Game 11: Coastal Carolina (4-6, 1-5 Sun Belt) vs. ULM (4-6, 3-3 Sun Belt)
Saturday, Nov. 23 | 4:05 p.m. | ESPN3
Monroe, La. | Malone Stadium (30,000)
ULM Football Notes: Game 11 vs. Coastal Carolina
Digital Game Program
Video | Coach Viator Weekly Press Conference
TICKET PROMOTIONS
Youth Day: Youth 18 and under receive a free general admission ticket to Saturday's home finale against Coastal Carolina.
GA Tickets Discounted 20%: In addition, all general admission tickets are just $12 (regular price $15).
FIRST-AND-10 –
• Saturday's game marks the third meeting between ULM and Coastal Carolina. The Warhawks lead the all-time series 2-0, including a 1-0 record in games played in Malone Stadium.
Last October, Derrick Gore rushed 16 times for a career-high 147 yards and two touchdowns while Caleb Evans accounted for 256 yards total offense and three scores in ULM's 45-20 victory at Coastal Carolina. Gore scored on runs 10 and 46 yards while Evans completed 16-of-22 passes for 224 yards, including a 37-yard TD strike to Marcus Green, and added TD runs of 1 and 20 yards. Green finished with five receptions for 111 yards. ULM led 24-20 midway through the third quarter and broke the game open by scoring 21 unawswered points.
• Nineteen seniors will make their final appearance in Malone Stadium Saturday against Coastal Carolina. The Class of 2019 includes: linebacker Chase Day (Baton Rouge, La.), snapper Walker Easton (Joplin, Mo.), offensive tackle Trace Ellison (Frisco, Texas), quarterback Caleb Evans (Mansfield, Texas), safety Nick Ingram (Little Rock, Ark.), quarterback JT Jackson (Monroe, La.), offensive guard Brandon Jones (Montgomery, Texas), safety Logan Latin (Houston, Texas), defensive lineman Donald Louis Jr. (Monroe, La.), wide receiver Markis McCray (Euless, Texas), defensive end Sam Miller (Canton, Texas), safety Korian Reynaud (St. Rose, La.), center Bobby Reynolds (Keller, Texas), defensive lineman Larance Shaw (Fort Worth, Texas), linebacker Cortez Sisco Jr. (Memphis, Tenn.), offensive tackle Eastwood Thomas (Jackson, Ala.), running back Austin Vaughn (Alexandria, La.), defensive lineman Jaylen Veasley (Rockwall, Texas) and defensive lineman John Washington (West Monroe, La.).
• ULM ranks among the Sun Belt Conference leaders in passing offense (fourth at 236.5 yards per game), total offense (fourth at 439.8 ypg.), rushing offense (fifth at 203.3 ypg.) and scoring offense (sixth at 30.4 points per game). The Warhawks have rushed for 200-plus yards in six of the first 10 games in 2019.
• The ULM defense is tied for first (with Georgia Southern) in the Sun Belt with 16 takeways and ranks tied for second in interceptions with nine. In addition, the Warhawks are listed among the NCAA FBS leaders in those categories: tied for 41st in interceptions and tied for 43rd in takeways.
• ULM's 16 takeaways and nine interceptions have already exceeded the team's 2018 season totals (11 takeaways and 5 interceptions). The Warhawks have tallied multiple takeaways in six of the first 10 games in 2019, forcing a season-high three turnovers at Florida State (2 interceptions and 1 fumble). ULM's streak of 10 consecutive games with at least one takeaway (2018 season finale against the Ragin' Cajuns through Game 9 vs. Georgia State in 2019) ended at Georgia Southern.
• Senior quarterback Caleb Evans has completed 197-of-319 throws (.618) for 2,263 yards, 17 touchdowns and eight interceptions. The 6-foot-2, 210-pound Evans has accounted for 2,911 yards total offense and 27 scores. He has thrown for more than 200 yards in six of his last seven starts. Evans is listed among the NCAA FBS Top 25 in total offense (No. 17 at 291.1 yards per game), points responsible for (No. 17 at 164 points), points responsible for per game (No. 18 at 16.4 points per game) and rushing touchdowns (No. 24 with 10). He also ranks among the Sun Belt Conference leaders in total offense (second), passing yards (second at 226.3 yards per game), rushing TDs (tied for third), TD passes (fourth), pass efficiency (fifth with 133.9 rating) and scoring (tied for sixth at 6.0 ppg.). His 10 rushing TDs lead the team and his 648 rushing yards rank second, behind Josh Johnson.
