ULM Resumes League Schedule with Midweek, Prime-Time Game at Texas State

Football Oct 08

Game 6: ULM (2-3, 1-0 Sun Belt) vs. Texas State (2-3, 1-0 Sun Belt)
Thursday, Oct. 10 | 8:17 p.m. | ESPNU
San Marcos, Texas | Bobcat Stadium (30,000)

ULM Football Notes: Game 6 vs. Texas State

Video | Coach Viator Weekly Press Conference

FIRST-AND-10 –
• Saturday's game marks the 16th meeting between ULM and Texas State. The Warhawks lead the all-time series 11-4, including a 5-2 record in games played in San Marcos. ULM has won the last three meetings: 40-34 in Malone Stadium in 2016, 45-27 in San Marcos in 2017 and 20-14 in Monroe last season. Four of the last six games have been decided by seven points or less.

• ULM's 2019 roster features 33 players from Texas, including eight of the Warhawks' 22 probable starters: fifth-year senior left guard Trace Ellison (Frisco / Centennial), fifth-year senior center Bobby Reynolds (Keller), senior right guard Brandon Jones (Montgomery), fifth-year senior wide receiver Markis McCray (Euless / Trinity), senior quarterback Caleb Evans (Mansfield / Bishop Dunne), senior nose tackle Larance Shaw (Fort Worth / Crowley), fifth-year senior defensive tackle Jaylen Veasley (Rockwall) and junior defensive end Ty Shelby (Houston / Friendswood).

• ULM ranks among the NCAA Football Bowl Subdivision's Top 30 in total offense (No. 26 at 469.6 yards per game) and rushing offense (No. 27 at 220.2 ypg.). In addition the Warhawks are listed among the Sun Belt Conference leaders in passing offense (third at 249.4 ypg.) and total offense (third).

• ULM ranks among the Sun Belt leaders in interceptions (tied for first with 6), turnover margin (second at +0.6 per game) and takeaways (tied for second with 9). In addition, the Warhawks are listed among the NCAA FBS leaders in interceptions (tied for 16th).

• ULM's nine takeaways are just two fewer than 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 six consecutive games, dating back to the 2018 season finale against the Ragin' Cajuns. The Warhawks have tallied multiple takeaways in three of five games in 2019, forcing a season-high three turnovers at Florida State (2 interceptions and 1 fumble).

• Junior Josh Johnson leads the Sun Belt Conference and ranks eighth in the NCAA FBS in rushing, averaging 119.6 yards per game. His 7.12 yards per carry ranks 11th in the NCAA FBS. The 5-foot-9, 215-pound Johnson ranks second on the team in rushing touchdowns (4) and 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 twice in 84 rushing attempts. He opened the season with 69 consecutive carries without being tackled in the backfield.

Johnson recorded his third 100-yard rushing game of the season against No. 23 Memphis, gaining 119 yards on 19 carries. His 31-yard run around right end on ULM's second offensive series helped set up a field goal.

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).

• Senior quarterback Caleb Evans has completed 101-of-162 throws (.623) for 1,172 yards, 10 touchdowns and three interceptions. The 6-foot-2, 210-pound Evans has accounted for 1,458 yards total offense and 15 scores, including a team-leading five rushing TDs. He ranks among the NCAA FBS leaders in points responsible for (No. 12 with 90 points) and total offense (No. 19 at 291.6 yards per game). Evans also ranks among the Sun Belt Conference leaders in passing yards (third at 234.4 yards per game), total offense (third) and TD passes (tied for third with 10).

He 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 accounted for 398 yards total offense and four touchdowns in ULM's 52-33 loss to No. 23 Memphis. Evans recorded his third 200-yard passing game of the season and 19th of his career, completing 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.

He has started 27 consecutive games at quarterback – the seventh-longest active streak among NCAA FB QBs.

