ULM Looks to Rebound Against Surging Georgia State

Football Nov 07

Game 9: Georgia State (6-2, 3-1 Sun Belt) vs. ULM (3-5, 2-2 Sun Belt)
Saturday, Nov. 9 | 4:05 p.m. | ESPN+
Monroe, La. | Malone Stadium (30,000)

ULM Football Notes: Game 9 vs. Georgia State

Digital Game Program

Video | Coach Viator Weekly Press Conference

FIRST-AND-10 –
• Saturday's game marks the fifth meeting between ULM and Georgia State. The all-time series is tied 2-2, including a 1-1 record in games played in Malone Stadium. The Panthers have won the last two meetings: 47-37 in Monroe in 2017 and 46-14 in Atlanta in 2018.

• ULM's four remaining opponents comprise the Sun Belt Conference's most difficult schedule down the stretch (tied for 20th in the NCAA Football Bowl Subdivision), according to NCAA figures. The Warhawks' future opponents have a combined record of 21-11 (.656).

• ULM ranks among the Sun Belt Conference leaders in passing offense (fourth at 223.6 yards per game), rushing offense (fifth at 206.1 ypg.) and total offense (sixth at 429.8 ypg.). The Warhawks have rushed for 200-plus yards in five of the first eight games in 2019.

• The ULM defense leads the Sun Belt in takeaways (15) and interceptions (9) and ranks second in turnover margin (+0.38 per game). In addition, the Warhawks are listed among the NCAA FBS leaders in those categories: tied for 23rd in interceptions, tied for 24th in takeaways and tied for 38th turnover margin.

• ULM's 15 takeaways and nine interceptions have already exceeded the team's 2018 season totals (11 takeaways and 5 interceptions).

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

• Senior quarterback Caleb Evans has completed 152-of-251 throws (.606) for 1,687 yards, 12 touchdowns and five interceptions. The 6-foot-2, 210-pound Evans has accounted for 2,198 yards total offense and 20 scores. He has thrown for more than 200 yards in four of his last five starts. Evans is listed among the NCAA FBS Top 30 in total offense (No. 26 at 274.8 yards per game), points responsible for per game (No. 26 at 15.0 points per game), rushing touchdowns (No. 29 with 8) and points responsible for (No. 30 at 120 points). He also ranks among the Sun Belt Conference leaders in total offense (third), passing yards (fourth at 210.9 yards per game) and TD passes (fourth with 12). Evans leads the team in rushing TDs (8) ranks second on the team in rushing yards (511).

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 Markis McCray and 11 yards to Josh 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 Steven 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 (3 games), Ohio State's Justin Fields (2) and Iowa State's Brock Purdy (2).

Evans has started 30 consecutive games at quarterback – the seventh-longest active streak among NCAA FB QBs.

The Mansfield, Texas, native has completed 670-of-1,113 passes (.602) for 8,258 yards, 49 TDs and 29 interceptions in 39 career games. Evans already ranks among ULM's all-time Top 5 in pass completions (third), passing yards (third), completion percentage (third), passing efficiency rating (third at 132.0), total offense (third with 10,143 career yards), pass attempts (fourth), TD passes (fifth) and passing yards per game (sixth at 211.7 ypg.).

• 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 16 receptions, including Josh Pederson (31 for 351 yards), Markis McCray (29 for 363), Zach Jackson (16 for 193) and Jonathan Hodoh (16 for 193).

• Junior Josh Johnson ranks second in the Sun Belt Conference and 18th in the NCAA Football Bowl Subdivision in rushing, averaging 106.1 yards per game. His 6.20 yards per carry ranks 25th in the NCAA FBS. The 5-foot-9, 215-pound Johnson ranks second on the team in rushing touchdowns (7), scoring (42 points) and explosive plays (8, 20-plus yard runs). He ranks tied for 11th in the NCAA FBS with five runs of 30-plus yards.

Johnson has been stopped for a loss only six times in 137 rushing attempts. He opened the season with 69 consecutive carries without being tackled in the backfield.

