Game 12: ULM (5-6, 4-3 Sun Belt) vs. RAGIN' CAJUNS (9-2, 6-1 Sun Belt)
Saturday, Nov. 30 | 6:32 p.m. | ESPNU
Lafayette, La. | Cajun Field (41,426)
ULM Football Notes: Game 12 vs. Ragin' Cajuns
Video | Coach Viator Weekly Press Conference
FIRST-AND-10 –
• Saturday's game marks the 55th meeting between ULM and ULL. The Ragin' Cajuns lead the all-time series 28-25 (2011 game result vacated by ULL), including a 14-13 record in games played in Lafayette. ULL has won nine out of the last 12 meetings and nine of those last 12 games have been decided by nine points or less.
Last November, Andre Nunez threw for 148 yards and three touchdowns and Levi Lewis passed for another score as the Ragin' Cajuns defeated ULM, 31-28, in the 2018 season finale in Malone Stadium. The Ragin' Cajuns jumped out to a 14-0 first-quarter lead, but ULM cut its deficit to 24-21 at halftime, thanks to Corey Straughter's 66-yard interception return for a TD late in the first half. Trailing by 10 in the fourth quarter, the Warhawks pulled to within 31-28 as Caleb Evans hooked up with Marcus Green for a 30-yard scoring play with 4:47 left in the game. Craig Ford missed a potential game-tying 36-yard field-goal attempt as time expired.
• With a road victory over the Ragin' Cajuns in the regular-season finale, ULM can become bowl eligible for the second-straight year.
• Senior quarterback Caleb Evans, who accounted for a season-high 415 yards total offense and three scores to lead ULM to a 45-42 victory over Coastal Carolina, has been selected Sun Belt Conference Offensive Player of the Week. Evans completed 20-of-34 throws for a season-best 349 yards, two touchdowns and one interception. He hooked up with Markis McCray for a school-record 98-yard scoring play in the first quarter, and his 34-yard TD strike to Zach Jackson with 6:47 left in the fourth quarter proved to be the game winner. It marked Evans' first 300-yard passing game of the season and ninth of his career. He completed passes to eight different receivers. Evans also rushed nine times for 69 yards, including a 32-yard TD run late in the third quarter. With his performance against Coastal, he became only the second quarterback in ULM history to eclipse these two career milestones: 9,000 passing yards and 11,000 yards total offense.
• Fifth-year senior linebacker Cortez Sisco Jr., who recorded a career-high 19 tackles and an interception in ULM's 45-42 win over Coastal Carolina, has been named Sun Belt Conference Defensive Player of the Week. The 5-foot-11, 220-pound Sisco reached double figures in tackles for the fourth time this season and fifth time in his career. He tallied eight stops on Coastal's first two drives of the game and finished the first half with 18 tackles. He produced his first tackle for loss of the season on the game's opening play from scrimmage, dropping CCU quarterback Bryce Carpenter for a 2-yard loss. His first interception of the season and third of his career came late in the second quarter as CCU drove inside the ULM 30-yard line. ULM limited Coastal to 4-of-12 on third-down conversion attempts and forced two turnovers.
• ULM ranks among the Sun Belt Conference leaders in passing offense (third at 246.7 yards per game), total offense (fourth at 451.0 ypg.), rushing offense (fifth at 204.3 ypg.) and scoring offense (sixth at 31.7 points per game). The Warhawks have rushed for 200-plus yards in seven of the 11 games in 2019.
• The ULM defense leads the Sun Belt Conference in takeaways (18) and interceptions (10; tied with Coastal Carolina, Troy and Appalachian State). In addition, the Warhawks are listed among the NCAA Football Bowl Subdivision leaders in those categories: tied for 32nd in takeaways and tied for 37th in interceptions.
ULM's 18 takeaways and 10 interceptions have already exceeded the team's 2018 season totals (11 takeaways and 5 interceptions). The Warhawks have tallied multiple takeaways in seven of the 11 games in 2019, forcing a season-high three turnovers at Florida State (2 interceptions and 1 fumble). ULM has recorded at least one takeaway in 11 of its last 12 games, dating back to the 2018 season finale against the Ragin' Cajuns.
• Caleb Evans has completed 217-of-353 throws (.615) for 2,612 yards, 19 touchdowns and nine interceptions. The 6-foot-2, 210-pound Evans has accounted for 3,329 yards total offense and 30 scores. He has thrown for more than 200 yards in seven of his last eight starts. Evans is listed among the NCAA FBS Top 25 in total offense (No. 13 at 302.6 yards per game), points responsible for (No. 16 at 182 points), points responsible for per game (No. 17 at 16.5 points per game) and rushing touchdowns (No. 21 with 11). He also ranks among the Sun Belt Conference leaders in total offense (second), passing yards (third at 237.5 yards per game), rushing TDs (tied for third), TD passes (fifth), pass efficiency (eighth with 136.3 rating) and scoring (tied for eighth at 6.0 ppg.). His 11 rushing TDs is tied for the team lead and his career-high 717 rushing yards rank second, behind Josh Johnson.
