Game 10: ULM (4-5, 3-2 Sun Belt) vs. GEORGIA SOUTHERN (5-4, 3-2 Sun Belt)
Saturday, Nov. 16 | 3:05 p.m. ET/2:05 p.m. CT | ESPN+
Statesboro, Ga. | Allen E. Paulson Stadium (25,000)
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ULM Football Notes: Game 10 vs. Georgia Southern
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Video | Coach Viator Weekly Press Conference
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FIRST-AND-10 –
• Saturday's game marks the ninth meeting between ULM and Georgia Southern. The Eagles lead the all-time series 4-3 (5-3 on-the-field record; 2014 win vacated), including a 3-0 record (4-0 on the field; 2014 win vacated) in games played in Paulson Stadium. Four of the previous eight meetings have been decided by nine points or less.
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Last November, Caleb Evans accounted for 439 yards total offense and four TDs to lead ULM to a 44-25 victory over Georgia Southern, ending a three-game (on-the-field) losing streak against the Eagles. Evans became the first opposing quarterback to produce 400-plus yards total offense against the Georgia Southern defense since the 2014 campaign. He led ULM to TDs on four of its first five possessions as the Warhawks jumped out to a 27-3 lead over the Eagles, who dropped their first league game of the season. Evans completed 13-of-22 throws for 337 yards, two TDs and two interceptions. He hooked up with Marcus Green for scoring plays of 80 and 69 yards in the first half. Evans also carried 15 times for 102 yards and two TDs.
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• ULM ranks among the Sun Belt Conference leaders in passing offense (fourth at 231.1 yards per game), total offense (fourth at 447.6 ypg.), rushing offense (fifth at 216.4 ypg.) and scoring offense (sixth at 30.6 points per game). The Warhawks have rushed for 200-plus yards in six of the first nine games in 2019.
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• The ULM defense leads the Sun Belt in takeaways (16) and interceptions (9) and ranks third in turnover margin (+0.33 per game). In addition, the Warhawks are listed among the NCAA FBS leaders in those categories: tied for 28th in takeaways, tied for 33rd in interceptions and tied for 41st in turnover margin.
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• ULM's 16 takeaways and nine interceptions have already exceeded the team's 2018 season totals (11 takeaways and 5 interceptions).
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The ULM defense has recorded at least one takeaway in 10 consecutive games (dating back to the 2018 season finale against the Ragin' Cajuns) – tied for the third-longest active streak in the NCAA FBS (13-straight games by Louisiana Tech, 11 by Baylor and 10 by Illinois). The Warhawks have tallied multiple takeaways in six of the first nine games in 2019, forcing a season-high three turnovers at Florida State (2 interceptions and 1 fumble).
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• Senior quarterback Caleb Evans has completed 176-of-283 throws (.622) for 1,978 yards, 15 touchdowns and six interceptions. The 6-foot-2, 210-pound Evans has accounted for 2,599 yards total offense and 24 scores. He has thrown for more than 200 yards in five of his last six starts. Evans is listed among the NCAA FBS Top 20 in total offense (No. 16 at 288.8 yards per game), points responsible for (No. 20 at 144 points) and points responsible for per game (No. 20 at 16.0 points per game). He also ranks among the Sun Belt Conference leaders in total offense (second), passing yards (second at 219.8 yards per game), TD passes (third), rushing TDs (tied for fourth with 9), scoring (tied for seventh at 6.0 ppg.) and rushing (10th at 69.0 ypg.). His nine rushing TDs is tied with Josh Johnson for the team lead and his 621 rushing yards rank second behind Johnson.
Evans, who accounted for a season-high 401 yards total offense and four touchdowns to lead ULM to a 45-31 Sun Belt Conference victory over Georgia State, was selected as one of the Davey O'Brien Foundation's "Great 8" quarterbacks for Week 11 as well as the Sun Belt Conference Offensive Player of the Week. He recorded his sixth 200-yard passing game of the season and 22nd of his career, completing 24-of-32 throws for a season-best 291 yards and three scores. His 24 completions and three TD passes also matched season highs. He completed TD tosses of 43 yards to Josh Pederson as well as 1 and 14 yards to Markis McCray. His 1-yard pop pass to McCray gave ULM the lead for good at 38-31 with 7:40 left in the fourth quarter. Evans completed passes to eight different receivers. He also posted his third 100-yard rushing game of the season and sixth of his career, finishing with 16 carries for 110 yards, including a 16-yard TD run in the first quarter. With his performance, Evans moved into second place (ahead of Steven Jyles, 2002-05; 10,234) on ULM's all-time list with 10,553 career yards total offense.
