Sun Belt Division Leaders Clash as ULM Travels to No. 24 App State

Football Oct 14

Game 7: ULM (3-3, 2-0 Sun Belt) vs. No. 24/24 App State (5-0, 2-0 Sun Belt)
Saturday, Oct. 19 | 3:35 p.m. ET / 2:35 p.m. CT | ESPN+
Boone, N.C. | Kidd Brewer Stadium (30,000)

ULM Football Notes: Game 7 vs. Appalachian State

Video | Coach Viator Weekly Press Conference

FIRST-AND-10 –
• Saturday's game marks the fifth meeting between ULM and Appalachian State. The Mountaineers lead the all-time series 3-1, including a 2-0 record in games played in Boone, North Carolina. In the last meeting on Nov. 4, 2017, Caleb Evans accounted for 403 yards total offense and five touchdowns to lead ULM to a 52-45 win over App State.

• ULM's six remaining opponents comprise the Sun Belt Conference's most difficult schedule down the stretch, according to NCAA figures. The Warhawks' future opponents have a combined record of 21-13 (.618).

• ULM ranks among the NCAA Football Bowl Subdivision's Top 30 in rushing offense (No. 28 at 217.5 ypg.) and total offense (No. 29 at 462.8 yards per game). In addition, the Warhawks are listed among the Sun Belt Conference leaders in passing offense (third at 245.3 ypg.), total offense (third) and rushing offense (fifth). ULM has rushed for 200-plus yards in four of the first six games in 2019.

• ULM ranks among the Sun Belt leaders in interceptions (tied for first with 7), turnover margin (second at +0.5 per game) and takeaways (second with 11). In addition, the Warhawks are listed among the NCAA FBS leaders in interceptions (tied for 21st).

• ULM's 11 takeaways equal the team's 2018 season total (11), and the Warhawks have already exceeded its interception total from last season (5).

The ULM defense has recorded at least one takeaway in seven consecutive games, dating back to the 2018 season finale against the Ragin' Cajuns. The Warhawks have tallied multiple takeaways in four of the first six games in 2019, forcing a season-high three turnovers at Florida State (2 interceptions and 1 fumble).

• Senior quarterback Caleb Evans has completed 119-of-195 throws (.610) for 1,397 yards, 10 touchdowns and four interceptions. The 6-foot-2, 210-pound Evans has accounted for 1,738 yards total offense and 15 scores. He has thrown for more than 200 yards in each of his last three starts. Evans is listed among the NCAA FBS leaders in total offense (No. 21 at 289.7 yards per game) and points responsible for (No. 24 with 90 points). He also ranks among the Sun Belt Conference leaders in passing yards (second at 232.8 yards per game), total offense (third) and TD passes (tied for third with 10). Evans ranks second on the team in rushing yards (341) and rushing TDs (5).

He needs 32 passing yards at App State to become the third quarterback in ULM history to reach the 8,000-yard career milestone (Kolton Browning, 2010-13: 10,263 career passing yards; and Steven Jyles, 2002-05: 8,987).

A Top 20 finalist for the Johnny Unitas Golden Arm Award, Evans ranks as one of four NCAA FBS quarterbacks to post multiple games with at least two passing and two rushing TDs (at Florida State and vs. Memphis), joining Ohio State's Justin Fields, Oklahoma's Jalen Hurts and Iowa State's Brock Purdy.

He recorded his fourth 200-yard passing game of the season and 20th of his career in ULM's 24-14 victory at Texas State, hitting 18-of-33 passes for 225 yards with one interception. Evans completed throws to eight different receivers, including four 20-plus yard gains.

He has started 28 consecutive games at quarterback – the seventh-longest active streak among NCAA FB QBs.

The Mansfield, Texas, native has completed 637-of-1,057 passes (.603) for 7,968 yards, 47 TDs and 28 interceptions in 37 career games. Evans already ranks among ULM's all-time Top 5 in completion percentage (second), pass completions (third), passing efficiency rating (third at 133.0), total offense (third with 9,683 career yards), passing yards (third), pass attempts (fourth), passing yards per game (fifth at 215.4 ypg.) and TD passes (fifth).

• A key to Caleb Evans' throwing success throughout his career has been his ability to utilize all of the weapons at his disposal in ULM's one-back offense. This season, five Warhawks have at least 13 receptions, including Markis McCray (24 for 298), Josh Pederson (24 for 288 yards), Xavier Brown (15 for 187), Jonathan Hodoh (14 for 170) and Zach Jackson (13 for 156).