The Mansfield, Texas, native has completed 619-of-1,024 passes (.604) for 7,743 yards, 47 TDs and 27 interceptions in 36 career games. Evans already ranks among ULM's all-time Top 5 in pass completions (third), completion percentage (second), passing efficiency rating (third at 133.8), total offense (third with 9,403 career yards), passing yards (fourth), passing yards per game (fifth at 215.1 ypg.), pass attempts (fifth) and TD passes (fifth).

Evans needs 257 passing yards at Texas 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 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 11 receptions, including Josh Pederson (23 for 283 yards), Markis McCray (20 for 249), Xavier Brown (15 for 187) and Jonathan Hodoh (13 for 145).

• Junior tight end Josh Pederson leads ULM in receptions (23), receiving yards (283) and touchdown receptions (5). His totals in those three categories all represent career highs. Eighteen of his 23 receptions (78 percent) have resulted in either a first down or a TD.

Pederson has caught a TD pass in each of his last four 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 45 (18 solos, 27 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.

CLASS BREAKDOWN (STARTERS) –
ULM Offense: 6 seniors, 4 juniors, 1 sophomore
ULM Defense: 5 seniors, 5 juniors, 1 freshman
Texas State Offense: 4 seniors, 4 juniors, 2 sophomores, 1 freshman
Texas State Defense: 7 seniors, 1 junior, 2 sophomores, 1 freshman

STAT LEADERS –
ULM (after five games):
Rushing – Josh Johnson (84 carries for 598 yards, 7.1 avg., 4 TDs)
Passing – Caleb Evans (101 of 162 for 1,172 yards, 10 TDs, 3 INTs)
Receiving – Josh Pederson (23 catches for 283 yards, 12.3 avg., 5 TDs)
Tackles – Cortez Sisco Jr. (45 tackles, 18 solos, 27 assists, 2 QB hurries, 2 PBUs)

Texas State (after five games):
Rushing – Caleb Twyford (69 carries for 294 yards, 4.3 avg., 1 TD)
Passing – Gresch Jensen (113 of 176 for 1,121 yards, 5 TDs, 6 INTs)
Receiving – Hutch White (31 catches for 236 yards, 7.6 avg., 0 TDs)
Tackles – Bryan London II (48 tackles, 23 solos, 25 assists, 3.5 TFL, 1 sack, 1 INT)

ULM/TEXAS STATE SERIES NOTES –
• Saturday's game marks the 16th meeting between ULM and Texas State. The Warhawks lead the all-time series 11-4, including a 5-2 record in games played in San Marcos. ULM has won the last three meetings: 40-34 in Malone Stadium in 2016, 45-27 in San Marcos in 2017 and 20-14 in Monroe last season. Four of the last six games have been decided by seven points or less.

THE LAST MEETING –
ULM 20, Texas State 14 (Oct. 20, 2018, in Monroe, La.): ULM made it a happy Homecoming at Malone Stadium with a 20-14 win over Texas State.

Playing their first game at JPS Field since Sept. 22, the Warhawks evened their record at 4-4 and 2-2 in the Sun Belt with a rock-solid defensive effort.

ULM held the Bobcats (1-6, 0-4) to 242 total yards, forced eight punts, had 10 tackles for losses including three sacks, and limited the visitors to just 2-of-13 on third-down conversions.
ULM's 2-2 Sun Belt mark is also good enough to put them in first place in the West Division, heading into an open date.

While the ULM offense didn't deliver a high-octane performance, the Warhawks churned out enough production for the win. ULM tallied 353 yards with 229 coming on the ground.

The Warhawks did pick up three first downs on the final series to close out the win, including a Caleb Evans 12-yard pass to Marcus Green, a clutch 18-yard run by Evans and an offside penalty against Texas State on a fourth-down bluff that saw offensive guard T.J. Fiailoa bowled over.

A ULM turnover set up Texas State's first score in the opening quarter. Markis McCray fumbled after a short reception and Texas State's Ishmael Davis recovered at the ULM 21. Three plays later, the Bobcats led 7-0 on a 7-yard touchdown run by quarterback Tyler Vitt.