Evans recorded his seventh 200-yard passing game of the season and 23rd of his career, completing 21-of-36 passes for 285 yards and two TDs at Georgia Southern. He completed throws to nine different receivers, including scoring tosses of 1 yard to Markis McCray and 16 yards to Josh Pederson in the fourth quarter. Evans also scored on a 1-yard keeper in the third quarter.
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).
Evans has started 32 consecutive games at quarterback – the sixth-longest active streak among NCAA FBS QBs.
The Mansfield, Texas, native has completed 715-of-1,181 passes (.605) for 8,834 yards, 54 TDs and 32 interceptions in 41 career games. Evans already ranks among ULM's all-time Top 5 in total offense (second with 10,856 career yards), completion percentage (second), pass completions (third), passing yards (third), TD passes (third), passing efficiency rating (third at 133.0), pass attempts (fourth) and passing yards per game (fifth at 215.5 ypg.).
• Junior Josh Johnson ranks second in the Sun Belt Conference and 16th in the NCAA Football Bowl Subdivision in rushing, averaging 106.0 yards per game. The 5-foot-9, 215-pound Johnson also ranks among the NCAA FBS Top 20 in rushing yards (14th with 1,060) and yards per carry (18th at 6.27). In addition, he ranks second on the team in rushing touchdowns (9), scoring (54 points) and explosive plays (10, 20-plus yard runs). Johnson ranks tied for fifth in the NCAA FBS with seven runs of 30-plus yards.
Johnson has been stopped for a loss only seven times in 169 rushing attempts. He opened the season with 69 consecutive carries without being tackled in the backfield.
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.
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).
• Junior tight end Josh Pederson leads ULM in touchdown receptions (8) while ranking second in receptions (34) and receiving yards (415). His totals in those three categories all represent career highs. Twenty-four of his 34 receptions (71 percent) have resulted in either a first down or a TD. His eight TD receptions is tied for first among tight ends (with SMU's Kylen Granson and Western Michigan's Giovanni Ricci) in the NCAA Football Bowl Subdivision. In addition, Pederson ranks among the Sun Belt Conference (third) and NCAA FBS (tied for 25th) leaders in TD catches.
He has caught at least one pass in each of the 10 games in 2019.
Pederson scored on a 16-yard grab from Caleb Evans and caught a 2-point pass in the fourth quarter at Georgia Southern.
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 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.
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.
Pederson caught a TD pass in four consecutive games during one stretch (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 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.
• Junior Corey Straughter ranks among the NCAA Football Bowl Subdivision leaders in interceptions (tied for fourth with 5) and passes defended (tied for 10th with 14). He leads the Sun Belt in both categories (tied with Appalachian State's Shaun Jolly for league lead in interceptions). The Monroe, Louisiana, native also has contributed 18 tackles (14 solos, 4 assists). Straughter has not allowed an explosive pass play (20-plus yards) or surrendered a touchdown reception in 2019.
Through Week 12, he has allowed a 0.6 passer rating – the best mark at the NCAA FBS level, according to Pro Football Focus' Cam Mellor.
• Fifth-year senior linebacker Cortez Sisco Jr. leads the Warhawks in tackles with a career-best 83 (38 solos, 45 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 8.3 per game. The Memphis, Tennessee, native also ranks as ULM's active career leader in tackles with 241.