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 (5 games), Ohio State's Justin Fields (2) and Iowa State's Brock Purdy (2).
Evans has started 33 consecutive games at quarterback – the sixth-longest active streak among NCAA FBS QBs.
The Mansfield, Texas, native has completed 735-of-1,215 passes (.605) for 9,183 yards, 56 TDs and 33 interceptions in 42 career games. Evans already ranks among ULM's all-time Top 5 in passing yards (second), completion percentage (second), TD passes (second), total offense (second with 11,274 career yards), pass completions (third), pass attempts (third), passing efficiency rating (third at 133.8) and passing yards per game (fifth at 218.6 ypg.).
• Junior Josh Johnson ranks second in the Sun Belt Conference and 14th in the NCAA Football Bowl Subdivision in rushing, averaging 108.1 yards per game. The 5-foot-9, 215-pound Johnson also ranks among the NCAA FBS Top 20 in rushing yards (13th with 1,189) and yards per carry (17th at 6.32). His 1,189 rushing yards rank as the fifth-highest single-season total in ULM history. In addition, he is tied with quarterback Caleb Evans for the team lead in rushing touchdowns (11) and scoring (66 points) while ranking second in explosive plays (10, 20-plus yard runs). Johnson ranks tied for eighth in the NCAA FBS with seven runs of 30-plus yards.
Johnson has been stopped for a loss only nine times in 188 rushing attempts. He opened the season with 69 consecutive carries without being tackled in the backfield.
The Opelika, Alabama, native recorded his sixth 100-yard game of the season in ULM's 45-42 win over Coastal Carolina, finishing with 19 carries for 129 yards and two TDs. He broke five runs of 10-plus yards, including a pair of 12-yarders that resulted in TDs.
With 20 rushes for 168 yards and two TDs 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 times 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 (37) and receiving yards (475). His totals in those three categories all represent career highs. Twenty-seven of his 37 receptions (73 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 27th) leaders in TD catches.
All three of his receptions (for 60 yards) against Coastal Carolina resulted in first downs. His 30-yard grab from Caleb Evans opened ULM's game-winning TD drive midway through the fourth quarter.
• Junior Corey Straughter has allowed the lowest passer rating (5.3) and lowest completion percentage (23.1) when targeted among all NCAA Football Bowl Subdivision cornerbacks through Week 13, according to Pro Football Focus (min. 31 targets). The 5-10, 180-pound Straughter ranks among the NCAA FBS leaders in interceptions (tied for fifth with 5) and passes defended (tied for ninth with 15). He leads the Sun Belt in both categories (tied with Appalachian State's Shaun Jolly for league lead in interceptions). Straughter has not surrendered a touchdown reception in 2019 and has allowed only one explosive pass play (20-plus yards; came on the opening drive of Game 11 vs. Coastal Carolina).
The Monroe, Louisiana, native also has contributed 21 tackles (16 solos, 5 assists).
CLASS BREAKDOWN (STARTERS) –
ULM Offense: 6 seniors, 4 juniors, 1 sophomore
ULM Defense: 4 seniors, 6 juniors, 1 freshman
Ragin' Cajuns Offense: 1 graduate, 4 seniors, 1 junior, 3 sophomores, 2 freshmen
Ragin' Cajuns Defense: 5 seniors, 1 junior, 5 sophomores
STAT LEADERS –
ULM (after 11 games):
Rushing – Josh Johnson (188 carries for 1,189 yards, 6.3 avg., 11 TDs)
Passing – Caleb Evans (217 of 353 for 2,612 yards, 19 TDs, 9 INTs)
Receiving – Markis McCray (44 catches for 549 yards, 12.5 avg., 6 TDs)
Tackles – Cortez Sisco Jr. (102 tackles, 46 solos, 56 assists, 5 QB hurries, 1 INT, 3 PBUs)
Ragin' Cajuns (after 11 games):
Rushing – Elijah Mitchell (150 carries for 905 yards, 6.0 avg., 14 TDs)
Passing – Levi Lewis (185 of 283 for 2,180 yards, 17 TDs, 3 INTs)
Receiving – Ja'Marcus Bradley (44 catches for 633 yards, 14.4 avg., 6 TDs)
Tackles – Jacques Boudreaux (77 tackles, 40 solos, 37 assists, 1.5 TFL, 3 QB hurries, 3 PBUs)
ULM/RAGIN' CAJUNS SERIES NOTES –
Saturday's game marks the 55th meeting between ULM and ULL. The Ragin' Cajuns lead the all-time series 28-25 (2011 game result vacated by ULL), including a 14-13 record in games played in Lafayette. ULL has won nine out of the last 12 meetings and nine of those last 12 games have been decided by nine points or less.