After a sluggish offensive start, the Warhawks bounced back on their next series. Green ignited the offense with a 60-yard run to the Bobcats' 12, and two plays later, Austin Vaughn punched in a 2-yard touchdown to tie the game at 7 with 6:47 left in the first period.

Craig Ford gave ULM its first lead at 10-7 with a season-long 43-yard field goal with 11:10 remaining in the second quarter. The Warhawks moved 37 yards in nine plays to set up the kick.

Sophomore Brandius Batiste caught his first career touchdown pass on a 27-yard strike from Evans with 4:41 showing in the first half. The scoring toss capped a 10-play, 84-yard drive and gave ULM a 17-7 lead that carried into intermission.

ULM head coach Matt Viator was looking for more consistency on offense in the second half. The Warhawks generated 213 yards with 13 first downs in the first half but were also just 9-of-18 passing for 86 yards and 3-of-7 on third-down conversions.

The Warhawks didn't exactly catch fire in the third period although they did extend the lead to 20-7 on a 30-yard field goal by Ford. ULM moved 61 yards on 13 plays for the score.

Meanwhile Warhawks' defense continued to stand strong. Texas State's drive to the ULM 13 early in the fourth quarter ended with a missed 30-yard field goal by Chandler Stewart.

Offensive miscues carried over into the second half for ULM, as Vaughn lost a fumble at the Warhawks' 46 with 11:14 left in the game. The Bobcats needed eight plays to convert their takeaway to points and pulled within 20-13 with 7:18 remaining on a 4-yard touchdown run by Robert Brown Jr.

The Warhawks on offense pulled things together at the end though to put the finishing touch on Texas State.

THE LAST MEETING IN BOBCAT STADIUM –
ULM 45, Texas State 27 (Oct. 7, 2017, in San Marcos, Texas): Caleb Evans accounted for 456 total yards and four touchdowns to lead ULM to a 45-27 victory at Texas State, as the Warhawks improved to 3-0 in the Sun Belt standings. Evans completed 24-of-37 throws for 433 yards and three scores. His 433 passing yards ranked as the 10th-best single-game total in ULM history. Evans completed passes to 10 different receivers and added a 10-yard TD run in the third quarter.

On a second-and-6 play on the game's opening series, Evans hooked up with R.J. Turner for a 29-yard completion for a first down at the Texas State 42-yard line. On third-and-6, Evans connected with Brian Williams on a fade route for a 20-yard scoring play as ULM jumped out to a 7-0 lead.

Texas State answered on its first possession as Damian Williams finished off a seven-play, 73-yard drive with a 1-yard sneak, but Caleb Tucker intercepted James Sherman's 2-point pass attempt and returned 100 yards for 2 points. With 10:03 left in the first quarter, ULM led 9-6.

On the opening play of the next series, Evans hit Xavier Brown for a 64-yard bomb to the Bobcat 1-yard line. On the next play from scrimmage, Ben Luckett scored on a 1-yard plunge as ULM extended its lead to 16-6 with 9:44 remaining in the first quarter.

The Bobcats responded with a seven-play, 86-yard drive and pulled to within 16-13 on Williams' 25-yard TD strike to Tyler Watts with 6:57 left in the first quarter.

On third-and-7, Evans found D'Marius Gillespie for a 35-yard completion and a first down at the Texas State 24-yard line. The 10-play, 71-yard drive resulted in a 24-yard field goal from Craig Ford as Warhawks took a 19-13 lead with 3:16 to play in the first quarter.

Texas State took its first lead at 20-19 on a double pass, as Williams threw back to Hutch White, who hooked up with Anthony Tyler for a 47-yard scoring play with 30 seconds left in the first quarter.

The two teams combined for 39 points and 473 total yards in the first quarter.

The Bobcats threatened to add to their lead early in the second quarter, but on a fourth-and-6 play from the ULM 31, Howard Houston and Chase Day wrapped up Williams for no gain.