STAT LEADERS –
Coastal Carolina (after 10 games):
Rushing – CJ Marable (161 carries for 792 yards, 4.9 avg., 8 TDs)
Passing – Fred Payton (102 of 160 for 1,220 yards, 8 TDs, 7 INTs)
Receiving – Jaivon Heiligh (44 catches for 472 yards, 10.7 avg., 2 TDs)
Tackles – Teddy Gallagher (80 tackles, 40 solos, 40 assists, 3.0 TFL)
ULM (after 10 games):
Rushing – Josh Johnson (169 carries for 1,060 yards, 6.3 avg., 9 TDs)
Passing – Caleb Evans (197 of 319 for 2,263 yards, 17 TDs, 8 INTs)
Receiving – Markis McCray (40 catches for 432 yards, 10.8 avg., 5 TDs)
Tackles – Cortez Sisco Jr. (83 tackles, 38 solos, 45 assists, 5 QB hurries, 3 PBUs)
ULM/COASTAL CAROLINA NOTES –
Saturday's game marks the third meeting between ULM and Coastal Carolina. The Warhawks lead the all-time series 2-0, including a 1-0 record in games played in Malone Stadium.
Last October, Derrick Gore rushed 16 times for a career-high 147 yards and two touchdowns while Caleb Evans accounted for 256 yards total offense and three scores in ULM's 45-20 victory at Coastal Carolina. Gore scored on runs 10 and 46 yards while Evans completed 16-of-22 passes for 224 yards, including a 37-yard TD strike to Marcus Green, and added TD runs of 1 and 20 yards. Green finished with five receptions for 111 yards. ULM led 24-20 midway through the third quarter and broke the game open by scoring 21 unawswered points.
THE LAST MEETING –
ULM 45, Coastal Carolina 20 (Oct. 13, 2018, in Conway, S.C.): ULM got back into the win column and back on track in the Sun Belt Conference with a rejuvenating 45-20 win over Coastal Carolina.
On the bright teal turf of Brooks Stadium, Marcus Green caught five passes for 111 yards, Derrick Gore rushed for a career-high 147 yards on 16 attempts and ULM's defense recorded five sacks to go along with three takeaways.
The Warhawks (3-4, 1-2 Sun Belt) never trailed in the contest. Bucking a trend of slow starts that contributed to ULM's four-game losing streak, the Warhawks enjoyed a winning beginning.
The reenergized Warhawks jumped ahead 7-0 by opening the contest with a six-play, 75 scoring drive. Austin "Bus" Vaughn powered in for the 4-yard touchdown run.
Marcus Hubbard recovered a fumble at the CCU 42 to set up another early ULM touchdown. Four plays after the takeaway, Gore ran for a 10-yard touchdown and the Warhawks led 14-0 with 8:35 to go in the first quarter.
Coastal's first scoring drive ended with a Massimo Biscardi 29-yard field goal. ULM defended the red zone well though, as Cortez Sisco Jr. broke up a third-and-goal pass attempt from the 11.
Early in the second quarter, the Chanticleers gambled and picked up 33 yards on a fake punt, then found the end zone six plays later. Malcom Williams scored on a sweep from the 4 and narrowed ULM's lead to 14-10 with 9:10 left in the first half.
ULM's offensive response was swift. Evans hit Green with a 37-yard touchdown pass on third-and-5 and the Warhawks lead expanded to 21-10. The four-play drive covered 75 yards in 1:32.
The Warhawks slowed it down on their next drive, going 52 yards in 10 plays and keeping the ball for 5:17. Tight end Josh Pederson narrowly missed scoring on a 3-yard reception as he stepped out of bounds, but Craig Ford's 20-yard field goal extended the lead to 24-10 with 50 seconds left before halftime.
That was enough time for the Chanticleers, who hustled down 57 yards in seven plays to kick a 40-yard field goal with two seconds to go and trailed 24-13 at the break.
The Warhawks weathered adversity early in the second half as Coastal converted a ULM turnover into points in the third quarter. Taking over after a fumbled handoff exchange by Green at the CCU 34, the Chanticleers moved 66 yards in six plays. Marcus Outlow finished the drive with a 6-yard touchdown rush and ULM's lead was down to 24-20.
Green redeemed himself on the next series with a contested 33-yard catch to the CCU 7 that set up a ULM score on a 1-yard touchdown run by Evans. The Warhawks led 31-20 with 3:45 to go in the third.
With Coastal threatening to score in the fourth quarter, ULM freshman Jabari Johnson made a crucial interception off Bryce Carpenter in the end zone with 8:12 remaining in the game. The pick was the first of his career for Johnson, a product of Ouachita Parish High School.
