South Alabama quarterback Gio Lopez's participation against Ohio doubtful

South Alabama starting quarterback Gio Lopez is officially questionable for Saturday's game in Ohio, a team spokesman told AL.com.

Lopez, a redshirt freshman, suffered a toe injury in the second half of the Jaguars' season-opening 52-38 loss to North Texas last week, during which he set school records with 432 passing yards and 497 yards of offense and scored four touchdowns. Lopez, who has had limited practice all week, is participating in warmups before the Ohio game but is unlikely to play.

Bishop Davenport sophomore is expected to start in Lopez's place against the Bobcats (0-1), while true freshman Jared Hollins will serve as the backup for the Jaguars (0-1). Davenport made his debut for South Alabama last week against North Texas. He entered the game on a play in the second quarter after Lopez's helmet was knocked off and ran for three yards and a first down (NCAA rules require players who lose their helmets to miss at least one play).

The 6-foot-2, 195-pound Davenport transferred from Utah State to South Alabama, where he appeared in three games (one of them as a starter) as a freshman in 2022. The Spring, Texas, native completed 27 of 44 passes for 245 yards and one touchdown with two interceptions for the Aggies, while also scoring two touchdowns.

It's not entirely clear how long Lopez will be out. The Jaguars have a short week ahead, with a home game Thursday night against Northwestern State and then back at Appalachian State the following Thursday (Sept. 19).

South Alabama quarterback Dallas Davis suffered a similar injury in 2017 but played the following week, then sat out one game before returning after the Jaguars had an open date.

Kickoff for South Alabama vs. Ohio State is scheduled for 5 p.m. at Peden Stadium in Athens, Ohio. The game will be streamed live on ESPN+.