On third-and-11, Evans scrambled for a 13-yard gain and first down at the Texas State 34-yard line. On the next play, Evans fired a 34-yard TD strike to Turner, who broke a tackle en route to the end zone, as ULM took the lead for good at 26-20 with 9:25 remaining in the second quarter.

The Warhawks seized control of the game early in the third quarter. On a third-and-1 play, Kerry Starks forced Williams to fumble on a quarterback sneak that Wesley Thompson recovered and returned 6 yards to the Texas State 13. Two plays later, Evans scored on a 10-yard keeper up the middle as ULM built a 32-20 lead with 7:32 left in the third quarter.

The ULM defense forced the Bobcats to go three-and-out on their next series, and Marcus Green returned Marcus Ripley's punt 29 yards to the Texas State 32-yard line. The Warhawk drive stalled after a 15-yard personal foul penalty, but Ford converted a 35-yard field goal to extend the ULM lead to 35-20 with 1:33 to play in the third quarter.

Watts gained 24 yards on a reverse to set up a Bobcat first down at the ULM 20-yard line. Williams capped off a six-play, 65-yard drive with a 3-yard TD run as Texas State cut its deficit to 35-27 with 14:29 left in the fourth quarter.

On a second-and-2 play on ULM's next possession, Evans hooked up with Green for a 67-yard scoring play as the Warhawks moved out to a 42-27 lead with 13:48 remaining in the game. Green spun out of two attempted tackles near field before breaking away to end zone.

ULM put together a 15-play, 75-yard drive that consumed nearly seven minutes and resulted in Ford's third field goal, a 20-yarder, as the Warhawks took a 45-27 lead with 4:59 left on clock.

Green finished with five catches for 118 yards.

After surrendering touchdowns on Texas State's first three drives, the ULM defense settled in and kept the Bobcats off the scoreboard for their next seven possessions, including five three-and-outs. The Warhawk defense limited the Bobcats to five first downs, 71 total yards and seven points in the second half.

WARHAWKS FROM THE LONE STAR STATE –
ULM's 2019 roster features 33 players from Texas, including eight of the Warhawks' 22 probable starters: fifth-year senior left guard Trace Ellison (Frisco / Centennial), fifth-year senior center Bobby Reynolds (Keller), senior right guard Brandon Jones (Montgomery), fifth-year senior wide receiver Markis McCray (Euless / Trinity), senior quarterback Caleb Evans (Mansfield / Bishop Dunne), senior nose tackle Larance Shaw (Fort Worth / Crowley), fifth-year senior defensive tackle Jaylen Veasley (Rockwall) and junior defensive end Ty Shelby (Houston / Friendswood).

THE LAST TIME OUT –
No. 23 Memphis 52, ULM 33 (Oct. 5, 2019, in Monroe, La.): With quarterback Caleb Evans unleashed, ULM matched Memphis in offensive firepower all afternoon on Saturday at Malone Stadium.

Evans passed for 286 yards and two touchdowns, rushed for 112 yards and two touchdowns and the Warhawks rang up 575 total yards against a Memphis defense that allowed just 263 yards per game coming in.

However, Memphis enjoyed a monster offensive day of its own and had more points to show for it in a 52-33 win over ULM before a home crowd of 17,143.

Running back Josh Johnson added 119 rushing yards for ULM (2-3), which tallied 256 yards on the ground. Johnson has three games over 100 yards this year.
No. 23 Memphis (5-0) arrived as the first ranked team to visit Malone Stadium in the NCAA Football Bowl Subdivision era and showcased a versatile offensive attack, led by quarterback Brady White's 249 passing yards and three TDs. The Tigers rolled up 535 yards as the teams combined for 1,110 overall.

Still, ULM kept firing and made it interesting into the fourth quarter.

ULM pulled within 39-33 on a 36-yard scoring strike to Josh Pederson with 6:31 remaining in the game. The Warhawks covered 93 yards in just six plays in 1:56 to get within six points.

Memphis running back Kenneth Gainwell, who rushed for 209 yards and two touchdowns, dashed ULM's upset hopes with a 68-yard touchdown sprint on the first play of the next drive. The 2-point pass attempt failed, but the Tigers extended the lead to 45-33 with 6:16 remaining.