The Warhawks parlayed the takeaway into a touchdown, moving 80 yards in eight plays. Evans hit Markis McCray on a 35-yard reception along the way, then capped the march with a 20-yard touchdown run for a 38-20 lead at the 4:07 mark.
ULM sealed the victory in style. After Sam Miller recovered a fumble at the ULM 47, Gore two plays later blasted 47 yards for a touchdown.
ULM linebacker David Griffith made eight tackles, with 2.5 for losses including 1.5 sacks, and forced a fumble.
Coastal Carolina fell to 3-3, 1-2 in the Sun Belt. Carpenter stepped in as the starting quarterback and completed 9-of-19 passes for 133 yards and was sacked five times. Outlow led the ground game with 104 yards on 15 carries.
THE LAST MEETING IN MALONE STADIUM –
ULM 51, Coastal Carolina 43 (Sept. 30, 2017, in Monroe, La.): Ben Luckett and Derrick Gore combined to rush for 201 yards and four touchdowns to lead ULM to a 51-43 victory over Coastal Carolina, as the Warhawks improved to 2-0 in the Sun Belt standings. ULM scored 20 points off turnovers, thanks to three takeaways by the Warhawk defense.
ULM took the opening kickoff and put together a 12-play, 55-yard drive that resulted in a 40-yard field goal from Craig Ford as the Warhawks jumped out to a 3-0 lead with 10:14 remaining in the first quarter.
Tyler Keane hooked up with Malcolm Williams for an 86-yard scoring play as Coastal Carolina took its first lead at 7-3 with 3:55 left in the first quarter.
Marcus Green returned the ensuing kickoff 82 yards for a touchdown as ULM regained the lead at 10-7 with 3:42 to play in the first quarter. It marked the Warhawks first kickoff return for a TD since Courtney Davis returned the opening kickoff 89 yards for a score against Grambling State in 2013.
Coastal Carolina answered with a seven-play, 85-yd drive and took a 15-10 lead on Keane's 27-yard TD strike to Williams and a two-point pass to Alex James.
On the second play of ULM's next possession, Luckett broke a 53- yard run around right end for a first down at the CCU 17-yard line. On a fourth-and-1 play, Gore picked up 6 yards to set-up a first-and-goal at the Chanticleer 2. Luckett finished off the eight-play, 75-yard drive with a 1-yard TD plunge as ULM retook the lead at 17-15 with 12:34 left in the second quarter.
The ULM defense recorded its first takeaway on CCU's next series, as Keane's first-down pass attempt was intercepted by Roland Jenkins and returned 17 yards to the Chanticleer 15-yard line. Two plays later, Gore scored on a 10-yard TD run as ULM built a 24-15 lead with 11:38 remaining in the second quarter.
Keane connected with Williams for a 47-yard gain to the ULM 10-yard line, and three plays later, James scored on a 1-yard TD run around right end as Coastal pulled to within 24-22 with 7:21 left in the second quarter.
Late in the first half, Keane's second-down pass attempt was intercepted by Chase Day and returned 6 yards to the CCU 23-yard line. Two plays later, Caleb Evans hooked up with tight end Sloan Spiller for 20-yard scoring play down the middle, as ULM built a 31-22 lead with 2:33 remaining in the second quarter.
Luckett scored his second rushing TD on a 56-yard run up the middle as ULM extended its lead to 38-22 with 11:44 left in the third quarter.
Tyler Ky'Jon returned the ensuing kickoff 88 yards to the ULM 12-yard line, and three plays later, Marcus Outlow scored on a 1-yard run as CCU pulled to within 38-30 with 10:11 remaining in the third quarter.
On third down, Caleb Tucker and Kerry Starks combined to sack Keane for a 9-yard loss. Three plays later, Green's 26-yard scamper set up Gore's 1-yard TD run as ULM moved out to a 45-30 lead with 5:31 left in the third quarter.
Late in the third quarter, Keane connected with Williams for a 38-yard gain to the ULM 27-yard line. Keane eventually capped off the 11-play, 75-yard drive with a 5-yard TD toss to tight end Maxwell Kjosa as Coastal rallied to within 45-36 with 14:52 remaining in the fourth quarter.