Last November, Andre Nunez threw for 148 yards and three touchdowns and Levi Lewis passed for another score as the Ragin' Cajuns defeated ULM, 31-28, in the 2018 season finale in Malone Stadium. The Ragin' Cajuns jumped out to a 14-0 first-quarter lead, but ULM cut its deficit to 24-21 at halftime, thanks to Corey Straughter's 66-yard interception return for a TD late in the first half. Trailing by 10 in the fourth quarter, the Warhawks pulled to within 31-28 as Caleb Evans hooked up with Marcus Green for a 30-yard scoring play with 4:47 left in the game. Craig Ford missed a potential game-tying 36-yard field-goal attempt as time expired.
THE LAST MEETING –
Ragin' Cajuns 31, ULM 28 (Nov. 24, 2018, in Monroe, La.): A slow start and multiple missed opportunities came back to haunt ULM in a 31-28 loss to Louisiana-Lafayette in the 2018 regular-season finale at Malone Stadium.
The Warhawks (6-6, 4-4) put themselves in position to win or tie the game in the waning seconds, but Craig Ford missed a 36-yard field goal wide right as time expired.
The missed field goal wasn't the only chance ULM let get away on this cool, sunny afternoon with 18,167 in attendance.
The Warhawks spotted ULL a two-touchdown lead in the first quarter, but cut the deficit to three by halftime, thanks to a pick-six by cornerback Corey Straughter. Then ULM failed to score on two second-half red zone trips and fumbled away another opportunity.
ULM's offense finished with 344 yards of total offense but 156 of those yards came in the fourth quarter.
Trailing 31-21, Caleb Evans hit Marcus Green for a 30-yard touchdown pass with 4:47 to cut the lead to three and set up the final sequence. ULM's defense held after the score and forced a ULL punt, which traveled 62 yards to the ULM 16.
The Warhawks moved into striking distance, converting on fourth-and-1 on a 30-yard pass from Evans to R.J. Turner to the ULL 17. Derrick Gore ran for 3 yards and Evans fired two incompletions, including a look toward the end zone that he had to throw away.
Ford lined up for the field goal and a chance to tie with four seconds left but pushed the kick right.
With so much on the line, the Warhawks found themselves in a bind early.
ULL needed just four plays on its opening series to find the end zone as Andre Nunez hit Ryheem Malone for a 40-yard touchdown pass with 13:32 left in the first quarter. Malone caught two passes for 70 yards on the 75-yard drive.
The Cajuns were fruitful on their second march to go ahead 14-0 with 4:41 left in the first. Nunez hit Ja'Marcus Bradley for a 20-yard touchdown to end the 11-play, 90-yard drive.
ULL outgained ULM, 184-54, in the opening period as each team ran 15 plays.
ULM made it a 14-7 game when Evans found Austin Vaughn on a 13-yard touchdown pass with 14:25 showing in the second quarter. The Warhawks moved 59 yards in 11 plays for Vaughn's first career touchdown reception.
The Cajuns responded quickly to go up 21-7 on the ensuing possession. ULL motored 65 yards in seven plays and scored on a 6-yard touchdown pass from Nunez to Trey Ragas.
Green's 43-yard kickoff return and a 22-yard run by Gore to the ULL 23 put ULM right back in scoring position. Capping a five-play, 54-yard drive, Kayin White took an inside handoff in from 5 yards for a 21-14 score with 9:14 left in the half.
ULL scored on its fourth-straight possession with a 37-yard field goal by Kyle Pfau with 4:22 remaining until halftime. The Cajuns covered 56 yards in 10 plays to make it 24-14.
ULM's offense had just gone three-and-out and netted 16 yards on a punt when Straughter gave the Warhawks a huge lift. The sophomore cornerback picked off Nunez and returned the interception 66 yards for a touchdown.
With 2:25 left in the second quarter, ULM trailed 24-21 and had new life.
Despite being outgained, 337-123, in the first half, ULM trailed by just three points after two quarters, thanks to the clutch defensive play.
The third quarter was scoreless with a flurry of defensive stands and a pair of turnovers by ULM.
The Warhawks received the second-half kickoff but went three-and-out with a punt. ULL gained just 24 yards on nine plays before Pfau missed a 50-yard field goal wide right.
A 34-yard pass to Markis McCray took the ball to the ULL 9 and the Warhawks faced third-and- goal at the 5 when Evans was intercepted in the end zone by Michael Jacquet III with 5:03 left in the third.
