, Alabama, he was the No. 60 overall recruit in Alabama.

Gio Lopez's performance in the first three games of the 2024-25 season

Gio Lopez has impressed in his first two games as the starter for South Alabama. In his season opener versus North Alabama, Lopez completed 26-of-49 for 432 yards and three touchdowns without an interception. He also showed his rushing ability, adding 62 ground yards and a touchdown.

After missing the South Alabama-Ohio matchup, Lopez returned to his starting role in Week 3 and impressed again. Lopez completed 15-of-19 for 257 yards and four touchdowns.

Considering these numbers, Lopez will pose a problem for App State's defense this week.