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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, vs. Memphis and vs. Arkansas State), joining Oklahoma's Jalen Hurts (4 games), Ohio State's Justin Fields (2) and Iowa State's Brock Purdy (2)
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Evans has started 31 consecutive games at quarterback – the seventh-longest active streak among NCAA FBS QBs.
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The Mansfield, Texas, native has completed 694-of-1,145 passes (.606) for 8,549 yards, 52 TDs and 30 interceptions in 40 career games. Evans already ranks among ULM's all-time Top 5 in total offense (second with 10,544 career yards), completion percentage (second), pass completions (third), passing yards (third), TD passes (tied for third), passing efficiency rating (third at 133.1), pass attempts (fourth) and passing yards per game (sixth at 213.7 ypg.).
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• 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, four Warhawks have at least 21 receptions, including Markis McCray (36 for 398 yards), Josh Pederson (33 for 399), Jonathan Hodoh (23 for 269) and Zach Jackson (21 for 284).
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• Junior Josh Johnson ranks second in the Sun Belt Conference and 12th in the NCAA Football Bowl Subdivision in rushing, averaging 113.0 yards per game. His 6.48 yards per carry ranks 13th in the NCAA FBS. The 5-foot-9, 215-pound Johnson is tied with Caleb Evans for the team lead in rushing touchdowns (9) and scoring (54 points) and ranks second in explosive plays (10, 20-plus yard runs). He ranks tied for fourth in the NCAA FBS with seven runs of 30-plus yards.
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Johnson has been stopped for a loss only six times in 157 rushing attempts. He opened the season with 69 consecutive carries without being tackled in the backfield.
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With 20 rushes for 168 yards and two touchdowns in ULM's 45-31 win over Georgia State, Johnson became ULM's first 1,000-yard rusher since Frank Goodin (219 rushes for 1,126 yards and 13 TDs) in 2009. His two rushing TDs matched his career high, scoring on runs of 10 and 30 yards against the Panthers. His 36-yard gain around right end late in the first quarter set up ULM's second touchdown.
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Johnson carried 22 carries for 114 yards and two touchdowns in ULM's 24-14 victory at Texas State. Against No. 23 Memphis, he gained 119 yards on 19 carries. Johnson 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).
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• Junior tight end Josh Pederson leads ULM in receiving yards (399) and touchdown receptions (7) while ranking second in receptions (33). His totals in those three categories all represent career highs. Twenty-three of his 33 receptions (70 percent) have resulted in either a first down or a TD. His seven TD receptions rank third in the Sun Belt Conference.
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He caught two passes for 48 yards in ULM's 45-31 victory over Georgia State, including a career-long 43-yard TD reception from Caleb Evans on a third-and-1 play late in the first quarter. For his performance against the Panthers, Pederson was named to the Pro Football Focus Sun Belt Conference Offensive Team of the Week for the fourth time this season.
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Pederson had five catches for 57 yards against Arkansas State, including an 11-yard TD grab from Caleb Evans late in the fourth quarter. Four of his five receptions against the Red Wolves produced either a first down or a TD.
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Pederson caught a TD pass in four consecutive games during one stretch (at Florida State, at Iowa State, vs. South Alabama and vs. Memphis).
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He had a career-high seven receptions for 82 yards against No. 23 Memphis, including TD catches of 6 and 36 yards from 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.
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• Junior Corey Straughter ranks among the NCAA Football Bowl Subdivision leaders in interceptions (tied for third with 5) and passes defended (tied for fifth with 14). He leads the Sun Belt in both categories. The Monroe, Louisiana, native also has contributed 17 tackles (13 solos, 4 assists). Straughter has not allowed an explosive pass play (20-plus yards) or surrendered a touchdown reception in 2019.
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Through Week 11, Straughter is the second-highest graded cornerback in the NCAA FBS, according to Pro Football Focus' Cam Mellor, trailing only Cincinnati's Ahmad Gardner.
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• Fifth-year senior linebacker Cortez Sisco Jr. leads the Warhawks in tackles with a career-best 79 (36 solos, 43 assists) and quarterback hurries (5). He posted a team-high 10 stops (6 solos, 4 assists) against Arkansas State. Sisco recorded double-figure tackles in back-to-back games against South Alabama (career-high 13 stops) and No. 23 Memphis (11). Sisco ranks fifth in the Sun Belt Conference in tackles, averaging 8.8 per game. The Memphis, Tennessee, native also ranks as ULM's active career leader in tackles with 237.