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

• Junior tight end Josh Pederson leads ULM in receptions (31) and touchdown receptions (6) while ranking second in receiving yards (351). His totals in those three categories all represent career highs. Twenty-two of his 31 receptions (71 percent) have resulted in either a first down or a TD.

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 a season-long 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.

• Fifth-year senior linebacker Cortez Sisco Jr. leads the Warhawks in tackles with a career-best 70 (33 solos, 37 assists) and quarterback hurries (4; tied with Ty Shelby). He posted a team-high 10 stops (6 solos, 4 assists) against Arkansas State. Sisco recorded double-figure tackles in back-to-back games against South Alabama (career-high 13 stops) and No. 23 Memphis (11). Sisco ranks fifth in the Sun Belt Conference in tackles, averaging 8.8 per game. The Memphis, Tennessee, native also ranks as ULM's active career leader in tackles with 228.

CLASS BREAKDOWN (STARTERS) –
Georgia State Offense: 3 seniors, 3 juniors, 3 sophomores, 2 freshmen
Georgia State Defense: 3 seniors, 4 juniors, 4 sophomores
ULM Offense: 6 seniors, 4 juniors, 1 sophomore
ULM Defense: 3 seniors, 7 juniors, 1 freshman

STAT LEADERS –
Georgia State (after eight games):
Rushing – Tra Barnett (146 carries for 928 yards, 6.4 avg., 8 TDs)
Passing – Dan Ellington (158 of 238 for 1,771 yards, 18 TDs, 4 INTs)
Receiving – Cornelius McCoy (43 catches for 477 yards, 11.1 avg., 4 TDs)
Tackles – Trajan Stephens-McQueen (77 tackles, 39 solos, 38 assists, 4.5TFL, 2 INTs)

ULM (after eight games):
Rushing – Josh Johnson (137 carries for 849 yards, 6.2 avg., 7 TDs)
Passing – Caleb Evans (152 of 251 for 1,687 yards, 12 TDs, 5 INTs)
Receiving – Josh Pederson (31 catches for 351 yards, 11.3 avg., 6 TDs)
Tackles – Cortez Sisco Jr. (70 tackles, 33 solos, 37 assists, 4 QB hurries, 2 PBUs)

ULM/GEORGIA STATE SERIES NOTES –
Saturday's game marks the fifth meeting between ULM and Georgia State. The all-time series is tied 2-2, including a 1-1 record in games played in Malone Stadium. The Panthers have won the last two meetings: 47-37 in Monroe in 2017 and 46-14 in Atlanta in 2018.

THE LAST MEETING –
Georgia State 46, ULM 14 (Sept. 29, 2018, in Atlanta, Ga.): No sugarcoating this one.

ULM turned in a disappointing performance with a 46-14 loss at Georgia State.

The Warhawks lost their third straight game overall after a 2-0 start to the season while falling to 0-2 in the Sun Belt Conference.

A woeful first half saw ULM give up 355 yards on defense and commit three turnovers on offense while falling behind 30-14 at Georgia State Stadium.

But the second half wasn't any better and the Warhawks never rallied the way they did a week before after falling behind to Troy. ULM managed just one first down in the final two quarters and punted on six of seven series amid a flurry of three-and-outs.

Georgia State (2-3, 1-0 Sun Belt) set a team rushing record with 308 yards on the ground. The Panthers tallied 487 yards overall in a dominant outing.

ULM managed just 262 yards of total offense, committed four turnovers and was just 2-of-11 on third-down conversions with eight punts. Quarterback Caleb Evans completed 19-of-32 attempts for 136 yards, had two interceptions and scored both of his team's touchdowns on the ground.

The Panthers scored on their opening drive, utilizing a 56-yard pass from Dan Ellington to Dan Pinkney to the ULM 2. The big play set up a 2-yard run by Ellington to give Georgia State a 7-0 lead with 11:55 to go in the first quarter. The drive covered 75 yards in eight plays.

