The Wiz of Odds

South Alabama

South Alabama's program might not be on the level of Alabama or Auburn, but its poster schedule certainly competes with the big boys. The Jaguars are a fast-rising Sun Belt program with a decent shot of winning the conference this fall. That's remarkable because the school didn't field a team until 2009 and began a two-year transition to Division I-A in 2012.

North Carolina State Rolls Past South Alabama, 31-7

It weather was perfect, the tailgating scene was happening and North Carolina State was ready to play its home opener on Saturday. South Alabama was the opponent, and the Wolfpack responded with a 31-7 victory.

Wiz correspondent Greg Laughlin made his first trip to Carter-Finley Stadium to check out the scene. There are more photos after the jump, and you can check his full gallery by clicking here.

South Alabama

You may not have heard of the South Alabama program but by 2013, the Jaguars will be full-fledged members of the Sun Belt Conference. The program was started from scratch in 2009 and the Jags have played a mix of games against Division I-AA, Division II, NAIA, non-scholarship, junior college and prep teams. South Alabama has yet to lose, but that will likely change this season because the schedule is being seriously upgraded. South Alabama will play at North Carolina State on Sept. 17, its first game against a Division I-A team, and at Kent State on Sept. 24. Here are links to the program's scheduling timeline and future opponents.

Click the image to enlarge. Thanks to Gwendolyn and Brian.