• Junior Josh Johnson leads the Sun Belt Conference and ranks seventh in the NCAA FBS in both rushing yards (712) and rushing average (118.7) yards per game. His 6.72 yards per carry ranks 14th in the NCAA FBS. The 5-foot-9, 215-pound Johnson also leads the team in rushing touchdowns (6) and scoring (36 points) while ranking second in explosive plays (8, 20-plus yard runs). He ranks tied for fourth in the NCAA FBS with five runs of 30-plus yards.

Johnson has been stopped for a loss only four times in 106 rushing attempts. He opened the season with 69 consecutive carries without being tackled in the backfield.

Johnson recorded his fourth 100-yard rushing game of the season with 22 carries for 114 yards and two touchdowns in ULM's 24-14 victory at Texas State Thursday night. Johnson scored on runs of 1 and 8 yards as the Warhawks built a 14-0 advantage. His two rushing TDs matched his career high. He had five gains of 10 or more yards, including a 21-yard burst in the third quarter.

Against No. 23 Memphis, Johnson gained 119 yards on 19 carries. He opened the 2019 season with back-to-back 100-yard rushing games against Grambling (10 rushes for 173 yards and 2 TDs) and at Florida State (26 for 126, TD).

• Junior tight end Josh Pederson leads ULM in receptions (24; tied with Markis McCray) and touchdown receptions (5) while ranking second in receiving yards (288). His totals in those three categories all represent career highs. Eighteen of his 24 receptions (75 percent) have resulted in either a first down or a TD.

Pederson has caught a TD pass in four of his last five games (at Florida State, at Iowa State, vs. South Alabama and vs. Memphis).

He had a career-high seven receptions for 82 yards against No. 23 Memphis, including TD catches of 6 and a season-long 36 yards from Caleb Evans. Six of his seven receptions resulted in either a first down or a score. Pederson also completed a 33-yard pass to Zach Jackson on ULM's final scoring drive against the Tigers.

• Fifth-year senior linebacker Cortez Sisco Jr. leads the Warhawks in tackles with 54 (24 solos, 30 assists), including back-to-back double-figure efforts against South Alabama (career-high 13 stops) and No. 23 Memphis (11). Sisco ranks fourth in the Sun Belt Conference in tackles, averaging 9.0 per game. The Memphis, Tennessee, native also ranks as ULM's active career leader in tackles with 212.

CLASS BREAKDOWN (STARTERS) –
ULM Offense: 6 seniors, 4 juniors, 1 sophomore
ULM Defense: 5 seniors, 5 juniors, 1 freshman
App State Offense: 2 seniors, 8 juniors, 1 freshman
App State Defense: 6 seniors, 3 juniors, 2 sophomores

STAT LEADERS –
ULM (after six games):
Rushing – Josh Johnson (106 carries for 712 yards, 6.7 avg., 6 TDs)
Passing – Caleb Evans (119 of 195 for 1,397 yards, 10 TDs, 4 INTs)
Receiving – Markis McCray (24 catches for 298 yards, 12.4 avg., 1 TD); Josh Pederson (24 for 288, 12.0 avg., 5 TDs)
Tackles – Cortez Sisco Jr. (54 tackles, 24 solos, 30 assists, 3 QB hurries, 2 PBUs)

App State (after five games):
Rushing – Darrynton Evans (89 carries for 540 yards, 6.1 avg., 9 TDs)
Passing – Zac Thomas (80 of 113 for 949 yards, 7 TDs, 2 INTs)
Receiving – Thomas Hennigan (25 catches for 305 yards, 12.2 avg., 2 TDs)
Tackles – Akeem Davis-Gaither (42 tackles, 18 solos, 24 assists, 6 TFL, 2.5 sacks, 1 INT)

ULM/APP STATE SERIES NOTES –
Saturday's game marks the fifth meeting between ULM and Appalachian State. The Mountaineers lead the all-time series 3-1, including a 2-0 record in games played in Boone, North Carolina.

THE LAST MEETING –
ULM 52, Appalachian State 45 (Nov. 4, 2017, in Monroe, La.): Caleb Evans accounted for 403 yards total offense and five touchdowns to lead ULM to a 52-45 win over Sun Belt powerhouse Appalachian State.

ULM scored the go-ahead touchdown with 23 seconds remaining on a 50-yard TD pass from Evans to R.J. Turner. Officials initially flagged the play as Turner went out of bounds before coming back in and catching the ball, but then waved off the penalty by ruling that he was forced out of bounds.

Appalachian State started the final drive at its own 45, but three plays later, Taylor Lamb's pass from the ULM 39 fell incomplete in the end zone and the Warhawks survived.

The Mountaineers had tied the game at 45-45 with 53 seconds on Lamb's 20-yard pass to Ike Lewis, who caught three touchdowns in the game.