ULM's first try didn't go as well as Evans had a tipped ball intercepted by Jhi'Shawn Taylor. The Panthers took over at their own 40 and scored eight plays later as Tra Barnett bolted unscathed up the middle for a 23-yard touchdown. Georgia State led 14-0 with 7:18 left in the quarter.

ULM responded quickly as Evans legged out a 21-yard touchdown to narrow the gap to 14-7 at the 4:26 mark. ULM's drive covered 72 yards in seven plays.

Georgia State carried a scoring drive into the second quarter to go ahead 20-7 with 13 minutes left in the half. Ellington converted a fourth-and-6 along the way and then hit tight end Roger Carter for a 4-yard touchdown pass. The Panthers misfired on the PAT.

Seth Paige set a school record as he scored on an 82-yard run on his first rushing attempt as Georgia State scored on its fourth-straight possession and extended the home lead to 27-7 with 11:48 to go in the second quarter.

Running back Kayin White seemingly gave the ULM offense a spark with a career-best 43-yard run but he lost control of the ball and fumbled through the end zone for a touchback and second turnover.

The beleaguered ULM defense came through one play later though as Chase Day forced Ellington to fumble and Cortez Sisco Jr. recovered at the Panthers 42. Four plays later, Evans kept the ball on a fake end-around and ran in from 12 yards for his second touchdown and a 27-14 score with 9:34 remaining in the first half.

First-half woes continued though for the visitors. After forcing Georgia State's first punt, the Warhawks committed a third turnover as tight end Sloan Spiller fumbled after a 3-yard reception at the ULM 46. The Panthers parlayed the miscue into points five plays later as Brandon Wright booted a 42-yard field goal for a 30-14 lead before the break.

Georgia State continued its dominance in the third quarter with a grueling 15-play, 90-yard series to go up 36-14. After a 31-yard rush, Paige took the ball again on the next play and scored from 1 yard out with 6:19 remaining in the third quarter.

Paige finished with 145 yards on nine carries with two TDs.

The Panthers extended their lead to 39-14 as Wright kicked a 35-yard field goal to open the fourth quarter.

Also in the fourth quarter, Penny Hart made school history for Georgia State with his 49-punt return, the first in the program's nine years of existence to give the Panthers a 46-14 lead.

THE LAST MEETING IN MALONE STADIUM –
Georgia State 47, ULM 37 (Oct. 14, 2017, in Monroe, La.): Quarterback Garrett Smith provided a strong relief effort in the second half, but it wasn't enough as ULM fell 47-37 to Georgia State at Malone Stadium.

Playing their fourth-straight road game, the Panthers (3-2, 2-0 Sun Belt) rolled up 670 yards of total offense. Visiting quarterback Conner Manning completed 26-of-35 attempts for 446 yards and four touchdowns while star receiver Penny Hart made 11 catches for 190 yards and three scores.

Smith came into the game after one series in the third quarter and completed 14-of-23 attempts for 225 yards and three touchdowns while directing four scoring drives.

The Warhawks (3-3, 3-1 Sun Belt) were trailing 33-10 when Smith replaced starter Caleb Evans, who was 9-of-14 for 89 yards and lost a fumble.

ULM scored on a 14-yard pass from Smith to Jonathan Hodoh with 3:06 remaining in the contest to make it a 47-31 game. The Warhawks recovered the onside kick and scored eight plays later as Smith tossed a 12-yard touchdown to Xavier Brown. ULM came up short on the 2-point conversion as Brian Williams' pass back to Smith was off the mark and the final margin remained 10.

With a homecoming crowd of 12,578 looking on, ULM got off to a rocky start.

Georgia State converted a big passing play to go up 6-0 with 10:59 to play in the first quarter. Manning hit Hart in stride for a 50-yard touchdown strike but ULM's David Griffith blocked the PAT kick.

Special teams' assassin Marcus Green delivered a swift rebuttal for the Warhawks, as he came right back with a 93-yard kickoff return for a touchdown to put the Warhawks ahead 7-6. Green spun through traffic and ran away from the pursuing Panthers.