ULL gambled on fourth-and 1 from its own 29 and the Warhawks stuffed the attempt when Nunez bobbled the shotgun snap as Ty Shelby and Tyler Johnson converged for the tackle.
The Warhawks would squander the opportunity three plays later when McCray fumbled as he battled to pick up a first down. Justin Middleton raked the ball loose and recovered at the ULL 21.
The Cajuns faced another fourth-and-1 from the ULL 30 and Ragas converted this time on a 2-yard run as the third quarter expired. The drive stayed alive on a crucial pass interference call and bore fruit with 11:49 left in the game as Levi Lewis completed a 40-yard touchdown pass to Elijah Mitchell, giving ULL a 31-21 lead.
THE LAST MEETING AT CAJUN FIELD –
ULM 56, Ragin' Cajuns 50 – 2OT (Sept. 23, 2017, in Lafayette, La.): Caleb Evans accounted for 472 yards total offense and six touchdowns to lead ULM to a 56-50 double-overtime win at Louisiana Lafayette in the Sun Belt opener for both teams.
Evans completed 28-of-34 throws for 343 yards and one touchdown and rushed 16 times for 129 yards and a school single-game record five rushing TDs. He scored on TD runs of 7, 38, 7, 5 and 6 yards, as the Warhawks snapped a three-game losing streak against the Ragin' Cajuns.
On a third-and-4 play on ULM's second possession, Markis McCray took a double reverse from Marcus Green and gained 37 yards to the ULL 46-yard line. Evans capped off an 11-play, 89-yard drive with a 7-yard TD run as ULM jumped out to a 7-0 lead with 8:00 left in the first quarter.
Late in the first quarter, Harrison Heim's 40-yard punt pinned ULL back on its own 1-yard line, and three plays later, Nick Ingram sacked Jordan Davis for a 6-yard loss and a safety as ULM took a 9-0 lead.
On third-and-1, Evans scored on a 38-yard TD run around right end as ULM built a 16-0 lead with 13:22 remaining in the second quarter.
The Ragin' Cajuns responded on their next series, as Elijah Mitchell carried five times for 75 yards, including a 1-yard TD plunge with 11:21 left in the first half.
On second-and-7, Evans hooked up with Green for a 32-yard gain to the ULL 42-yard line. Next on a third-and-16 play, Evans found Green for an 18-yard gain and a fresh set of downs at the ULL 18. Derrick Gore finished off the 10-play, 77-yard drive with a 2-yard TD run up the middle as ULM moved out to a 23-7 lead with 7:16 left in the second quarter.
ULL answered with an 11-play, 75-yard drive and pulled to within 23-13 on Mitchell's second TD run, a 10-yarder, with 2:52 remaining in the second quarter.
ULM failed to convert on a fourth-and-6 play from the ULL 30 on its first drive of the third quarter. The Ragin' Cajuns put together a 13-play, 67-yard drive and cut its deficit to 23-16 on a 20-yard field goal by Stevie Antigue with 5:16 left in the third quarter.
Green returned the ensuing kickoff 35 yards to the ULM 48-yard line. On second-and-15, Evans displayed poise in the pocket and hooked up with Gore out of the backfield for a 46-yard gain to the ULL 11. Two plays later, Evans scored his third rushing TD on a 7-yard keep as ULM built a 30-16 lead with 3:26 remaining in the third quarter.
The Ragin' Cajuns countered with a seven-play, 75-yard drive and rallied to within 30-22 when Dion Ray scored on a 6-yard keeper around right end with 51 seconds left in the third quarter.
Evans opened ULM's next series with a 39-yard strike to Green to the ULL 41-yard line. Three plays later, Evans hit R.J. Turner for 24 yards on a slant play to set up first-and-goal at the ULL 5. Evans finished off the seven-play, 75-yard drive with his fourth rushing TD, scoring on a 5-yard keeper as ULM took a 36-22 lead with 13:46 on the clock in the fourth quarter.
The Warhawk defense forced ULL to go three-and-out on its next series. On the sixth play of the drive, Evans hooked up with Duke Carter on a wheel route for a 32-yard gain to the ULL 13; and added half the distance to the goal on a facemask penalty against the Ragin' Cajuns. On the next play, Evans reached pay dirt for the fifth time, scoring on a 6-yard run, as ULM extended its lead to 43-22 with 9:35 left in the fourth quarter. His fifth rushing TD tied ULM's single-game record (Thomas Koufie scored five rushing TD vs. Georgia State, 2016).
ULL's next three possessions produced touchdowns, including a 1-yard TD run by Trey Ragas, a 12-yard scoring pass from Andre Nunez to Jarrod Jackson and a 14-yard strike from Nunez to Ja'Marcus Bradley as time expired in the fourth quarter to send the game into overtime tied at 43-43.
