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South Alabama offensive lineman Chris May (55) and teammates Nick Bear (71), Austin Cole (61) and Scott Garber (40) celebrate after the Jaguars' 30-8 win over Louisiana-Lafayette Saturday night at Ladd-Peebles Stadium. (Mike Kittrell/mkittrell@al.com)

-- Without a doubt, most saw the goal as a pipe dream of sorts. Sure, it's possible, but was it probable? Yes, the team had played well and competed in every game, with perhaps one exception, but was it capable of such a run?

That was the initial reaction when

players and coaches, sitting on a 3-6 record, continued to talk about finishing the season 6-6 and becoming bowl eligible. Even with two of the league's better teams --

and

-- among the final two opponents.

Then the Jaguars beat Louisiana-Monroe in convincing fashion, 36-14.

Then came a 38-17 win over winless Georgia State on the road.

And Saturday night, against a Ragin' Cajuns team looking to win the Sun Belt Conference title outright, the Jags slammed them 30-8 in a game they led 30-0 at halftime.

South Alabama finished its season 6-6 and claimed bowl eligibility, though it is likely no bowl invitation will be forthcoming. Regardless, the Jags' stated their mission, then went about accomplishing it by winning their final three games of the season, each by at least 21 points.

Following the victory over Louisiana-Lafayette, some of the Jags' seniors talked about what that finish meant to them and what they believe it will mean to the legacy of this year's team.

"

I think it just speaks to how far our program has come,'' quarterback Ross Metheny said. "To be bowl eligible in the first year it's possible speaks to our coaching staff, players and everybody involved. We're ecstatic to finish the season with three wins over three good teams. ... I

don't think our preparation really changed much; we were just more focused in practice because we knew what was on the line. We beat some good football teams. We controleld what we could control, we got to six wins, and now we're going to see what happens."

All three wins were important to defensive end Alex Page, who was on the Jags' first team in 2009. Perhaps none of the three more important than the win over Lafayette, which shared the Sun Belt Conference championship and handily beat the Jags last season.

"

For me, it was like a revenge thing. Last year we got embarrassed by them, and this year, they were just as good as last year. They won the (Sun Belt) conference (regular season title) this year. To knock them off shows how good we really are. Earlier in the year, with a couple of wins, we would be in their position. It means a lot to knock them off."

The final three games will be something he can always remember fondly about his time at South Alabama, Page added.

"

For the seniors, it means everything,'' he said. "One of our goals was to become bowl eligible. It's such a great feeling; all the seniors have worked hard this season. ... I

t was great for our defense. We did well against Arkansas State, but we didn't get the win. After that, we picked up our preparation and film study more than in the beginning (of the season). Coach (Kevin) Sherrer and the other coaches did a lot of great things for us, and we appreciate it."

Page's opposite side partner, defensive end Pat Moore, holds similar feelings about how the Jags ended their season and what it says about this year's team.

"

It's great for our team, with how hard we've worked this season,'' he said. "Becoming bowl eligible for the first time in school history means a lot to us. A

fter the Arkansas State loss, we came together and said we need to finish the season strong. ...

We come out to play 60 minutes every game. To beat (Lafayette) shows how we practice, because we practice how we play. We work hard in practice, and it shows on the field."

The final three wins and the close losses in the league -- three losses by a combined four points in Sun Belt games -- is another testament as to the success of this year's team, the players said. They believe the legacy left behind by this senior class is one that will be long-lasting and the group will be remembered for the many things it accomplished, they suggest.

"W

e're a confident football team, and we know we're a good football team,'' Metheny said. "We just went and beat the conference champions, 30-8. Three of our conference losses are by four points. We've been playing at a high level; (the difference is) just a play here and there.

"

We put our cards on the table and did all we could to become bowl eligible. If we go to a bowl game, that speaks volumes of this program. If not, I can personally feel comfortable in the fact that we know we left this place better than we found it. I'm OK with that."

Page said, "W

e put South Alabama on the map, pretty much. We went from no one knowing us, to possibly going to a bowl game. We can compete with anybody - that's just what I believe in."

Moore said he believes the finish to the season will go far beyond the final game win over Lafayette.