A 24-yard return by Brandius Batiste on the ensuing kickoff put ULM's potent offense within striking distance at its own 36.

Evans hit a pair of 7-yard completions before finding Turner for the game winner.

In another monster performance, Evans completed 24-of-32 attempts for 356 yards and three touchdowns. He also scored two rushing TDs and collected 47 yards on nine attempts.

Turner finished with six catches for 134 yards and two scores.

Running back Derrick Gore added 103 yards on 18 carries and scored on a 1-yard touchdown run with 3:17 remaining in the game to put ULM ahead 45-38.

ULM (4-5, 4-3) gained 569 yards in total offense to defeat Appalachian State (5-4, 4-1) for the first time in four tries. The balanced Warhawks rushed for 213 yards on 38 attempts.

A strong start put ULM in position to win in the end.

ULM struck first on a 21-yard pass from Evans to Turner, who took a screen pass and weaved behind his blockers on a tackle-breaking trek to the end zone. ULM went 66 yards on eight plays to go up 7-0 with 6:59 left in the first quarter.

The Warhawks turned a takeaway into points a minute later when David Griffith recovered Daetrich Herrington's fumble at the visitor's 39. From there, Evans immediately fired a 39-yard TD strike to Marcus Green for a 14-0 ULM lead with 5:59 remaining.

The two-touchdown lead was a welcome change for a squad that has fallen behind early in losing its last three Sun Belt games after a 3-0 conference start.

App State finally dented the scoreboard on Chandler Staton's 35-yard field goal with 14:51 left in the second quarter.

ULM's response? A 95-yard kickoff return by Green that extended the Warhawks' advantage to 21-3. Green's kickoff return for a score was his third of the season, and the 95-yard return was the fifth longest in program history.

Lamb capped App State's first touchdown drive with a 7-yard scoring pass to Lewis at the 10:22 mark of the second quarter, cutting ULM's lead to 21-10.

Lamb hooked up with Lewis again from 31 yards out with 4:57 to go before the half, drawing closer at 21-17.

The Warhawks countered with a seven-play, 75-yard touchdown drive to boost their lead to 28-17. Evans scored on a quarterback draw.

App State's Jalin Moore came right back though with 75-yard touchdown reception from Lamb with 1:16 showing in the second quarter.

The Warhawks had a chance to finish the half on a high note after driving to the App State 20, but Evans was intercepted in the end zone with 22 seconds to go.

The Mountaineers scored on their first possession of the second half and took their first lead on Moore's 2-yard TD run 3:29 into the third quarter. App State moved 75 yards in eight plays to go up 31-28.

ULM stopped App State on a fourth-and-3 from the Warhawk 17 and converted a fourth-and-3 of its own from the Mountaineers 47 in a key third-quarter shift. Evans completed a 19-yard pass to Brian Williams to the App State 28 on the fourth-down conversion, and then ran it in from 2 yards out to help ULM regain the lead, 34-31, with 2:41 left in the third. ULM covered 80 yards in 10 plays.

App State needed just four plays to get back on top as Moore scored on a 5-yard touchdown run with 39 second left in the third. Lamb's 60-yard pass to T.J. Watkins was the big play on the 75-yard drive that gave the visitors the 38-35 advantage heading into the final period.

Craig Ford made a game-tying 44-yard field goal with 11:49 remaining as ULM pulled even at 38-38 and set up the furious finish.

THE LAST MEETING IN KIDD BREWER STADIUM –
Appalachian State 42, ULM 17 (Nov. 19, 2016, in Boone, N.C.): Taylor Lamb accounted for 300 yards total offense and three touchdowns while Marcus Cox rushed 21 times for 153 yards and three scores to lead Appalachian State to a 42-17 victory over ULM.

App State scored TDs on three of its first four possessions to build a 21-10 halftime lead.

Lamb completed 14-of-22 passes for 208 yards, including TD tosses of 60 yards to Ike Lewis and 3 yards to Barrett Burns.

The Mountaineer ground game produced 429 yards and four TDs as Cox and Jalin Moore combined to rush for 288 yards. Cox scored on runs of 1, 5 and 25 yards.

App State outgained ULM in total yards, 637-361.

ULM's Austin Vaughn carried 15 times for a career-high 110 yards, including a 16-yard TD run early in the fourth quarter. The Warhawks also got 27-yard field goal from Craig Ford in the first quarter and a 4-yard TD run from Caleb Evans in the second quarter.

THE LAST TIME OUT –
ULM 24, Texas State 14 (Oct. 10, 2019, in San Marcos, Texas): ULM needed a workmanlike effort to win on Thursday night.

A workhorse running back and a resilient defense was there to carry the load.