The Warhawks regained the lead at 50-43 on the fifth play of overtime, as Evans connected with Turner for a 15-yard scoring play over the middle. ULL tied the score at 50-50 on a 6-yard run off left tackle by Nunez.
The Ragin' Cajuns' second possession in overtime netted only 3 yards, and Calvin Linden's 39-yard field-goal attempt sailed wide right. Gore opened ULM's second overtime series with an 11-yard gain around left end and three plays later scored on an 8-yard run up with middle to give the Warhawks a 56-50 victory.
Green finished with eight receptions for 117 yards while David Griffith recorded 11 stops against the Ragin' Cajuns, with two resulting in losses (10 yards), including a 6-yard sack.
ULM/ULL COACHING CONNECTIONS –
Four members of ULL's coaching staff – offensive coordinator/offensive line coach Rob Sale, wide receivers coach/recruiting coordinator Tim Leger, outside linebackers/special teams coordinator Matt Powledge and cornerbacks coach LaMar Morgan – have worked for ULM head coach Matt Viator. All four became members of Viator's inaugural ULM staff for the 2016 season.
Sale, who previously served under Viator for three seasons at McNeese State (offensive line coach, 2012-13; co-offensive coordinator, 2014), coached the Warhawk offensive line in 2016.
Leger, who spent nine years as offensive coordinator/quarterbacks coach for Viator at McNeese State from 2007-15, served as ULM's wide receivers coach and recruiting coordinator for two seasons (2016-17).
Powledge coached ULM's tight ends and served as special teams coordinator for two years from 2016-17.
Morgan spent two seasons as the Warhawks defensive backs coach from 2016-17.
BATTLE FOR IN-STATE BRAGGING RIGHTS –
ULM's 2019 roster features 48 players from the state of Louisiana, including four of the Warhawks' 11 probable starters on defense against the Ragin' Cajuns: defensive end Kerry Starks (Marrero/John Ehret), linebacker Rashaad Harding (Lafayette/Carencro) and cornerbacks Josh Newton (Monroe/Ouachita Parish) and Corey Straughter (Monroe/Neville).
THE LAST TIME OUT –
ULM 45, Coastal Carolina 42 (Nov. 23, 2019, in Monroe, La.): On a night when the offenses ran hot at Malone Stadium, ULM's defense made two key stands late to preserve a 45-42 win over Coastal Carolina.
ULM (5-6, 4-3 Sun Belt) kept alive its chances to reach bowl eligibility with a satisfying finish in their final home game of 2019.
Caleb Evans passed for 346 yards and two touchdowns, including a 98-yard strike to Markis McCray that is the longest in school history. Evans also ran nine times for 69 yards and a touchdown while directing an offense that gained 563 yards.
ULM's offense claimed the lead for good when Evans hit Zach Jackson for a 34-yard touchdown strike that put the home team ahead 45-42 with 6:47 remaining. The Warhawks went 75 yards in three plays, burning just 43 seconds for the game's eighth lead change.
A pivotal defensive stop by ULM, including a third-down sack by Ty Shelby, forced a Chanticleer punt and gave the Warhawks' possession with 5:13 left in the game.
Coastal regained possession as Evans was intercepted by Chandler Kryst at the CCU 24 with 3:26 to go. Again the defense responded as Larance Shaw sacked Fred Payton on first down for a loss of 3. After a false start by the Chanticleers, Payton ran for 5 yards and CCU faced third-and-13. On the next play, Ivin White Jr. recovered a muffed snap by the quarterback at the CCU 15.
With another big night, Evans became the second ULM player to reach 11,000 yards of total offense and moved past Steven Jyles into second place for career passing yards (9,183). He also extended his school record for rushing touchdowns to 35.
McCray had four catches for 117 yards, recording his first 100-yard receiving game in his last home performance. Running back Josh Johnson added to his gaudy numbers with 129 yards and two touchdowns on 19 carries.
Linebacker Cortez Sisco Jr. recorded 19 total tackles and became the first player to go over 100 tackles since Hunter Kissinger's 133 in 2015. Sisco now has 102 stops this season.
CJ Marable led Coastal Carolina (4-7, 1-6) with 172 rushing yards and two scores. The Chanticleers gained 452 yards with 230 on the ground and 222 passing.
The two offenses came out trading blows from the start.
CCU's opening drive covered 75 yards in five plays and ended with Marable's 3-yard touchdown run for a 7-0 lead.
The Warhawks answered quickly with a rapid-fire march of their own. Johnson rambled 12 yards for his 10th touchdown to close out a five-play, 67-yard drive for a 7-7 tie at the 11:11 mark.