On Coastal's second-to-last possession, Keane went 6-for-6 passing for 73 yards, including a 9-yard TD strike to Kjosa, as the Chanticleers cut their deficit to 45-43 with 3:07 left on the clock.
Coastal got the ball back with 20 seconds left in the game, and after a short third-down completion tried a series of laterals, but it resulted in a fumble that Tucker scooped up and returned 15 yards for a score as time expired for the final 51-43 margin.
Luckett recorded his fourth career 100-yard rushing game, with seven carries for 127 yards and two scores.
Keane completed 18-of-31 passes for 329 yards and four scores, while Williams finished with nine receptions for a Coastal single-game record 266 yards and two TDs.
THE LAST TIME OUT –
Georgia Southern 51, ULM 29 (Nov. 16, 2019, in Statesboro, Ga.): ULM couldn't get its act together on Saturday against Georgia Southern.
The Eagles scored 21 points off turnovers and never trailed in a 51-29 win over ULM on a damp, chilly day at Paulson Stadium.
ULM actually outgained Georgia Southern, 370-325, but couldn't overcome the self-inflicted wounds.
The Warhawks were a woeful 2-for-13 on third down and punted six times. Senior quarterback Caleb Evans passed for 285 yards and two scores but also was intercepted twice. ULM's 1,000-yard runner Josh Johnson was limited to 43 yards on 12 carries.
Georgia Southern (6-4, 4-2) became bowl eligible with the win while ULM fell to 4-6, 3-3 in the Sun Belt.
A wobbly first half found ULM trailing by three touchdowns through two quarters.
Georgia Southern's Rashad Byrd picked off Evans' second pass and the Eagles quickly converted the turnover into points. Byrd returned his interception 34 yards to the ULM 21, and quarterback Shai Werts scored on an 11-yard three plays later for a 7-0 lead.
ULM's offense shook off the miscue and responded with a nice drive. Austin Vaughn powered in a 3-yard touchdown run to cap a 13-play, 75-yard march that tied the score at 7-7.
Throw out the scoring drive though, and it was a lethargic first half for ULM's offense. The Warhawks had three three-and-outs with four punts and the turnover to show for their seven possessions.
Tyler Bass kicked a 26-yard field goal early in the second quarter to put the Eagles up 10-7. Georgia Southern started the seven-play drive at the ULM 43 after a short punt.
The Eagles needed six plays to cover 73 yards and Werts returned the end zone on a 24-yard run as Georgia Southern's lead grew to 17-7.
Georgia Southern finished the half against ULM's tiring defense with a nine-play, 88-yard drive and extended its lead to 24-7 as Darion Anderson snared a 33-yard pass from Werts with 37 seconds remaining.
The Eagles outgained ULM in first-half yardage, 235-132, and held a 13-5 edge in first downs.
Evans had just five completions until a 49-yard connection with Perry Carter Jr. on the second series of the second half. Johnson also had a 13-yard catch on fourth-and 6 and Carter's catch was the field-flipper in ULM's eight-play, 84-yard drive that ended with a 1-yard touchdown run from Evans. ULM trailed 24-14 with 6:41 left in the third quarter.
But after cutting the lead to 10, ULM lost traction quickly.
Another ULM turnover, this time on special teams, led to another Georgia Southern touchdown. Anthony Beck II's 51-yard punt was muffed by Carter and recovered at the ULM 6-yard line. A 6-yard touchdown run from J.D. King with 25 seconds left in the third quarter put the Eagles up 31-14.
The spiral continued as Evans threw a pick-six to Donald Rutledge Jr., who rumbled 42 yards to hand ULM a 38-14 deficit.
Markis McCray's 1-yard touchdown grab from Evans and Josh Pederson's catch for a two-point conversion made it 38-22 with 12:15 left in the game.
Georgia Southern would salt their win away with a fourth-quarter drive that included three personal fouls against ULM and exceeded nine minutes, adding the exclamation point on Wesley Kennedy III's 1-yard touchdown run to go up 44-22 with 2:48 remaining.
Pederson grabbed his eighth touchdown pass of the year on a 16-yard pass from Evans with 20 seconds remaining.