With a national audience on ESPNU watching, Josh Johnson rushed for 114 yards and scored two touchdowns to help the Warhawks to a 24-14 win over Texas State at Bobcat Stadium.

The win evened ULM's record at 3-3 overall and gave the Warhawks a first-place perch at 2-0 in the Sun Belt Conference's West Division. Texas State fell to 2-4 overall, 1-1 in the league.

For Johnson, it was another stellar performance in a breakout year. The 100-yard game was his fourth of the season for the junior, who has become one of the Sun Belt's offensive stars in 2019.

ULM shook off the rigors of a road game on a short week just five days after falling to Memphis at Malone Stadium.

Stagnant throughout the second half, the ULM offense was able to milk the clock late in the fourth quarter when it counted the most. On a drive that started at the ULM 14 with 8:27 left, the Warhawks worked their way to the Texas State 24 and faced fourth-and 1 with 2:26 remaining in the game.

After two timeouts, Texas State was offsides and ULM had a first down at the 19. Two plays later, Austin "Bus" Vaughn darted into the end zone from 11 yards out to put ULM ahead 24-14 with 1:46 to go. ULM's game-clinching drive covered 86 yards on 13 plays and chewed 6:41 off the clock.

With fresh legs, Vaughn took over the workhorse role after Johnson was hit on the hand and fumbled late in the third quarter. Vaughn gained 29 valuable yards on five carries to help seal the win.

Cortez Sisco Jr. led the defense with nine tackles while Austin Hawley added seven tackles and forced and recovered a fumble. Kerry Starks made two sacks and Sam Miller had one as ULM limited Texas State to 338 yards and just 91 on the ground.

If the Warhawks had any issues lingering with their turnaround, it wasn't evident early in the game.

ULM took a quick 7-0 lead by scoring on its opening drive as Johnson pounded in a 1-yard touchdown run to cap a seven-play, 75-yard drive. The Warhawks had four plays of more than 15 yards on the march, including a 25-yard pass from Caleb Evans to Jonathan Hodoh to open the game.

Johnson's 8-yard touchdown run put ULM ahead 14-0 with 13:15 left in the second quarter. The Warhawks converted on third down twice while covering 80 yards in 11 plays

The Bobcats responded with their best drive of the game to close the scoring gap to 14-7 on a Calvin Hill's 3-yard TD run with 9:03 left in the first half. Texas State's 12-play, 75-yard drive included a near interception, a fourth-down conversion and burned 4:12 off the clock.

ULM's Jared Porter kicked a 34-yard field goal to extend the lead to 17-7 with 3:27 remaining in the half. ULM's nine-play, 68-yard drive stalled in the red zone with a pair of incomplete passes.

The Warhawks carried their 10-point advantage into the break after outgaining the home team, 262-180, in the first half. Johnson rushed for 72 yards on 13 carries while Evans was 10-of-20 for 150 yards passing with one interception.

ULM's defense came through with several big plays to start the second half. Texas State lost a fumble to ULM's Hawley on its first series, then saw its next drive stall on sacks by Hawley and Miller, then end on downs as the Warhawks sniffed out a fake punt and Sisco made the stop.

A sudden turn of events late in the third quarter changed the complexion of the contest. ULM still had its 10-point lead and was in the red zone again when Johnson lost a fumble at the Texas State 12 and the Bobcats recovered, returning it out to the 38.

On his first play in the game, quarterback Tyler Vitt hit Trevis Graham Jr. on a 62-yard touchdown pass and the Bobcats trailed 17-14 with 54 seconds remaining in the third quarter.

The three-point margin made for a tense fourth quarter until the offense found its footing at the end. Corey Straughter's interception with 1:24 remaining in the game put the finishing touches on ULM's win.

ULM FACES SECOND RANKED OPPONENT IN 2019 –
ULM faces a ranked opponent for the second time in the last three weeks.

On Oct. 5, No. 23 (Coaches Poll) Memphis became the first ranked opponent to visit Malone Stadium in the NCAA Football Bowl Subdivision era. The Warhawks trailed by 19 points midway through the third quarter but scored 13 unanswered points to close to within six at 39-33 with 6:31 left in the fourth quarter. The Tigers ended ULM's upset bid by scoring twice in a span of nine seconds (68-yard touchdown run and 33-yard interception return for a TD).

Off to a 5-0 start, Appalachian State enters Saturday's Homecoming game ranked No. 24 in both the Associated Press and Coaches Polls.

It marks the first time since 2015 that the Warhawks have played two ranked opponents in the same season (season opener at No. 9 Georgia and Game 3 at No. 12 Alabama).