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CLASS BREAKDOWN (STARTERS) –
ULM Offense: 6 seniors, 4 juniors, 1 sophomore
ULM Defense: 4 seniors, 6 juniors, 1 freshman
Georgia State Offense: 3 seniors, 5 juniors, 3 sophomores
Georgia State Defense: 5 seniors, 4 juniors, 2 sophomores
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STAT LEADERS –
ULM (after nine games):
Rushing – Josh Johnson (157 carries for 1,017 yards, 6.5 avg., 9 TDs)
Passing – Caleb Evans (176 of 283 for 1,978 yards, 15 TDs, 6 INTs)
Receiving – Markis McCray (36 catches for 398 yards, 11.1 avg., 4 TDs)
Tackles – Cortez Sisco Jr. (79 tackles, 36 solos, 43 assists, 5 QB hurries, 3 PBUs)
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Georgia Southern (after nine games):
Rushing – J.D. King (143 carries for 567 yards, 4.0 avg., 4 TDs)
Passing – Shai Werts (31 of 64 for 376 yards, 5 TDs, 0 INTs)
Receiving – Malik Murray (11 catches for 141 yards, 12.8 avg., 2 TDs)
Tackles – Rashad Byrd (69 tackles, 33 solos, 36 assists, 6.0 TFL, 1 INT)
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ULM/GEORGIA SOUTHERN NOTES –
Saturday's game marks the ninth meeting between ULM and Georgia Southern. The Eagles lead the all-time series 4-3 (5-3 on-the-field record; 2014 win vacated), including a 3-0 record (4-0 on the field; 2014 win vacated) in games played in Paulson Stadium. Four of the previous eight meetings have been decided by nine points or less.
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Last November, Caleb Evans accounted for 439 yards total offense and four TDs to lead ULM to a 44-25 victory over Georgia Southern, ending a three-game (on-the-field) losing streak against the Eagles. Evans became the first opposing quarterback to produce 400-plus yards total offense against the Georgia Southern defense since the 2014 campaign. He led ULM to TDs on four of its first five possessions as the Warhawks jumped out to a 27-3 lead over the Eagles, who dropped their first league game of the season. Evans completed 13-of-22 throws for 337 yards, two TDs and two interceptions. He hooked up with Marcus Green for scoring plays of 80 and 69 yards in the first half. Evans also carried 15 times for 102 yards and two TDs.
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THE LAST MEETING –
ULM 44, Georgia Southern 25 (Nov. 3, 2018, in Monroe, La.): An afternoon showdown between Sun Belt Conference co-leaders turned into a beat down at Malone Stadium.
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Coming off an open date, ULM football delivered its most complete performance of the season to manhandle Georgia Southern, 44-25, at JPS Field.
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The outcome, along with Louisiana-Lafayette's 26-16 loss at Troy, moved ULM (5-4, 3-2) into sole possession of first place in the Sun Belt's West Division.
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The Warhawks were dynamite on offense, thanks to a flurry of chunk plays that helped the unit pile of 573 yards. Caleb Evans completed 13-of-22 passes for 337 yards and two touchdowns and rushed for 102 yards and two scores on 15 attempts. Marcus Green had two catches for 149 yards and two touchdowns while tailback Derrick Gore gained 114 yards and scored a touchdown on 19 attempts.
Meanwhile, ULM's defense passed muster against Georgia Southern's triple option attack, holding the Eagles to 138 yards rushing. The 216 yards total offense was a new low for ULM under Matt Viator. With the visitors forced into uncharacteristic passing mode, the Warhawks registered five sacks to ice the cake.
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Georgia Southern (7-2, 4-1) came in riding a five-game winning streak after beating then-No. 25 Appalachian State 34-15 on Oct.25. The Eagles, who were tied for first in the Sun Belt West Division received 62 votes in the AP Poll and 32 in the Coaches Poll last week.
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ULM came ready to play in this pivotal contest and pounced on their visitors from the start.
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Evans fueled a flawless opening drive that covered 80 yards in seven plays. The junior quarterback hit two passes for 57 yards, including a 41-yard strike to Markis McCray, and rushed for 20 yards, including his 5-yard touchdown run, to give ULM a 6-0 lead.
