This weekend Georgia Southern will be travelling to Mobile, Ala., to take on its first Sun Belt opponent, South Alabama.

Unlike other programs Georgia Southern has played this season, which have had a long history in college football, South Alabama does not. The Jaguars have been playing college football since 2009, and are only in their third full season in the Sun Belt.

South Alabama, however, has been very successful in their short time as a college program going a combined 25-15 in all competitions.

The program began in the 2009 season in which the Jaguars played a seven game season against varying NAIA schools and prep schools. They then began a full season competing against FCS, Division II and NAIA schools, going an undefeated 10-0.

In 2011, South Alabama began the first phase of a transition to the FBS, and assumed the role of an FCS Independent team. The Jaguars had a 6-4 record for the season competing against FBS, FCS, and Division II schools.

The Jaguars began to play against Sun Belt opponents and struggled mightily going 1-7 in conference and 2-11 overall. Last season the Jaguars went 6-6 with a 4-3 conference record.

South Alabama has only had one head coach in the program’s short history; Joey Jones. Coming into this season, Jones held a career record of 31-21.

Ladd-Peebles Stadium has been the home of the Jaguars since 2009. Originally built in 1948 and holding a little over 33,000 fans, it has hosted many events, including the Reese’s Senior Bowl, where former Eagles Jerick McKinnon and Lavelle Westbrooks showcased their talent in front of NFL scouts in Februrary.

Currently the stadium holds up to 33,000 spectators for football games and can be expanded to 50,000 for concerts and other events. Currently, South Alabama has an all time home record of 25-7.

The Eagles will take on Jones and the South Alabama Jaguars at 7:30 p.m. in their opening conference game on Saturday.