ULM's last win over a ranked opponent came in the 2012 season opener as the Warhawks knocked off No. 8 Arkansas, 34-31 in overtime, in Little Rock.

ULM FACES THE SUN BELT'S TOUGHEST SCHEDULE DOWN THE STRETCH –
ULM's six remaining opponents comprise the Sun Belt Conference's most difficult schedule down the stretch, according to NCAA figures. The Warhawks' future opponents have a combined record of 21-13 (.618).

EVANS APPROACHES 8,000-YARD CAREER PASSING MILESTONE –
Senior quarterback Caleb Evans has completed 119-of-195 throws (.610) for 1,397 yards, 10 touchdowns and four interceptions. The 6-foot-2, 210-pound Evans has accounted for 1,738 yards total offense and 15 scores. He has thrown for more than 200 yards in each of his last three starts. Evans is listed among the NCAA FBS leaders in total offense (No. 21 at 289.7 yards per game) and points responsible for (No. 24 with 90 points). He also ranks among the Sun Belt Conference leaders in passing yards (second at 232.8 yards per game), total offense (third) and TD passes (tied for third with 10). Evans ranks second on the team in rushing yards (341) and rushing TDs (5).

He needs 32 passing yards at App State to become the third quarterback in ULM history to reach the 8,000-yard career milestone (Kolton Browning, 2010-13: 10,263 career passing yards; and Steven Jyles, 2002-05: 8,987).

A Top 20 finalist for the Johnny Unitas Golden Arm Award, Evans ranks as one of four NCAA FBS quarterbacks to post multiple games with at least two passing and two rushing TDs (at Florida State and vs. Memphis), joining Ohio State's Justin Fields, Oklahoma's Jalen Hurts and Iowa State's Brock Purdy.

He recorded his fourth 200-yard passing game of the season and 20th of his career in ULM's 24-14 victory at Texas State, hitting 18-of-33 passes for 225 yards with one interception. Evans completed throws to eight different receivers, including four 20-plus yard gains.

He accounted for 398 yards total offense and four touchdowns in ULM's 52-33 loss to No. 23 Memphis. Evans connected on 23-of-44 throws for 286 yards and two scores. He completed passes to nine different receivers, including TD strikes of 6 and 36 yards to tight end Josh Pederson. Evans also posted his first 100-yard rushing game of the season and fourth of his career, gaining 112 yards on 18 carries. He scored on runs of 7 and 45 yards.

Evans accounted for 313 yards total offense and four TDs to lead ULM to a 30-17 victory over South Alabama in the Sun Belt Conference opener for both teams. He completed 17-of-25 throws for 286 yards, including TD strikes of 20 yards to Pederson, 52 to Markis McCray and 21 to Jonathan Hodoh. He also rushed 11 times for 27 yards, including a 13-yard TD run midway through the fourth quarter.

Evans accounted for 269 yards total offense and two scores at Iowa State. He ran 17 times for a game-high 93 yards, including a 40-yard scramble to set up ULM's first touchdown early in the second quarter. Evans hit 19-of-30 passes for 176 yards, including TD tosses of 19 yards to Pederson in the second quarter and 38 yards to Hodoh in the third quarter.

With his 10-yard completion to Brandius Batiste on the second play from scrimmage against the Cyclones, Evans became just the fifth quarterback in ULM history to reach the 7,000-yard career passing milestone, joining Browning, Jyles, John Holman (1979-82: 7,825) and Raymond Philyaw (1993-96: 7,061).

Evans accounted for 273 yards total offense and four touchdowns in ULM's 45-44 overtime loss at Florida State. After starting 0-for-7 passing, he finished 23-of-38 for 241 yards, including scoring strikes of 33 yards to Pederson in the second quarter and 2 yards to Xavier Brown in the fourth quarter. Evans also rushed 10 times for 32 yards, including TD runs of 10 and 5 yards. He led ULM on four-consecutive scoring drives (three TDs and a field goal) during one stretch in the second half, as the Warhawks rallied from a 21-0 deficit in the second quarter to send the game into overtime tied at 38.

Evans has started 28 consecutive games at quarterback – the seventh-longest active streak among NCAA FB QBs.

The Mansfield, Texas, native has completed 637-of-1,057 passes (.603) for 7,968 yards, 47 TDs and 28 interceptions in 37 career games. Evans already ranks among ULM's all-time Top 5 in completion percentage (second), pass completions (third), passing efficiency rating (third at 133.0), total offense (third with 9,683 career yards), passing yards (third), pass attempts (fourth), passing yards per game (fifth at 215.4 ypg.) and TD passes (fifth).