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After Georgia Southern missed a 26-yard field-goal attempt, the Warhawks went into quick-strike mode on their next chance as Evans and Green hooked up on a slant pass that turned into a runaway 80-yard touchdown. ULM led 13-0 with 6:43 left in the opening period.
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The second quarter brought more of the same for the erupting Warhawks. Evans and Green connected again on a slant that covered 69 yards and boosted ULM's lead to 20-0 with 13:58 remaining in the half.
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ULM's defense played well throughout the first half, particularly in the red zone. Georgia Southern ground out 53 yards in 14 plays over 8:18 but had to settle for a 38-yard Tyler Bass field goal with 5:40 to go in the second quarter to draw within 20-3.
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R.J. Turner, who had a wide-open drop in the first quarter, made amends with a 57-yard catch in the second period. Turner's big play and Gore's 12-yard run on fourth-and-1 set up Josh Johnson's first career touchdown on a 1-yard run to give ULM a 27-3 advantage with 2:49 showing.
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The only sour note came late in the first half. Evans was intercepted and the Warhawks flagged for unsportsmanlike conduct after the play to give Georgia Southern the ball at the 22. The Eagles capitalized immediately with a 22-yard touchdown pass from Shai Werts to Mark Michaud to cut the home lead to 27-10 with 1:02 before the break.
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Frustrating, yes, but hardly a back breaker.
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ULM's defense set the tone for the second half with a quick three-and-out, giving the Warhawks exactly what the needed to keep surging.
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The Warhawks stayed in their offensive groove too, motoring 67 yards in 11 plays and scoring on Gore's 1-yard plunge to lead 34-10 with 8:31 left in the third quarter. Tyler Lamm made a pair of first-down catches to keep the chains moving.
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Another ULM turnover turned into points for Georgia Southern as Jessie Liptrot intercepted Evans and returned the ball 57 yards for a touchdown. Wesley Fields ran in the 2-point conversion for a 34-18 score with 3:15 to go in the third.
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Gore's 35-yard run on the next series cranked up another scoring march as ULM recouped the points. Evans slashed into the end zone from 2 yards out to cap the seven-play, 75-yard drive and the Warhawks were up 41-18 with 14 seconds remaining in the third quarter.
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Georgia Southern gave ULM an uneasy feeling with a blocked punt returned for a touchdown with 10:37 left in the game.
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But on this day, ULM had far too many things go its way to be done in by a handful of critical mistakes. Craig Ford's 32-yard field goal with 4:16 remaining put the finishing touches on a job well done.
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THE LAST TIME OUT –
ULM 45, Georgia State 31 (Nov. 9, 2019, in Monroe, La.): ULM was in a rush to turn the page when the team hit the field last Saturday.
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Running back Josh Johnson ran 20 times for 168 yards and two touchdowns as the Warhawks knocked off Georgia State 45-31 at Malone Stadium.
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Johnson recorded his fifth 100-yard game of the season while becoming ULM's first 1,000-yard rusher since Frank Goodin (219 rushes for 1,126 yards and 13 TDs) in 2009.
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ULM quarterback Caleb Evans added 110 rushing yards and a score and passed for 291 yards and three touchdowns for a balanced ULM attack that delivered 590 yards of total offense.
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The Warhawks (4-5, 3-2) had lost two straight Sun Belt games, including a disappointing 48-41 home decision to Arkansas State last week, but their chances to reach bowl eligibility were still there. Further, ULM hadn't forgotten a stinging loss at Georgia State last year.
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ULM needed all the firepower it could muster to outlast Georgia State (6-3, 3-2), which rushed for 414 yards as two runners also exceeded 100 yards. Tra Barnett dazzled with 190 yards and two TDs and Destin Coates added 119 yards and one score.
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Star quarterback Dan Ellington, who left the game with an apparent right knee injury in the second quarter, rushed for 91 yards on nine carries.
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The contest swung back and forth all afternoon as the teams traded scores. Overall, there were eight lead changes and two ties in the Sun Belt shootout. However, GSU's last four possessions resulted in a punt, a lost fumble and two turnovers on downs.
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ULM went ahead for good at 38-31 when Evans flipped a 1-yard touchdown pass to Markis McCray with 7:40 left in the game to cap an 11-play, 65-yard drive.
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The first half featured more go than stops for the two potent offenses.
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Georgia State scored on its first series with a 39-yard field goal by Brandon Wright. The Panthers churned out 45 yards on 12 plays to take the 3-0 lead.
