MOBILE, Ala. (AP) -- South Alabama defeated West Alabama 21-10 on Thursday night in the season opener for both teams, improving to 18-0 since starting its football program in 2009.

Kendall Houston scored two touchdowns on runs of 2 and 10 yards in the second half for the Jaguars, who broke a 7-7 halftime tie. The Jaguars rushed for 205 yards but quarterback C.J. Bennett threw three interceptions.

Gary Johnston led the Tigers with 72 yards and a touchdown, but was intercepted twice and sacked twice.

Trailing 13-7, West Alabama cut the lead to 13-10 on a 22-yard field goal by Ryne Smith with 10:58 remaining. Houston's second touchdown with 8:13 left put the game out of reach.

South Alabama, a Football Championship Series independent, will be an official member of the Sun Belt Conference in the Football Bowl Series for the 2013 season.

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