Seconds later, Evans had an interception returned 37 yards for a touchdown with 6:07 left and Memphis was breathing easy again up 52-33.

Beyond the gaudy offensive numbers, penalties were also a notable statistic. ULM was flagged 11 times for 114 yards, and Memphis had nine penalties for 70 yards.

Before the game unraveled, ULM was playing catch-up on the scoreboard throughout the contest. Memphis scored on its opening series, needing just six plays to move 75 yards in under two minutes. White, 4-for-4 passing for 47 yards on the drive, finished with a 5-yard touchdown strike to Damonte Coxie for a 7-0 Memphis lead.

ULM's first points came on a 35-yard field goal by Jared Porter. The Warhawks, who had a touchdown run by Evans taken off the scoreboard board on a holding call, moved 74 yards in 16 plays for a 7-3 margin with 5:25 left in the first quarter.

Gainwell's 40-yard touchdown run extended the Memphis lead to 14-3 with 13:46 remaining in the second quarter.

The Warhawks responded with an impressive drive that covered 75 yards in six plays, ending with a 7-yard run by Evans with 11:12 left in the half. ULM's big play was a 32-yard pass to Markis McCray down to the Memphis 31.

The Tigers retaliated with an eight-play, 75-yard scoring drive, culminating with White's 2-yard connection with tight end Kameron Wilson. Memphis led 21-10 with 7:30 showing in the second quarter.

On the ensuing kickoff, Memphis recovered an onside kick at its own 46 and used the extra possession to extend the lead to 29-10 on Kylan Watkins' 14-yard TD run and a 2-point conversion run by Preston Brady.

Down 19, Evans came back wheeling and dealing for ULM. The senior quarterback directed an 82-yard drive in nine plays, tossing a 6-yard touchdown pass to Pederson with 1:40 left in the half to narrow the gap to 29-17.

ULM's defense provided a takeaway when Cortez Sisco Jr. forced a fumble off tight end Joey Magnifico and Traveion Webster recovered at the Warhawks' 34 with 51 seconds to go. ULM moved into scoring position, but Porter's 50-yard field goal attempt was blocked as time expired.

An action-packed first half featured 641 yards of total offense and plenty of penalty flags. ULM amassed 302 yards in the first half with 17 first downs. Memphis gained 339 yards. ULM had eight penalties for 89 yards and Memphis had seven for 55.

Memphis took the second-half kickoff 43 yards in eight plays and Riley Patterson kicked a career-long 50-yard field goal to extend the lead to 32-17.

ULM's first series of the second half also ended with a field goal of 29 yards by Porter. ULM's drive was 63 yards in 10 plays and the Warhawks trailed 32-20 with 7:41 left in the third quarter.

Memphis hit on another chunk play to jump ahead 39-20 with 6:11 remaining in the period when White tossed a 50-yard touchdown pass to Antonio Gibson.

Evans delivered another big play of his own by scampering 45 yards for his second touchdown and made it a 39-26 contest at the 3:00 mark in the third quarter. ULM was unable to convert the 2-point conversion.

Austin Hawley provided ULM's top defensive play with an interception of White at midfield and returning it 35 yards to the Memphis 15 with 11:32 left in the game. With the chance to make a one-score game, the Warhawks faced fourth-and-8 from the 13 after a penalty but turned the ball over on downs on an incomplete pass with 9:24 to go.

EVANS APPROACHES 8,000-YARD CAREER PASSING MILESTONE –
Senior quarterback Caleb Evans has completed 101-of-162 throws (.623) for 1,172 yards, 10 touchdowns and three interceptions. The 6-foot-2, 210-pound Evans has accounted for 1,458 yards total offense and 15 scores, including a team-leading five rushing TDs. He ranks among the NCAA FBS leaders in points responsible for (No. 12 with 90 points) and total offense (No. 19 at 291.6 yards per game). Evans also ranks among the Sun Belt Conference leaders in passing yards (third at 234.4 yards per game), total offense (third) and TD passes (tied for third with 10).