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Evans ran in a 16-yard touchdown with 5:59 left in the first quarter to put ULM ahead 7-3. A 30-yard catch by a wide-open Jonathan Hodoh was instrumental on the nine-play, 77-yard drive.
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Coates split ULM's defense on a 37-yard touchdown run as Georgia State answered with 3:25 showing in the first to go up 10-7.
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Tight end Josh Pederson's seventh touchdown catch of the year covered a career-long 43 yards from Evans as ULM regained the lead 14-10. ULM needed just five plays for the 94-yard drive that also featured a 36-yard run by Johnson. The touchdown pass was No. 50 in Evans' career and also moved him past Steven Jyles and into second place for career total yardage at ULM.
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Trading big plays, Georgia State picked off Evans and converted the takeaway into points three plays later as Ellington scampered 40 yards for a touchdown. The successful three-play, 59-yard drive put the Panthers ahead 17-14 with 12:54 left in the half.
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ULM's offense responded again, answering with Johnson's 10-yard touchdown run to conclude a nine-play, 75-yard movement. Evans scrambled for 7 yards on third-and-6 from the GSU 21 to keep the drive moving as ULM jumped ahead 21-17 with 9:28 to play.
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The scoring frenzy continued as Georgia State reclaimed the lead on Barnett's 1-yard touchdown run. The Panthers led 24-21 after their 12-play, 75-yard drive.
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ULM tied the game at 24-24 right before the half. Jared Porter's 31-yard field goal with 43 seconds remaining came at the end of an 11-play, 61-yard march.
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Georgia State's dynamic quarterback Ellington went down with a leg injury with 32 seconds left in the half and needed assistance to leave the field.
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In the first half, ULM rang up 332 yards total offense, with 170 passing and 162 rushing. Johnson posted 93 yards rushing while Evans ran for 64 and threw for 170.
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With red-shirt freshman Cornelious Brown into the game at quarterback for the second half, Georgia State still moved the ball but ULM's Larance Shaw blocked a field-goal attempt on the opening series.
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After recovering at their 18, the Warhawks quickly flipped the field with a 46-yard pass from Evans to Zach Jackson. Johnson then raced 30 yards for his second touchdown to give ULM the 31-24 advantage.
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Barnett's 7-yard touchdown run tied the game at 31-31 with 8:24 remaining in the third. The Panthers ran on all eight plays of a 75-yard drive, including a 41-yard jaunt by Coates.
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After the McCray touchdown, the defense delivered a takeaway when Chase Day forced a Barnett fumble recovered by Traveion Webster at the ULM 36. Although, the offense went three and out and couldn't make it count, it was one of the key plays for a defense that did its part late in the game.
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McCray's second touchdown catch of the game came with 2:46 remaining and sealed ULM's win. The senior used his speed to reach the end zone on a 14-yard reception from Evans.
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EVANS NAMED SUN BELT CONFERENCE OFFENSIVE PLAYER OF THE WEEK –
Senior quarterback Caleb Evans has completed 176-of-283 throws (.622) for 1,978 yards, 15 touchdowns and six interceptions. The 6-foot-2, 210-pound Evans has accounted for 2,599 yards total offense and 24 scores. He has thrown for more than 200 yards in five of his last six starts. Evans is listed among the NCAA FBS Top 20 in total offense (No. 16 at 288.8 yards per game), points responsible for (No. 20 at 144 points) and points responsible for per game (No. 20 at 16.0 points per game). He also ranks among the Sun Belt Conference leaders in total offense (second), passing yards (second at 219.8 yards per game), TD passes (third), rushing TDs (tied for fourth with 9), scoring (tied for seventh at 6.0 ppg.) and rushing (10th at 69.0 ypg.). His nine rushing TDs is tied with Josh Johnson for the team lead and his 621 rushing yards rank second behind Johnson.
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Evans, who accounted for a season-high 401 yards total offense and four touchdowns to lead ULM to a 45-31 Sun Belt Conference victory over Georgia State, was selected as one of the Davey O'Brien Foundation's "Great 8" quarterbacks for Week 11 as well as the Sun Belt Conference Offensive Player of the Week. He recorded his sixth 200-yard passing game of the season and 22nd of his career, completing 24-of-32 throws for a season-best 291 yards and three scores. His 24 completions and three TD passes also matched season highs. He completed TD tosses of 43 yards to Josh Pederson as well as 1 and 14 yards to Markis McCray. His 1-yard pop pass to McCray gave ULM the lead for good at 38-31 with 7:40 left in the fourth quarter. Evans completed passes to eight different receivers. He also posted his third 100-yard rushing game of the season and sixth of his career, finishing with 16 carries for 110 yards, including a 16-yard TD run in the first quarter. With his performance, Evans moved into second place (ahead of Steven Jyles, 2002-05; 10,234) on ULM's all-time list with 10,553 career yards total offense.