Devin Gentry's 69-yard touchdown reception on the next series put Georgia State back up 13-7.

The Warhawks took the worst field position possible and turned it into points late in the opening period. Starting at their 1, ULM went 79 yards in 13 plays to kick a 38-yard field goal by Craig Ford, cutting the lead to 13-10.

Georgia State added a 27-yard field goal by Brandon Wright to increase its lead to 16-10 with 13:17 showing in the second period. A 32-yard reception by tight end Ari Werts was the biggest chain mover on the nine-play, 65-yard drive.

The Panthers increased their advantage to 23-10 late in the first half with Gentry's 15-yard touchdown run. Georgia State moved 78 yards in eight plays for the score with 1:42 to go in the second period.

After a quick defensive stop, Georgia State went 53 yards in seven plays. Wright boomed through a 46-yard field goal as time expired for a 26-10 halftime lead.

ULM's Evans lost a fumble on the exchange at its own 47 in the third quarter that set up a Panthers' score. Six plays later, Manning hit Hart for a 25-yard touchdown that moved the lead to 33-10 with 6:29 remaining in the period.

That led to a ULM quarterback change that paid quick dividends for an offense seeking a lift.

Smith entered the game and immediately hooked up with Green on an 80-yard touchdown with 6:11 to play, closing the gap to 33-17.

The defense couldn't maintain the momentum though as Manning tossed a 22-yard touchdown pass to Hart, who made a 40-yard catch on the drive. The Panthers were up 40-17.

ULM closed the margin to 40-24 with 1:19 in third quarter as Smith directed another scoring drive. The quarterback had a 32-yard scramble during ULM's seven-play, 59-yard series capped by Kayin White's 1-yard touchdown run.

The Panthers kept moving though, chewing 7:55 off the clock on a 15-play, 95-yard drive. Kyler Neal's 1-yard touchdown run with 8:24 remaining made it 47-24.

THE LAST TIME OUT –
Arkansas State 48, ULM 41 (Nov. 2, 2019, in Monroe, La.): ULM enjoyed a fast start against Arkansas State on Saturday at Malone Stadium, but the good times didn't last.

Arkansas State spotted the Warhawks a two-touchdown lead and trailed by as many as 18 points in the first half before roaring back for a 48-41 Sun Belt Conference victory.

The Red Wolves (5-4, 3-2) scored 28 unanswered points in a pivotal second quarter that unraveled an early 21-3 ULM lead. The Warhawks (3-5, 2-2) remained within striking distance until the end but couldn't claw all the way back.

Quarterback Caleb Evans reached a pair of major ULM career milestones while gaining career-high 148 yards rushing and scoring three touchdowns and passing for 215 yards and two scores. With his three rushing TDs, Evans became ULM's career leader with 32. Running back Calvin Dawson held the mark at 30. Evans also became the third player in school history to gain 10,000 yards in total offense, joining former quarterbacks Kolton Browning and Steven Jyles, who was in attendance.

The 100-yard rushing game was the fifth of Evans' career and second this season.

Corey Straughter came up with an interception and helped hold Arkansas State's star receiver Omar Bayless under 100 yards. Bayless had six catches for 98 yards and one score.

Arkansas State gained 514 yards total offense as running back Marcel Murray rushed for 175 yards and three scores and quarterback Layne Hatcher threw for 307 yards and two scores.

ULM gained 448 yards on 76 plays.

ULM's third play of the game featured Evans racing around the right side and dashing 67 yards for a touchdown and an early 7-0 lead. Evans tied the school record for career touchdowns on the season-long scoring play, pulling even at 30 with the former running back Dawson.

The Warhawks gained an extra possession when Traveion Webster recovered a muffed punt by B.J. Edmonds at the Arkansas State 6 with 7:02 left in the first quarter. One play later, Josh Johnson wiggled into the end zone and the Warhawks were up 14-0 at the 6:56 mark.