Evans needs 257 passing yards at Texas 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 accounted for 398 yards total offense and four touchdowns in ULM's 52-33 loss to No. 23 Memphis. Evans recorded his third 200-yard passing game of the season and 19th of his career, completing 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. It marked his second 200-yard passing game of the season and 18th in his career. 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 27 consecutive games at quarterback – the seventh-longest active streak among NCAA FB QBs.

The Mansfield, Texas, native has completed 619-of-1,024 passes (.604) for 7,743 yards, 47 TDs and 27 interceptions in 36 career games. Evans already ranks among ULM's all-time Top 5 in pass completions (third), completion percentage (second), passing efficiency rating (third at 133.8), total offense (third with 9,403 career yards), passing yards (fourth), passing yards per game (fifth at 215.1 ypg.), pass attempts (fifth) 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 12 different statistical categories: fourth among 11 quarterbacks with at least 4,000 passing yards and 1,000 rushing yards (9,403), seventh in total offense (9,403), eighth in total offense per game (261.2), ninth in passing yards (7,743), ninth in total touchdowns responsible for (76), 10th in rushing touchdowns (29), 10th in pass attempts (1,024), 10th in pass completions (619), 15th in total offense yards per play (6.65), 16th in passing yards per game (215.1), 17th in total TDs scored (29) and 18th in pass completion percentage (.604).

EVANS REWRITES ULM RECORD BOOK –
Senior Caleb Evans ranks as ULM's all-time leader in rushing yards (1,660) 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 EIGHTH IN THE NCAA FBS IN RUSHING –
Junior Josh Johnson leads the Sun Belt Conference and ranks eighth in the NCAA FBS in rushing, averaging 119.6 yards per game. His 7.12 yards per carry ranks 11th in the NCAA FBS. The 5-foot-9, 215-pound Johnson ranks second on the team in rushing touchdowns (4) and 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 twice in 84 rushing attempts. He opened the season with 69 consecutive carries without being tackled in the backfield.

Johnson recorded his third 100-yard rushing game of the season against No. 23 Memphis, gaining 119 yards on 19 carries. His 31-yard run around right end on ULM's second offensive series 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 EMERGES AS PLAYMAKER IN PASSING GAME –
Junior tight end Josh Pederson leads ULM in receptions (23), receiving yards (283) and touchdown receptions (5). His totals in those three categories all represent career highs. Eighteen of his 23 receptions (78 percent) have resulted in either a first down or a TD.

Pederson has caught a TD pass in each of his last four 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.

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 (10th with 598 rushing yards)
Rushing Yards Per Game: Josh Johnson (8th at 119.6 rushing yards per game)
Rushing Yards Per Carry: Josh Johnson (11th at 7.12 rushing yards per carry)
Rushing Touchdowns: Caleb Evans (27th with 5 rushing touchdowns); Josh Johnson (49th with 4 rushing TDs)
Pass Completions Per Game: Caleb Evans (39th with 20.2 completions per game)
Passing Touchdowns: Caleb Evans (35th with 10 passing touchdowns)
Total Offense: Caleb Evans (19th at 291.6 yards per game)
Receiving Touchdowns: Josh Pederson (19th with 5 touchdown receptions)
Points Responsible For: Caleb Evans (12th with 90 points)
Points Responsible For Per Game: Caleb Evans (11th at 18.0 points per game)
All-Purpose Yards: Josh Johnson (28th at 122.8 all-purpose yards per game)
Total Tackles: Cortez Sisco Jr. (38th at 9.0 tackles per game)
Sacks: Donald Louis Jr. (20th at 0.9 sacks per game)
Interceptions: Corey Straughter (4th with 3 interceptions); Chase Day (t-24th with 2 INTs)
Fumbles Recovered: Jordan Oliver/Ty Shelby/Traveion Webster (t-34th with 1 fumble recovery each)

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; 41 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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