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He accounted for 363 yards total offense and five touchdowns in ULM's 48-41 loss to Arkansas State. Evans completed 24-of-37 throws for 215 yards, including TD strikes of 34 yards to McCray and 11 yards to Pederson. His 24 completions marked a season high, and he completed passes to seven different receivers. In addition, Evans rushed 12 times for a career-best 148 yards, including TD runs of 67, 16 and 23 yards. With his 16-yard scoring run with :03 left in the second quarter, he became just the third quarterback in ULM history to eclipse the 10,000-yard career milestone for total offense, joining Kolton Browning (2010-13: 11,808 career yards total offense) and Jyles (2002-05: 10,234).
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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, vs. Memphis and vs. Arkansas State), joining Oklahoma's Jalen Hurts (4 games), Ohio State's Justin Fields (2) and Iowa State's Brock Purdy (2).
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He hit 18-of-33 passes for 225 yards with one interception in ULM's 24-14 victory at Texas State. Evans completed throws to eight different receivers, including four 20-plus yard gains.
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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 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.
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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 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.
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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.
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He 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, Evans 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.
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Evans has started 31 consecutive games at quarterback – the seventh-longest active streak among NCAA FBS QBs.
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The Mansfield, Texas, native has completed 694-of-1,145 passes (.606) for 8,549 yards, 52 TDs and 30 interceptions in 40 career games. Evans already ranks among ULM's all-time Top 5 in total offense (second with 10,544 career yards), completion percentage (second), pass completions (third), passing yards (third), TD passes (tied for third), passing efficiency rating (third at 133.1), pass attempts (fourth) and passing yards per game (sixth at 213.7 ypg.).
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EVANS RANKS AMONG ACTIVE NCAA FBS STAT LEADERS –
Senior quarterback Caleb Evans ranks among the active NCAA Football Subdivision leaders (Top 25) in 12 different statistical categories: third among 15 quarterbacks with at least 4,000 passing yards and 1,000 rushing yards (10,544), fifth in total offense (10,544), eighth in total touchdowns responsible for (85), ninth in pass completions (694), ninth in pass attempts (1,145), ninth in passing yards (8,549), 11th in rushing touchdowns (33), 12th in total offense per game (263.6), 14th in total TDs scored (33), 20th in total offense yards per play (6.69) and 21st in passing yards per game (213.7).
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EVANS REWRITES ULM RECORD BOOK –
Senior Caleb Evans ranks as ULM's all-time leader in rushing touchdowns (33) and rushing yards (1,995) for a quarterback.
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Evans posted his third 100-yard rushing game of the season and sixth of his career, finishing with 16 carries for 110 yards against Georgia State, including a 16-yard TD run in the first quarter
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He rushed 12 times for a career-best 148 yards against Arkansas State, including TD runs of 67, 16 and 23 yards. With his 16-yard scoring run with :03 left in the second quarter, Evans became ULM's career leader in rushing TDs, breaking the mark previously held by former running back Calvin Dawson (30; 2004-07).
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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).
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JOHNSON RANKS 12TH IN THE NCAA FBS IN RUSHING –
Junior Josh Johnson ranks second in the Sun Belt Conference and 12th in the NCAA Football Bowl Subdivision in rushing, averaging 113.0 yards per game. His 6.48 yards per carry ranks 13th in the NCAA FBS. The 5-foot-9, 215-pound Johnson is tied with Caleb Evans for the team lead in rushing touchdowns (9) and scoring (54 points) and ranks second in explosive plays (10, 20-plus yard runs). He ranks tied for fourth in the NCAA FBS with seven runs of 30-plus yards.
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Johnson has been stopped for a loss only six times in 157 rushing attempts. He opened the season with 69 consecutive carries without being tackled in the backfield.
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With 20 rushes for 168 yards and two touchdowns in ULM's 45-31 win over Georgia State, Johnson became ULM's first 1,000-yard rusher since Frank Goodin (219 rushes for 1,126 yards and 13 TDs) in 2009. His two rushing TDs matched his career high, scoring on runs of 10 and 30 yards against the Panthers. His 36-yard gain around right end late in the first quarter set up ULM's second touchdown.