EVANS RANKS AMONG ACTIVE NCAA FBS STAT LEADERS –
Senior quarterback Caleb Evans ranks among the active NCAA Football Subdivision leaders (Top 20) in 11 different statistical categories: fourth among 12 quarterbacks with at least 4,000 passing yards and 1,000 rushing yards (9,683), fifth in total offense (9,683), ninth in pass completions (637), ninth in pass attempts (1,057), ninth in passing yards (7,968), ninth in total touchdowns responsible for (76), 10th in total offense per game (261.7), 11th in rushing touchdowns (29), 16th in passing yards per game (215.4), 17th in total offense yards per play (6.65) and 19th in total TDs scored (29).

EVANS REWRITES ULM RECORD BOOK –
Senior Caleb Evans ranks as ULM's all-time leader in rushing yards (1,715) and rushing touchdowns (29) for a quarterback.

It took Evans just three seasons to set the career record for rushing TDs (24) by a Warhawk quarterback, breaking the mark previously held by Steven Jyles (21; 2002-05). With 27 yards against South Alabama (1,548 career rushing yards) in the 2019 Sun Belt Conference opener, he became ULM's all-time top rushing QB, eclipsing the record previously held by Kolton Browning (1,545; 2010-12).

Evans needs to reach the end zone one more time to tie the school record for career rushing TDs, currently held by former running back Calvin Dawson (30; 2004-07).

JOHNSON RANKS SEVENTH IN THE NCAA FBS IN RUSHING –
Junior Josh Johnson leads the Sun Belt Conference and ranks seventh in the NCAA FBS in both rushing yards (712) and rushing average (118.7) yards per game. His 6.72 yards per carry ranks 14th in the NCAA FBS. The 5-foot-9, 215-pound Johnson also leads the team in rushing touchdowns (6) and scoring (36 points) while ranking second in explosive plays (8, 20-plus yard runs). He ranks tied for fourth in the NCAA FBS with five runs of 30-plus yards.

Johnson has been stopped for a loss only four times in 106 rushing attempts. He opened the season with 69 consecutive carries without being tackled in the backfield.

Johnson recorded his fourth 100-yard rushing game of the season with 22 carries for 114 yards and two touchdowns in ULM's 24-14 victory at Texas State Thursday night. Johnson scored on runs of 1 and 8 yards as the Warhawks built a 14-0 advantage. His two rushing TDs matched his career high. He had five gains of 10 or more yards, including a 21-yard burst in the third quarter.

Against No. 23 Memphis, Johnson gained 119 yards on 19 carries, including a 31-yard run around right end on ULM's second offensive series that helped set up a field goal.

He rushed 15 times for 93 yards in the Sun Belt opener against South Alabama. His 49-yard run around right end midway through the first quarter set up ULM's first touchdown.

Johnson gained 87 yards on 14 attempts (6.2 avg.) at Iowa State, which entered the game with the nation's 10th-ranked rushing defense, allowing just 73.0 yards per game. He opened ULM's fifth offensive series with a 46-yard run around left end and later capped off a 12-play, 87-yard drive with a 1-yard TD run late in the second quarter.

In his first career start, Johnson carried a career-high 26 times for 126 yards at Florida State, including a 1-yard touchdown run midway through the fourth quarter. He broke runs of 22, 14 and 19 yards against the Seminoles.

In the 2019 season opener against Grambling, he rushed 10 times for 173 yards, including TD runs of 51 and 37 yards. On his first carry of the season, Johnson scored on a 51-yard run up the middle as the Warhawks jumped out to a 7-0 lead late in the first quarter. He iced the game with a 37-yard TD run around left end early in the third quarter. Six of his 10 carries against the Tigers resulted in either a TD or first down.

A native of Opelika, Alabama, Johnson gained 69 yards on 19 carries and scored one rushing TD in nine games last season.

PEDERSON & STRAUGHTER NAMED PFF MIDSEASON ALL-AMERICANS –
Tight end Josh Pederson and cornerback Corey Straughter have been named second-team Midseason All-Americans by Pro Football Focus.

Pederson leads ULM in receptions (24; tied with Markis McCray) and touchdown receptions (5) while ranking second in receiving yards (288). His totals in those three categories all represent career highs. Eighteen of his 24 receptions (75 percent) have resulted in either a first down or a TD, and his four explosive catches (20-plus yards) are tied for the team lead.

Pederson has caught a TD pass in four of his last five games (at Florida State, at Iowa State, vs. South Alabama and vs. Memphis).

He had a career-high seven receptions for 82 yards against No. 23 Memphis, including TD catches of 6 and a season-long 36 yards from Caleb Evans. Six of his seven receptions resulted in either a first down or a score. Pederson also completed a 33-yard pass to Zach Jackson on ULM's final scoring drive against the Tigers.