The Red Wolves cut the deficit to 14-3 with 41 seconds remaining in the opening quarter on a 43-yard field goal from Blake Grupe. Arkansas State covered 54 yards in eight plays to reach scoring position.

ULM pulled a flea-flicker from the back of tricks as Evans hit Markis McCray in stride on a 34-yard touchdown pass. Jonathan Hodoh also made a 23-yard catch on the four-play, 75-yard drive as ULM jumped ahead 21-3 with 14:18 left in the half.

But just as quickly as ULM jumped ahead, the Warhawks saw their lead evaporate in a stunning second-quarter swing.

Quiet early, Murray gashed the Warhawks for a 57-yard touchdown run on the second play of the ensuing A-State offensive series to make it a 21-10 game with 13:50 showing.

The Warhawks squandered a deep drive later in the second quarter. Austin Vaughn's 8-yard run pushed the ball to the A-State 7, but a 15-yard penalty on a late hit by Samuel Williams backed the offense up to the 22. Three plays later, William Bradley-King blocked a 39-yard field goal try by Jared Porter as the Warhawks came up empty.

Bayless came up even bigger for the Arkansas State offense with a 46-yard touchdown catch from Hatcher. The Red Wolves were within 21-17 with 7:28 showing in the half.

The rally continued for the Red Wolves as Kerry Starks fumbled the ensuing kickoff and Arkansas State recovered at the ULM 35. After a pass interference call against the Warhawks, Murray scored on a 20-yard run and the Red Wolves led 24-21 at 7:08 to go in the second quarter.

The Warhawks gambled and lost as Arkansas State stuffed Johnson on fourth-and-1 at the ULM 47 with 2:42 remaining in the half. The Red Wolves parlayed the short field into points four plays later as Hatcher hit Kirk Merritt on a 23-yard touchdown pass and Arkansas State led 31-21 with 1:27 to play in the half.

ULM finished the rough quarter on a positive note with a nine-play, 65-yard scoring drive to make it a 31-28 game with three seconds remaining. Evans, who kept the drive alive with a 14-yard run on fourth-and-6 from the A-State 30, finished the march with a 16-yard touchdown run. On the same play, Evans became ULM's career rushing touchdown leader with 31 and the third quarterback with more than 10,000 yards in total offense.
The wild first half featured ULM's quick start, 614 yards of total offense and the 28-0 run by Arkansas State.

Arkansas State opened the second half on offense, kept the drive alive with a fake punt (18-yard run by punter Cody Grace), and went 61 yards in 12 plays to collect a 31-yard field goal by Grupe. The Red Wolves were up 34-28 at the 9:29 mark of the third quarter.

Straughter's fifth interception of the year came with 6:16 left in the third quarter and Arkansas State driving again. Straughter picked off Hatcher and returned the ball 22 yards to the ASU 42.

Five plays later, Evans rushed for his third touchdown on a 23-yard run to tie the score at 34-34 with 4:20. Porter's PAT attempt hit the left upright.

The teams entered the final quarter deadlocked. Edmonds' 20-yard punt return on the third quarter's final snap put the Red Wolves in prime position at the ULM 36. Dahu Green's 35-yard catch on third down set up first-and-goal from the 4. Three plays later, Murray scored on a 6-yard run and Arkansas State was back on top 41-34 with 12:58 remaining.

The lead grew to 48-34 with 7:26 left in the game when Jamal Jones scored on an 8-yard run to finish a seven-play, 73-yard drive.

ULM's last score came with 2:21 remaining on an 11-yard touchdown pass from Evans to tight end Josh Pederson. Arkansas State came up with the onside kick that followed and ran out the clock to preserve the win.

ULM FACES THE SUN BELT'S TOUGHEST SCHEDULE DOWN THE STRETCH –
ULM's four remaining opponents comprise the Sun Belt Conference's most difficult schedule down the stretch (tied for 20th in the NCAA Football Bowl Subdivision), according to NCAA figures. The Warhawks' future opponents have a combined record of 21-11 (.656).