Georgia Southern's Monquavion Brinson fielded the ensuing onside kick and returned it 42 yards for a touchdown.
EVANS ESTABLISHES HIMSELF AS ONE OF NATION'S TOP DUAL-THREAT QBS –
Senior quarterback Caleb Evans has completed 197-of-319 throws (.618) for 2,263 yards, 17 touchdowns and eight interceptions. The 6-foot-2, 210-pound Evans has accounted for 2,911 yards total offense and 27 scores. He has thrown for more than 200 yards in six of his last seven starts. Evans is listed among the NCAA FBS Top 25 in total offense (No. 17 at 291.1 yards per game), points responsible for (No. 17 at 164 points), points responsible for per game (No. 18 at 16.4 points per game) and rushing touchdowns (No. 24 with 10). He also ranks among the Sun Belt Conference leaders in total offense (second), passing yards (second at 226.3 yards per game), rushing TDs (tied for third), TD passes (fourth), pass efficiency (fifth with 133.9 rating) and scoring (tied for sixth at 6.0 ppg.). His 10 rushing TDs lead the team and his 648 rushing yards rank second, behind Josh Johnson.
Evans recorded his seventh 200-yard passing game of the season and 23rd of his career, completing 21-of-36 passes for 285 yards and two TDs at Georgia Southern. He completed throws to nine different receivers, including scoring tosses of 1 yard to Markis McCray and 16 yards to Josh Pederson in the fourth quarter. Evans also scored on a 1-yard keeper in the third quarter.
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 completed 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 Pederson as well as 1 and 14 yards to 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.
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).
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).
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Evans has started 32 consecutive games at quarterback – the sixth-longest active streak among NCAA FBS QBs.
The Mansfield, Texas, native has completed 715-of-1,181 passes (.605) for 8,834 yards, 54 TDs and 32 interceptions in 41 career games. Evans already ranks among ULM's all-time Top 5 in total offense (second with 10,856 career yards), completion percentage (second), pass completions (third), passing yards (third), TD passes (third), passing efficiency rating (third at 133.0), pass attempts (fourth) and passing yards per game (fifth at 215.5 ypg.).
EVANS RANKS AMONG ACTIVE NCAA FBS STAT LEADERS –
Senior quarterback Caleb Evans ranks among the active NCAA Football Subdivision leaders (Top 25) in 13 different statistical categories: third among 17 quarterbacks with at least 4,000 passing yards and 1,000 rushing yards (10,856), fourth in total offense (10,856), eighth in pass attempts (1,181), eighth in passing yards (8,834), eighth in total touchdowns responsible for (88), ninth in pass completions (715), 11th in rushing touchdowns (34), 15th in total offense per game (264.8), 15th in total TDs scored (34), 21st in passing yards per game (215.5), 23rd in total offense yards per play (6.68) and 25th in pass completions per game (17.4).
EVANS REWRITES ULM RECORD BOOK –
Senior Caleb Evans ranks as ULM's all-time leader in rushing touchdowns (34) and rushing yards (2,022) for a quarterback.
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.
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).
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 SPREADS THE BALL AROUND –
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 24 receptions, including Markis McCray (40 for 432 yards), Josh Pederson (34 for 415), Jonathan Hodoh (29 for 337) and Zach Jackson (24 for 315).
JOHNSON RANKS AMONG NCAA FBS TOP 20 IN RUSHING –
Junior Josh Johnson ranks second in the Sun Belt Conference and 16th in the NCAA Football Bowl Subdivision in rushing, averaging 106.0 yards per game. The 5-foot-9, 215-pound Johnson also ranks among the NCAA FBS Top 20 in rushing yards (14th with 1,060) and yards per carry (18th at 6.27). In addition, he ranks second on the team in rushing touchdowns (9), scoring (54 points) and explosive plays (10, 20-plus yard runs). Johnson ranks tied for fifth in the NCAA FBS with seven runs of 30-plus yards.
Johnson has been stopped for a loss only seven times in 169 rushing attempts. He opened the season with 69 consecutive carries without being tackled in the backfield.
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.
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.
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.
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 were named second-team Midseason All-Americans by Pro Football Focus.