The Morristown, N.J., native had a team-high four receptions for 55 yards in the Sun Belt Conference opener against South Alabama, including a 20-yard TD grab from Evans that tied the score at 7-7 in the first quarter.

The 6-foot-5, 232-pound Pederson was named to the Pro Football Focus Sun Belt Conference Offensive Team of the Week following back-to-back games at Florida State and Iowa State. He hauled in three passes for 40 yards at Iowa State, including a 19-yard TD grab from Evans to put ULM on the scoreboard early in the second quarter.

Pederson had six receptions for a career-best 85 receiving yards at Florida State, including a 33-yard TD catch from Evans late in the first half.

A 5-10, 180-pound junior, Straughter ranks among the NCAA Football Bowl Subdivision leaders in interceptions (tied for third with 4) and passes defended (tied for eighth with 10). He leads the Sun Belt in both categories. The Monroe, Louisiana, native also has contributed 12 tackles (9 solos, 3 assists). Straughter has not allowed an explosive pass play (20-plus yards) or surrendered a touchdown reception in 2019. Earlier this season, he recorded an interception in three consecutive games (back-to-back road games at Florida State and Iowa State and the Sun Belt opener against South Alabama).

Straughter has been selected to the PFF Sun Belt Conference Defensive Team of the Week twice this season: against South Alabama and at Texas State.

His interception and 25-yard return to the Texas State 2-yard line in the final 90 seconds iced ULM's 24-14 win over the Bobcats. Straughter also recorded a career-high four pass break-ups and a solo tackle at Texas State.

He limited Memphis' leading receiver Damonte Coxie (entered the game with 18 catches for 278 yards and TD) to just two receptions for 18 yards.

With the score tied at 7-7 early in the second quarter of ULM's Sun Belt Conference opener against South Alabama, Straughter ended an 11-play, 62-yard drive to the Warhawk 13 by intercepting Cephus Johnson's third-and-goal pass attempt into the end zone. He added two tackles against the Jaguars.

He matched his season high with four tackles (all solo hits) to go along with an interception at Iowa State.

With ULM trailing Florida State 24-7 midway through the third quarter, the complexion of the game changed when Straughter intercepted James Blackman's first-down pass attempt along the sideline and returned it 57 yards for a touchdown. It marked his second career interception return for a score. Straughter also tallied four stops against the Seminoles.

DAY APPROACHES 200 CAREER TACKLES MILESTONE –
Fifth-year senior linebacker Chase Day needs five stops at Appalachian State Saturday to reach the 200-career tackles milestone. Only classmate Cortez Sisco Jr. has recorded more career tackles (212) among active Warhawks.

The 6-foot-1, 235-pound Day ranks fourth on the team in tackles with 30 (13 solos, 17 assists), fourth in tackles for loss (3 for 10 yards) and second in interceptions (2 for 14 yards). He started the first four games at MIKE linebacker before being sidelined for the Memphis game with a shoulder injury.

The Baton Rouge, Louisiana, native posted four tackles in the 2019 Sun Belt Conference opener against South Alabama.

Day was selected Louisiana Sports Writers Association Defensive Player of the Week for the second week in a row after recording eight tackles, including two for losses of 8 yards, and an interception in ULM's 45-44 overtime loss at Florida State. His interception and 1-yard return midway through the fourth quarter set up ULM's go ahead touchdown, as the Warhawks took their first lead at 35-31 with 7:41 left in regulation.

Day recorded a career-high 12 tackles and an interception in ULM's 31-9 win over Grambling State in the season opener. His interception and 13-yard return came late in the second quarter and helped set up a field goal as the Warhawks built a 17-6 lead. Early in the third quarter, he stopped Grambling quarterback Jeremy Hickbottom a yard shy of a first down on a fourth-and-6 play from the ULM 27. Day also was credited with a 2-yard tackle for loss early in the fourth quarter.

His career totals include 195 tackles, with 20.5 resulting in losses (65 yards).