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Johnson led the Warhawks in rushing for the sixth time in seven games with 77 yards on 13 attempts at No. 24 Appalachian State. He broke runs of 15 and 18 yards against the Mountaineers.
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Johnson carried 22 carries for 114 yards and two touchdowns in ULM's 24-14 victory at Texas State. He 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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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A native of Opelika, Alabama, Johnson gained 69 yards on 19 carries and scored one rushing TD in nine games last season.
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PEDERSON & STRAUGHTER NAMED PFF MIDSEASON ALL-AMERICANS –
Tight end Josh Pederson and cornerback Corey Straughter were named second-team Midseason All-Americans by Pro Football Focus.
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Pederson leads ULM in receiving yards (399) and touchdown receptions (7) while ranking second in receptions (33). His totals in those three categories all represent career highs. Twenty-three of his 33 receptions (70 percent) have resulted in either a first down or a TD. His seven TD receptions rank third in the Sun Belt Conference.
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He caught two passes for 48 yards in ULM's 45-31 victory over Georgia State, including a career-long 43-yard TD reception from Caleb Evans on a third-and-1 play late in the first quarter. For his performance against the Panthers, Pederson was named to the Pro Football Focus Sun Belt Conference Offensive Team of the Week for the fourth time this season.
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Pederson had five catches for 57 yards against Arkansas State, including an 11-yard TD grab from Caleb Evans late in the fourth quarter. Four of his five receptions against the Red Wolves produced either a first down or a TD.
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Pederson caught a TD pass in four consecutive games during one stretch (at Florida State, at Iowa State, vs. South Alabama and vs. Memphis).
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He had a career-high seven receptions for 82 yards against No. 23 Memphis, including TD catches of 6 and 36 yards from 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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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A 5-10, 180-pound junior, Straughter ranks among the NCAA Football Bowl Subdivision leaders in interceptions (tied for third with 5) and passes defended (tied for fifth with 14). He leads the Sun Belt in both categories. The Monroe, Louisiana, native also has contributed 17 tackles (13 solos, 4 assists). Straughter has not allowed an explosive pass play (20-plus yards) or surrendered a touchdown reception in 2019.
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Through Week 11, Straughter is the second-highest graded cornerback in the NCAA FBS, according to Pro Football Focus' Cam Mellor, trailing only Cincinnati's Ahmad Gardner.
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He has been selected to the PFF Sun Belt Conference Defensive Team of the Week twice this season: against South Alabama, at Texas State and against Georgia State.
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Straughter intercepted Arkansas State's Layne Hatcher's third-down pass attempt at the Warhawk 36 and returned it 22 yards to set up ULM's game-tying touchdown (34-34) late in the third quarter. He also contributed three tackles and a pass break-up against the Red Wolves.
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Earlier this season, Straughter 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).
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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.
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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.
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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.
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He matched his season high with four tackles (all solo hits) to go along with an interception at Iowa State.
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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.
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DAY REACHES 200 CAREER TACKLES MILESTONE –
Fifth-year senior linebacker Chase Day ranks fourth on the team in tackles with 42 (16 solos, 26 assists), tied for fourth in tackles for loss (3.5 for 11 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.
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The 6-foot-1, 235-pound Day recorded five tackles and forced a fumble in ULM's 45-31 win over Georgia State.
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With four stops against Arkansas State, Day surpassed the 200-career tackles milestone. Only classmate Cortez Sisco Jr. has recorded more career tackles (237) among active Warhawks.
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The Baton Rouge, Louisiana, native posted four tackles in the 2019 Sun Belt Conference opener against South Alabama.
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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.
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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.
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His career totals include 207 tackles, with 21 resulting in losses (66 yards).
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PORTER, MEEKS PLAY KEY ROLES IN DICTATING FIELD POSITION –
A pair of sophomores – punter Jared Porter and kickoff specialist Jacob Meeks – have played key roles in helping dictate field position in 2019.
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The 5-foot-11, 175-pound Porter ranks third in the Sun Belt Conference and No. 38 in the NCAA Football Bowl Subdivision in punting with his 43.5-yard average. He has placed 14 of his 41 punts (34 percent) inside the opponent's 20-yard line and hit six punts 50 or more yards. His 14 punts inside the 20 exceed his total for the entire 2018 season (11 of 49 punts).