EVANS BECOMES THIRD ULM QUARTERBACK TO ECLIPSE 10,000 YARDS TOTAL OFFENSE –
Senior quarterback Caleb Evans has completed 152-of-251 throws (.606) for 1,687 yards, 12 touchdowns and five interceptions. The 6-foot-2, 210-pound Evans has accounted for 2,198 yards total offense and 20 scores. He has thrown for more than 200 yards in four of his last five starts. Evans is listed among the NCAA FBS Top 30 in total offense (No. 26 at 274.8 yards per game), points responsible for per game (No. 26 at 15.0 points per game), rushing touchdowns (No. 29 with 8) and points responsible for (No. 30 at 120 points). He also ranks among the Sun Belt Conference leaders in total offense (third), passing yards (fourth at 210.9 yards per game) and TD passes (fourth with 12). Evans leads the team in rushing TDs (8) ranks second on the team in rushing yards (511).

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 Markis McCray and 11 yards to Josh 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 Steven 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 (3 games), Ohio State's Justin Fields (2) and Iowa State's Brock Purdy (2).

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

He accounted for 398 yards total offense and four touchdowns in ULM's 52-33 loss to No. 23 Memphis. Evans connected on 23-of-44 throws for 286 yards and two scores. He completed passes to nine different receivers, including TD strikes of 6 and 36 yards to 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 30 consecutive games at quarterback – the seventh-longest active streak among NCAA FB QBs.

The Mansfield, Texas, native has completed 670-of-1,113 passes (.602) for 8,258 yards, 49 TDs and 29 interceptions in 39 career games. Evans already ranks among ULM's all-time Top 5 in pass completions (third), passing yards (third), completion percentage (third), passing efficiency rating (third at 132.0), total offense (third with 10,143 career yards), pass attempts (fourth), TD passes (fifth) and passing yards per game (sixth at 211.7 ypg.).

EVANS RANKS AMONG ACTIVE NCAA FBS STAT LEADERS –
Senior quarterback Caleb Evans ranks among the active NCAA Football Subdivision leaders (Top 25) in 11 different statistical categories: third among 15 quarterbacks with at least 4,000 passing yards and 1,000 rushing yards (10,143), fifth in total offense (10,143), ninth in pass completions (670), ninth in pass attempts (1,113), ninth in passing yards (8,258), 10th in total touchdowns responsible for (81), 11th in rushing touchdowns (32), 13th in total offense per game (260.1), 15th in total TDs scored (32), 19th in passing yards per game (211.7) and 21st in total offense yards per play (6.64).

EVANS REWRITES ULM RECORD BOOK –
Senior Caleb Evans ranks as ULM's all-time leader in rushing touchdowns (32) and rushing yards (1,885) for a quarterback.

Evans 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, he 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).

JOHNSON RANKS 11TH IN THE NCAA FBS IN RUSHING –
Junior Josh Johnson ranks second in the Sun Belt Conference and 18th in the NCAA Football Bowl Subdivision in rushing, averaging 106.1 yards per game. His 6.20 yards per carry ranks 25th in the NCAA FBS. The 5-foot-9, 215-pound Johnson ranks second on the team in rushing touchdowns (7), scoring (42 points) and explosive plays (8, 20-plus yard runs). He ranks tied for 11th in the NCAA FBS with five runs of 30-plus yards.

Johnson has been stopped for a loss only six times in 137 rushing attempts. He opened the season with 69 consecutive carries without being tackled in the backfield.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Pederson leads ULM in receptions (31) and touchdown receptions (6) while ranking second in receiving yards (351). His totals in those three categories all represent career highs. Twenty-two of his 31 receptions (71 percent) have resulted in either a first down or a TD.

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 a season-long 36 yards from Caleb Evans. Six of his seven receptions resulted in either a first down or a score. Pederson also completed a 33-yard pass to Zach Jackson on ULM's final scoring drive against the Tigers.