NCAA STAT LEADERS –
Here's a glance at how ULM ranks among the NCAA individual stat leaders in 2019:

Individual Statistics (Top 50)
Rushing Yards: Josh Johnson (7th with 712 rushing yards)
Rushing Yards Per Game: Josh Johnson (7th at 118.7 rushing yards per game)
Rushing Yards Per Carry: Josh Johnson (14th at 6.72 rushing yards per carry)
Rushing Touchdowns: Josh Johnson (23rd with 6 rushing touchdowns); Caleb Evans (40th with 5 rushing TDs)
Pass Completions Per Game: Caleb Evans (37th with 19.8 completions per game)
Passing Yards: Caleb Evans (44th with 1,397 passing yards)
Passing Yards Per Game: Caleb Evans (49th at 232.8 passing yards per game)
Passing Touchdowns: Caleb Evans (41st with 10 passing touchdowns)
Total Offense: Caleb Evans (21st at 289.7 yards per game)
Receiving Touchdowns: Josh Pederson (23rd with 5 touchdown receptions)
Total Touchdowns: Josh Johnson (48th with 6 total touchdowns)
Points Responsible For: Caleb Evans (24th with 90 points)
Points Responsible For Per Game: Caleb Evans (26th at 15.0 points per game)
All-Purpose Yards: Josh Johnson (30th at 121.3 all-purpose yards per game)
Total Tackles: Cortez Sisco Jr. (34th at 9.0 tackles per game)
Sacks: Donald Louis Jr. (34th at 0.75 sacks per game)
Interceptions: Corey Straughter (t-3rd with 4 interceptions); Chase Day (t-30th with 2 INTs)
Passes Defended: Corey Straughter (t-8th with 10 passes defended)
Fumbles Recovered: Jordan Oliver/Ty Shelby/Traveion Webster/Austin Hawley (t-44th with 1 fumble recovery each)
Punting: Jared Porter (28th with 44.1-yard punting average)

WARHAWKS FEATURED ON PRESEASON WATCH LISTS FOR FOUR NATIONAL AWARDS –
Three ULM players – quarterback Caleb Evans, offensive guard T.J. Fiailoa and center Bobby Reynolds – combined for mentions on four different preseason watch lists for national awards.

Evans is listed on the preseason watch lists for both the Manning Award (presented to the nation's top quarterback after postseason bowl games) and Johnny Unitas Golden Arm Award (nation's top senior of fourth-year junior quarterback). Fiailoa is featured on the preseason watch list for the Polynesian College Football Player of the Year while Reynolds is mentioned on the fall watch list for the Rimington Trophy (nation's most outstanding center).

SEASON-OPENING STARTING LINEUP FEATURED FOUR FIRST-TIME STARTERS –
ULM's starting lineup for the 2019 season opener against Grambling State featured four first-time starters, including one on the offensive side of the football, two on defense and one specialist.

The first-time starter on offense was left guard Brandon Jones (6-3, 320, Sr.). The first-time starters on defense included BUCK safety Keilos Swinney (6-1, 193, Jr.) and boundary corner Josh Newton (5-10, 188, R-Fr.). Jacob Meeks (6-2, 192, So.) also made his debut as the starting placekicker.

EIGHT GRADUATES LISTED ON 2019 ULM FOOTBALL ROSTER –
Eight members of the 2019 ULM football team already have earned their bachelor's degrees: wide receiver Xavier Brown, long snapper Walker Easton, wide receiver Jonathan Hodoh, quarterback JT Jackson, defensive end Donald Louis Jr., offensive tackle Eastwood Thomas, defensive lineman John Washington and offensive tackle Samuel Williams.

Those eight student-athletes wear a Sun Belt Conference graduate patch on their jersey.

ULM LED NCAA FBS IN LARGEST PERCENTAGE INCREASE IN HOME ATTENDANCE –
ULM's average home attendance increased by 43.1 percent in 2018 – the largest percentage gain among NCAA Football Bowl Subdivision programs. The Warhawks' average home attendance increased by 4,282 fans per game to 14,210 last season, compared to 9,928 per game in 2017.

WARHAWK SINGLE-GAME BESTS UNDER VIATOR –
Here's a look at the top single-game totals produced by ULM during head coach Matt Viator's tenure (2016-present; 42 games):

Rushing Yards: 325 vs. Southern, 2016

Passing Yards: 454 vs. Arkansas State, 2017

Total Yards: 593 vs. ULL, 2017

First Downs: 31 vs. Southeastern Louisiana, 2018; vs. Texas State and Georgia State, 2016

Fewest Rushing Yards Allowed: 42 yards by Georgia State, 2016

Fewest Passing Yards Allowed: 0 by ULL, 2016

Fewest Total Yards Allowed: 216 by Georgia Southern, 2018

Fewest First Downs Allowed: 11 by South Alabama, 2018

Sacks By: 5 vs. Georgia Southern, Coastal Carolina and Southern Miss, 2018; vs. ULL, 2017

Turnovers Forced: 4 vs. Southern Miss, 2018

Points (Game): 56 vs. ULL, 2017

Points (Half): 33 (1) vs. Texas State, 2016

Points (Quarter): 23 (1) vs. Texas State, 2016

Victory Margin: 28 vs. South Alabama, 2018

Fewest Points Allowed (Game): 9 by Grambling, 2019

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