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Porter placed three of his seven punts (42.0 avg.) inside the 20 against Arkansas State. His 48-yard punt on ULM's second possession was fumbled by B.J. Edmonds at the A-State 6-yard line and recovered by Traveion Webster, setting up Josh Johnson's touchdown run as the Warhawks jumped out to a 14-0 lead.
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Porter averaged 44.3 yards on seven punts at Texas State, including three downed inside the 20, and blasted three kicks 50-plus yards, including a career-long 60-yarder on the final play of the first half.
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The Redlands, California, native averaged 42.2 yards on five punts against South Alabama, including a career-best four kicks downed inside the USA 20-yard line. His 52-yard punt midway through the third quarter was downed at the Jaguar 6. With his ball placement, USA started drives at its own 10, 6, 10 and 14.
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The 6-2, 192-pound Meeks leads the Sun Belt and ranks No. 26 in the NCAA FBS, averaging 63.33 yards on kickoffs. Nearly 51 percent of his kickoffs (26-of-51) have resulted in touchbacks.
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Over his last seven games, he has recorded touchbacks on 24-of-38 kickoffs (63 percent).
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Meeks matched his career-high with five touchbacks (5-of-8) against Georgia State (also had seven touchbacks at South Alabama in 2018).
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Meeks produced four touchbacks each in back-to-back home games against South Alabama (6 kickoffs for 369 yards; 61.5 avg.) and No. 23 Memphis (7 for 455 yards; 65.0 avg.).
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NCAA STAT LEADERS –
Here's a glance at how ULM ranks among the NCAA individual stat leaders in 2019:
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Individual Statistics (Top 50)
Rushing Yards: Josh Johnson (14th with 1,017 rushing yards)
Rushing Yards Per Game: Josh Johnson (12th at 113.0 rushing yards per game)
Rushing Yards Per Carry: Josh Johnson (13th at 6.48 rushing yards per carry)
Rushing Touchdowns: Josh Johnson/Caleb Evans (t-31st with 9 rushing touchdowns each)
Pass Completions Per Game: Caleb Evans (36th with 19.6 completions per game)
Passing Yards: Caleb Evans (49th with 1,978 passing yards)
Passing Touchdowns: Caleb Evans (42nd with 15 passing touchdowns)
Total Offense: Caleb Evans (16th at 288.8 yards per game)
Receiving Touchdowns: Josh Pederson (31st with 7 touchdown receptions)
All-Purpose Yards Per Game: Josh Johnson (44th at 118.2 all-purpose yards per game)
Total Touchdowns: Josh Johnson/Caleb Evans (t-49th with 9 total touchdowns each)
Points Responsible For: Caleb Evans (20th with 144 points responsible for)
Points Responsible For Per Game: Caleb Evans (20th at 16.0 points per game)
Total Tackles: Cortez Sisco Jr. (37th at 8.8 tackles per game)
Interceptions: Corey Straughter (t-3rd with 5 interceptions)
Passes Defended: Corey Straughter (t-5th with 14 passes defended)
Fumbles Recovered: Traveion Webster (t-2nd with 3 fumble recoveries)
Punting: Jared Porter (38th with 43.5-yard punting average)
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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.
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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).
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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.
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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.
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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.
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Those eight student-athletes wear a Sun Belt Conference graduate patch on their jersey.
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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.
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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; 45 games):
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Rushing Yards: 325 vs. Southern, 2016
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Passing Yards: 454 vs. Arkansas State, 2017
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Total Yards: 593 vs. ULL, 2017
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First Downs: 31 vs. Southeastern Louisiana, 2018; vs. Texas State and Georgia State, 2016
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Fewest Rushing Yards Allowed: 42 yards by Georgia State, 2016
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Fewest Passing Yards Allowed: 0 by ULL, 2016
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Fewest Total Yards Allowed: 216 by Georgia Southern, 2018
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Fewest First Downs Allowed: 11 by South Alabama, 2018
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Sacks By: 5 vs. Georgia Southern, Coastal Carolina and Southern Miss, 2018; vs. ULL, 2017
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Turnovers Forced: 4 vs. Southern Miss, 2018
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Points (Game): 56 vs. ULL, 2017
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Points (Half): 33 (1) vs. Texas State, 2016
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Points (Quarter): 23 (1) vs. Texas State, 2016
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Victory Margin: 28 vs. South Alabama, 2018
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Fewest Points Allowed (Game): 9 by Grambling, 2019
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