ULM needed one explosive play to take its first lead as Evans fired a 98-yard touchdown pass to McCray with 5:55 left in the first quarter. The reception was the longest in ULM history, surpassing Wendal Lowrey's 96-yard pass to future L Club Hall of Famer Vincent Brisby at Stephen F. Austin in 1991.
The Chanticleers steered right back into a 14-14 tie as Payton tossed a 16-yard touchdown pass to Jaivon Heiligh with 57 seconds to go in the first quarter. CCU's drive was 75 yards in nine plays.
ULM regained the lead when Austin Vaughn barreled into the end zone for a 10-yard touchdown, his fourth. The Warhawks went 74 yards in six plays to go ahead 21-14 with 8:52 remaining in the half and that remained the score until halftime.
Sisco posted a monster first half with 17 total tackles and an interception late in the second quarter. His tackle for loss was his first of the year.
The Warhawks added a season-long 37-yard field goal from Jared Porter on their series to open the third quarter and led 24-14. The 12-play drive gained 58 yards.
Coastal converted on a fake punt on fourth-and-3 at the CCU 44 to keep its first third-quarter drive alive and scored three plays later on a 29-yard touchdown pass from Payton to Ky'Jon Tyler. ULM led 24-21 with 7:35 left in the period.
Tyler terrorized ULM again minutes later as he returned a punt 72 yards for a touchdown that gave CCU its first lead since the opening quarter at 28-24 with 5:38 remaining.
ULM regained the edge at 31-28 as Evans scored on a 32-yard run with 1:52 to go. The Warhawks needed six plays to go 67 yards and Evans scored his 11th rushing TD of the year.
The fourth quarter brought another lead change when Payton tossed a 41-yard touchdown pass to Reese White to cap a 10-play, 75-yard drive. With 12:17 to play, CCU led 35-31.
The Warhawks countered with their own 75-yard drive over 12 plays and regained the lead at 38-35. ULM converted on third down three times, including a determined 14-yard run by Evans on third-and-9 to the CCU 12. One play later, Johnson powered through for a 12-yard touchdown run with 7:44 left in the game.
CCU needed one play to go ahead 42-38 as Marable streaked up the sideline for a 75-yard touchdown with 7:30 to go.
The final touchdown from Evans to Jackson was the answer that ULM needed to take the lead for good and the defense helped seal the deal.
ULM FACES THE SUN BELT'S THIRD-TOUGHEST SCHEDULE –
ULM has played the Sun Belt Conference's third-toughest and the nation's 36th most-difficult schedule in 2019, according to NCAA figures. The Warhawks' opponents have a combined record of 64-47 (.577).
EVANS ESTABLISHES HIMSELF AS ONE OF NATION'S TOP DUAL-THREAT QBS –
Senior quarterback Caleb Evans has completed 217-of-353 throws (.615) for 2,612 yards, 19 touchdowns and nine interceptions. The 6-foot-2, 210-pound Evans has accounted for 3,329 yards total offense and 30 scores. He has thrown for more than 200 yards in seven of his last eight starts. Evans is listed among the NCAA FBS Top 25 in total offense (No. 13 at 302.6 yards per game), points responsible for (No. 16 at 182 points), points responsible for per game (No. 17 at 16.5 points per game) and rushing touchdowns (No. 21 with 11). He also ranks among the Sun Belt Conference leaders in total offense (second), passing yards (third at 237.5 yards per game), rushing TDs (tied for third), TD passes (fifth), pass efficiency (eighth with 136.3 rating) and scoring (tied for eighth at 6.0 ppg.). His 11 rushing TDs is tied for the team lead and his career-high 717 rushing yards rank second, behind Josh Johnson.
Evans, who accounted for a season-high 415 yards total offense and three scores to lead ULM to a 45-42 victory over Coastal Carolina, has been selected Sun Belt Conference Offensive Player of the Week. Evans completed 20-of-34 throws for a season-best 349 yards, two touchdowns and one interception. He hooked up with Markis McCray for a school-record 98-yard scoring play in the first quarter, and his 34-yard TD strike to Zach Jackson with 6:47 left in the fourth quarter proved to be the game winner. It marked Evans' first 300-yard passing game of the season and ninth of his career. He completed passes to eight different receivers. Evans also rushed nine times for 69 yards, including a 32-yard TD run late in the third quarter. With his performance against Coastal, he became only the second quarterback in ULM history to eclipse these two career milestones: 9,000 passing yards and 11,000 yards total offense.
Evans completed 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 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 (5 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 33 consecutive games at quarterback – the sixth-longest active streak among NCAA FBS QBs.