Pederson leads ULM in touchdown receptions (8) while ranking second in receptions (34) and receiving yards (415). His totals in those three categories all represent career highs. Twenty-four of his 34 receptions (71 percent) have resulted in either a first down or a TD. His eight TD receptions is tied for first among tight ends (with SMU's Kylen Granson and Western Michigan's Giovanni Ricci) in the NCAA Football Bowl Subdivision. In addition, Pederson ranks among the Sun Belt Conference (third) and NCAA FBS (tied for 25th) leaders in TD catches.
He has caught at least one pass in each of the 10 games in 2019.
Pederson scored on a 16-yard grab from Caleb Evans and caught a 2-point pass in the fourth quarter at Georgia Southern.
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 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.
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.
Pederson caught a TD pass in four consecutive games during one stretch (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 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.
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 fourth with 5) and passes defended (tied for 10th with 14). He leads the Sun Belt in both categories (tied with Appalachian State's Shaun Jolly for league lead in interceptions). The Monroe, Louisiana, native also has contributed 18 tackles (14 solos, 4 assists). Straughter has not allowed an explosive pass play (20-plus yards) or surrendered a touchdown reception in 2019.
Through Week 12, he has allowed a 0.6 passer rating – the best mark at the NCAA FBS level, according to Pro Football Focus' Cam Mellor.
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.
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.
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).
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 REACHES 200 CAREER TACKLES MILESTONE –
Fifth-year senior linebacker Chase Day ranks fourth on the team in tackles with 44 (17 solos, 27 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.
The 6-foot-1, 235-pound Day recorded five tackles and forced a fumble in ULM's 45-31 win over Georgia State.
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.
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 209 tackles, with 21 resulting in losses (66 yards).
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.
The 5-foot-11, 175-pound Porter ranks third in the Sun Belt Conference and No. 37 in the NCAA Football Bowl Subdivision in punting with his 43.4-yard average. He has placed 16 of his 47 punts (34 percent) inside the opponent's 20-yard line and hit seven punts 50 or more yards. His 16 punts inside the 20 exceed his total for the entire 2018 season (11 of 49 punts).
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.
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.
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.
The 6-2, 192-pound Meeks leads the Sun Belt and ranks No. 19 in the NCAA FBS, averaging 63.44 yards on kickoffs. Nearly 53 percent of his kickoffs (29-of-55) have resulted in touchbacks.
Over his last eight games, he has recorded touchbacks on 27-of-42 kickoffs (64 percent).
Meeks averaged 64.8 yards on four kickoffs at Georgia Southern, including three touchbacks.
He matched his career-high with five touchbacks (5-of-8) against Georgia State (also had five touchbacks at South Alabama in 2018).
The Grand Prairie, Texas, native 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.).
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 (14th with 1,060 rushing yards)
Rushing Yards Per Game: Josh Johnson (16th at 106.0 rushing yards per game)
Rushing Yards Per Carry: Josh Johnson (18th at 6.27 rushing yards per carry)
Rushing Touchdowns: Caleb Evans (24th with 10 rushing touchdowns); Josh Johnson (36th with 9 rushing TDs)
Pass Completions Per Game: Caleb Evans (33rd with 19.7 completions per game)
Passing Yards: Caleb Evans (42nd with 2,263 passing yards)
Passing Yards Per Game: Caleb Evans (49th at 226.3 passing yards per game)
Passing Touchdowns: Caleb Evans (37th with 17 passing touchdowns)
Total Offense: Caleb Evans (17th at 291.1 yards per game)
Receiving Touchdowns: Josh Pederson (25th with 8 touchdown receptions)
Total Touchdowns: Caleb Evans (t-42nd with 10 total touchdowns each)
Points Responsible For: Caleb Evans (17th with 164 points responsible for)
Points Responsible For Per Game: Caleb Evans (18th at 16.4 points per game)
Total Tackles: Cortez Sisco Jr. (46th at 8.3 tackles per game)
Interceptions: Corey Straughter (t-4th with 5 interceptions)
Passes Defended: Corey Straughter (t-10th with 14 passes defended)
Fumbles Recovered: Traveion Webster (t-4th with 3 fumble recoveries)
Punting: Jared Porter (37th with 43.4-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; 46 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