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

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

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

A 5-10, 180-pound junior, Straughter ranks among the NCAA Football Bowl Subdivision leaders in interceptions (tied for second with 5) and passes defended (tied for 11th with 12). He leads the Sun Belt in both categories. The Monroe, Louisiana, native also has contributed 17 tackles (13 solos, 4 assists). Straughter has not allowed an explosive pass play (20-plus yards) or surrendered a touchdown reception in 2019.

He 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. Straughter also contributed three tackles and a pass break-up against the Red Wolves.

Through Week 8, Straughter had allowed a 5.1 passer rating when targeted this season – the best mark among NCAA FBS cornerbacks (min. 20 targets), according to Pro Football Focus.

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).

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

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

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

With the score tied at 7-7 early in the second quarter of ULM's Sun Belt Conference opener against South Alabama, Straughter ended an 11-play, 62-yard drive to the Warhawk 13 by intercepting Cephus Johnson's third-and-goal pass attempt into the end zone. He added two tackles against the Jaguars.
He matched his season high with four tackles (all solo hits) to go along with an interception at Iowa State.

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

DAY REACHES 200 CAREER TACKLES MILESTONE –
With four stops against Arkansas State, fifth-year senior linebacker Chase Day surpassed the 200-career tackles milestone. Only classmate Cortez Sisco Jr. has recorded more career tackles (228) among active Warhawks.

The 6-foot-1, 235-pound Day ranks fourth on the team in tackles with 36 (14 solos, 22 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 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 201 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 second in the Sun Belt Conference and No. 29 in the NCAA Football Bowl Subdivision in punting with his 44.0-yard average. He has placed 14 of his 39 punts (36 percent) inside the opponent's 20-yard line and hit six punts 50 or more yards. His 14 punts inside the 20 exceed his total for the entire 2018 season (11 of 49 punts).

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. 25 in the NCAA FBS, averaging 63.37 yards on kickoffs. Nearly 49 percent of his kickoffs (21-of-43) have resulted in touchbacks.

Over his last six games, he has recorded touchbacks on 19-of-30 kickoffs (63 percent).

Meeks produced four touchbacks each in back-to-back home games against South Alabama (6 kickoffs for 369 yards; 61.5 avg.) and No. 23 Memphis (7 for 455 yards; 65.0 avg.).

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 (21st with 849 rushing yards)
Rushing Yards Per Game: Josh Johnson (18th at 106.1 rushing yards per game)
Rushing Yards Per Carry: Josh Johnson (25th at 6.20 rushing yards per carry)
Rushing Touchdowns: Caleb Evans (29th with 8 rushing touchdowns)
Pass Completions Per Game: Caleb Evans (41st with 19.0 completions per game)
Total Offense: Caleb Evans (26th at 274.8 yards per game)
Receiving Touchdowns: Josh Pederson (35th with 6 touchdown receptions)
Points Responsible For: Caleb Evans (30th with 120 points responsible for)
Points Responsible For Per Game: Caleb Evans (26th at 15.0 points per game)
Total Tackles: Cortez Sisco Jr. (40th at 8.8 tackles per game)
Sacks: Donald Louis Jr. (36th at 0.69 sacks per game)
Interceptions: Corey Straughter (t-2nd with 5 interceptions)
Passes Defended: Corey Straughter (t-11th with 12 passes defended)
Fumbles Forced: Keilos Swinney (33rd at 0.25 fumbles forced per game)
Fumbles Recovered: Traveion Webster (t-12th with 2 fumble recoveries)
Punting: Jared Porter (29th with 44.0-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.

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; 44 games):

Rushing Yards: 325 vs. Southern, 2016

Passing Yards: 454 vs. Arkansas State, 2017

Total Yards: 593 vs. ULL, 2017

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

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

Fewest Passing Yards Allowed: 0 by ULL, 2016

Fewest Total Yards Allowed: 216 by Georgia Southern, 2018

Fewest First Downs Allowed: 11 by South Alabama, 2018

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

Turnovers Forced: 4 vs. Southern Miss, 2018

Points (Game): 56 vs. ULL, 2017

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

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

Victory Margin: 28 vs. South Alabama, 2018

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

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