The Mansfield, Texas, native has completed 735-of-1,215 passes (.605) for 9,183 yards, 56 TDs and 33 interceptions in 42 career games. Evans already ranks among ULM's all-time Top 5 in passing yards (second), completion percentage (second), TD passes (second), total offense (second with 11,274 career yards), pass completions (third), pass attempts (third), passing efficiency rating (third at 133.8) and passing yards per game (fifth at 218.6 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: second among 18 quarterbacks with at least 4,000 passing yards and 1,000 rushing yards (11,274), third in total offense (11,274), seventh in passing yards (9,183), eighth in pass completions (735), eighth in pass attempts (1,215), eighth in total touchdowns responsible for (91), 11th in rushing touchdowns (35), 14th in total offense per game (268.4), 15th in total TDs scored (35), 19th in passing yards per game (218.6), 24th in total offense yards per play (6.76) and 25th in pass completions per game (17.5).
EVANS REWRITES ULM RECORD BOOK –
Senior Caleb Evans ranks as ULM's all-time leader in rushing touchdowns (35) and rushing yards (2,091) 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 28 receptions, including Markis McCray (44 for 549 yards), Josh Pederson (37 for 475), Jonathan Hodoh (33 for 384) and Zach Jackson (28 for 387).
JOHNSON RANKS AMONG NCAA FBS TOP 20 IN RUSHING –
Junior Josh Johnson ranks second in the Sun Belt Conference and 14th in the NCAA Football Bowl Subdivision in rushing, averaging 108.1 yards per game. The 5-foot-9, 215-pound Johnson also ranks among the NCAA FBS Top 20 in rushing yards (13th with 1,189) and yards per carry (17th at 6.32). His 1,189 rushing yards rank as the fifth-highest single-season total in ULM history. In addition, he is tied with quarterback Caleb Evans for the team lead in rushing touchdowns (11) and scoring (66 points) while ranking second in explosive plays (10, 20-plus yard runs). Johnson ranks tied for eighth in the NCAA FBS with seven runs of 30-plus yards.
He has been stopped for a loss only nine times in 188 rushing attempts. Johnson opened the season with 69 consecutive carries without being tackled in the backfield.
He recorded his sixth 100-yard game of the season in ULM's 45-42 win over Coastal Carolina, finishing with 19 carries for 129 yards and two TDs. Johnson broke five runs of 10-plus yards, including a pair of 12-yarders that resulted in TDs.
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 times 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.
MCCRAY ENJOYS BREAKOUT SENIOR SEASON –
Fifth-year senior Markis McCray has set career highs for receptions (44), receiving yards (549), touchdown receptions (6) and all-purpose yards (1,008). The 5-foot-11, 179-pound McCray leads the Warhawks in receptions, receiving yards and explosive plays (17) while ranking second in TD catches and all-purpose yards. In Sun Belt Conference play, he ranks eighth in the league with 52.9 receiving yards per game (27 for 370).
He has caught at least one TD pass in each of this last four games (vs. Arkansas State, vs. Georgia State, at Georgia Southern and vs. Coastal Carolina).
McCray posted the first 100-yard receiving game of his career in the home finale against Coastal Carolina while combining with Caleb Evans for the longest pass play in ULM history – a 98-yard scoring play in the first quarter. He had four receptions for 117 yards against CCU and finished with a career-best 212 all-purpose yards (1 rush for 8 yards and 4 kickoff returns for 87 yards).
A native of Euless, Texas, McCray set career highs for receptions (7 for 35 yards) and TD catches (2) against Georgia State. He capped off an 11-play, 65-yard drive with a 1-yard TD grab for the go-head score with 7:40 remaining in the fourth quarter and iced the game with a 14-yard TD reception with 2:46 left.
McCray caught five passes for 65 yards against No. 23 Memphis. He had three catches for 70 yards against South Alabama, including his first career TD reception – a 52-yarder from Evans in the second quarter. McCray hauled in six passes for 52 yards at Florida State.
He returned five kickoffs for 113 yards (22.6 avg.) at Iowa State, including a season-long 30-yarder.
PEDERSON EMERGES AS PLAYMAKER IN THE PASSING GAME –
Junior tight end Josh Pederson leads ULM in touchdown receptions (8) while ranking second in receptions (37) and receiving yards (475). His totals in those three categories all represent career highs. Twenty-seven of his 37 receptions (73 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 27th) leaders in TD catches.
He has caught at least one pass in each of the 11 games in 2019.
All three of his receptions (for 60 yards) against Coastal Carolina resulted in first downs. His 30-yard grab from Caleb Evans opened ULM's game-winning TD drive midway through the fourth quarter.
Pederson scored on a 16-yard grab from 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, who earned second-team Midseason All-America honors from Pro Football Focus, 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.
STRAUGHTER STATES CASE FOR ALL-AMERICA HONORS –
Junior Corey Straughter has allowed the lowest passer rating (5.3) and lowest completion percentage (23.1) when targeted among all NCAA Football Bowl Subdivision cornerbacks through Week 13, according to Pro Football Focus (min. 31 targets). The 5-10, 180-pound Straughter ranks among the NCAA FBS leaders in interceptions (tied for fifth with 5) and passes defended (tied for ninth with 15). He leads the Sun Belt in both categories (tied with Appalachian State's Shaun Jolly for league lead in interceptions). Straughter has not surrendered a touchdown reception in 2019 and has allowed only one explosive pass play (20-plus yards; came on the opening drive of Game 11 vs. Coastal Carolina). The Monroe, Louisiana, native also has contributed 21 tackles (16 solos, 5 assists).
He registered three tackles and a pass break-up in the home finale against Coastal Carolina.
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.
SISCO ANCHORS WARHAWK DEFENSIVE UNIT –
Fifth-year senior linebacker Cortez Sisco Jr. leads the Warhawks in tackles with a career-best 102 (46 solos, 56 assists) and quarterback hurries (5; tied with Ty Shelby). Sisco becomes the first Warhawk to top 100 tackles in a single season since linebacker Hunter Kissinger amassed 133 stops in 2015. He currently ranks fourth in the Sun Belt Conference and 24th in the NCAA Football Bowl Subdivision in tackles, averaging 9.3 per game.
The 5-foot-11, 220-pound Sisco, who recorded a career-high 19 tackles and an interception in ULM's 45-42 win over Coastal Carolina, has been named Sun Belt Conference Defensive Player of the Week. He reached double figures in tackles for the fourth time this season and fifth time in his career. Sisco tallied eight stops on Coastal's first two drives of the game and finished the first half with 18 tackles. He produced his first tackle for loss of the season on the game's opening play from scrimmage, dropping CCU quarterback Bryce Carpenter for a 2-yard loss. His first interception of the season and third of his career came late in the second quarter as CCU drove inside the ULM 30-yard line. ULM limited Coastal to 4-of-12 on third-down conversion attempts and forced two turnovers.
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).
The Memphis, Tennessee, native also ranks as ULM's active career leader in tackles with 260.
DAY REACHES 200 CAREER TACKLES MILESTONE –
Fifth-year senior linebacker Chase Day ranks fourth on the team in tackles with 47 (17 solos, 30 assists), fifth 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 (260) 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 212 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. 40 in the NCAA Football Bowl Subdivision in punting with his 43.0-yard average. He has placed 17 of his 50 punts (34 percent) inside the opponent's 20-yard line and hit seven punts 50 or more yards. His 17 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. 18 in the NCAA FBS, averaging 63.54 yards on kickoffs. Nearly 56 percent of his kickoffs (35-of-63) have resulted in touchbacks.
Over his last nine games, he has recorded touchbacks on 33-of-50 kickoffs (66 percent).
Meeks averaged 61.5 yards on eight kickoffs against Coastal Carolina, including a career-best six touchbacks.
He averaged 64.8 yards on four kickoffs at Georgia Southern, including three touchbacks.
Meeks produced five touchbacks against Georgia State (5-of-8).
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 (13th with 1,189 rushing yards)
Rushing Yards Per Game: Josh Johnson (14th at 108.1 rushing yards per game)
Rushing Yards Per Carry: Josh Johnson (17th at 6.32 rushing yards per carry)
Rushing Touchdowns: Caleb Evans/Josh Johnson (t-21st with 11 rushing touchdowns each)
Pass Completions Per Game: Caleb Evans (35th with 19.7 completions per game)
Passing Yards: Caleb Evans (34th with 2,612 passing yards)
Passing Yards Per Game: Caleb Evans (40th at 237.5 passing yards per game)
Passing Touchdowns: Caleb Evans (34th with 19 passing touchdowns)
Total Offense: Caleb Evans (13th at 302.6 yards per game)
Receiving Touchdowns: Josh Pederson (27th with 8 touchdown receptions)
Total Touchdowns: Caleb Evans/Josh Johnson (t-38th with 11 total touchdowns each)
All-Purpose Yards: Josh Johnson (49th at 114.5 all-purpose yards per game)
Points Responsible For: Caleb Evans (16th with 182 points responsible for)
Points Responsible For Per Game: Caleb Evans (17th at 16.5 points per game)
Total Tackles: Cortez Sisco Jr. (24th at 9.3 tackles per game)
Interceptions: Corey Straughter (t-5th with 5 interceptions)
Passes Defended: Corey Straughter (t-9th with 15 passes defended)
Fumbles Recovered: Traveion Webster (t-5th with 3 fumble recoveries)
Punting: Jared Porter (40th with 43.0-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.
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; 47 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
