Game 4: SOUTH ALABAMA (1-3, 0-0 Sun Belt) vs. ULM (1-2, 0-0 Sun Belt)
Saturday, Sept. 28 | 6:05 p.m. | ESPN+
Monroe, La. | Malone Stadium (30,000)
ULM Football Notes: Game 4 vs. South Alabama
Digital Game Program
Video | Coach Viator Weekly Press Conference
TICKET PROMOTIONS
YOUTH DAY
Children 18 and under will receive a free general admission ticket to ULM's Sun Belt Conference opener against South Alabama on Saturday, Sept. 28.
Accompanying adults may purchase 2 additional tickets at a 20% discount: lower chair $28, upper chair/lower bench $20 and general admission $12.
FACULTY & STAFF APPRECIATION
BOBO (Buy One, Get One Free)
ULM faculty/staff members may purchase a 20% discounted ticket and receive a second one of the same value for free to Saturday's game against South Alabama: lower chair $28, upper chair/lower bench $20 and general admission $12.
Ticket Office Hours: Friday – 9-11:30 a.m. in Fant-Ewing Coliseum; 11:30 a.m.-5 p.m. in Malone Stadium. Saturday – 8 a.m.-halftime in Malone Stadium.
FIRST-AND-10 –
• Saturday's game marks the sixth meeting between ULM and South Alabama. The Warhawks lead the all-time series 3-2, including a 2-0 record in games played in Malone Stadium.
• ULM enters its 19th season of Sun Belt competition with a 5-13 record (.278) in league openers. The Warhawks are 3-4 in their last seven conference openers.
ULM is 1-2 in Sun Belt openers under Matt Viator, including last year's 35-27 loss to Troy in Malone Stadium. The Warhawks' last three league openers have been decided by a combined total of 16 points.
Saturday's game marks the first time ULM has opened Sun Belt play against South Alabama.
• ULM's 2019 roster features two players from the state of Alabama, including fifth-year senior right tackle Eastwood Thomas (Jackson) and junior tailback Josh Johnson (Opelika).
• ULM ranks fourth in the Sun Belt Conference and 26th in the NCAA Football Bowl Subdivision in rushing offense, averaging 234.3 yards per game. In addition, the Warhawks are listed among the league leaders in time of possession (third at 31:17), total offense (fourth at 448.3 ypg.), passing offense (fifth at 214.0 ypg.) and scoring offense (sixth at 31.7 points per game).
• ULM ranks among the Sun Belt leaders in turnover margin (second at +0.33 per game) and interceptions (tied for fourth with 4). In addition, the Warhawks are listed among the NCAA FBS leaders in interceptions (tied for 29th).
• Junior Josh Johnson ranks second in the Sun Belt Conference and eighth in the NCAA FBS in rushing, averaging 128.7 yards per game. His 7.72 yards per carry ranks 12th in the NCAA FBS. The 5-foot-9, 215-pound Johnson also leads the team in rushing touchdowns (4) and scoring (24 points) while ranking second in explosive plays (6, 20-plus yard runs). Seventeen of his 50 carries (34 percent) have resulted in either a TD or first down. He also hasn't been stopped for a loss in 50 rushing attempts.
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. In the 2019 season opener against Grambling, he rushed 10 times for 173 yards, including TD runs of 51 and 37 yards.
• Senior quarterback Caleb Evans has completed 61-of-93 throws (.656) for 600 yards, five touchdowns and two interceptions. The 6-foot-2, 210-pound Evans ranks among the Sun Belt Conference leaders in total offense (fourth at 249.0 ypg.) and passing yards (sixth at 200.0 yards per game).
He accounted for 269 yards total offense and two scores at Iowa State. Evans 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. He hit 19-of-30 passes for 176 yards, including TD tosses of 19 yards to Josh Pederson in the second quarter and 38 yards to Jonathan Hodoh in the third quarter.
With his 10-yard completion to Brandius Batiste on the second play from scrimmage against the Cyclones, Evans became just the fifth quarterback in ULM history to reach the 7,000-yard career passing milestone, joining Kolton Browning (2010-13: 10,263 passing yards), Steven Jyles (2002-05: 8,987), John Holman (1979-82: 7,825) and Raymond Philyaw (1993-96: 7,061).
Evans accounted for 273 yards total offense and four touchdowns in ULM's 45-44 overtime loss at Florida State. After starting 0-for-7 passing, Evans finished 23-of-38 for 241 yards, including scoring strikes of 33 yards to Josh Pederson in the second quarter and 2 yards to Xavier Brown in the fourth quarter. He also rushed 10 times for 32 yards, including TD runs of 10 and 5 yards. Evans 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.
• Caleb Evans has started 25 consecutive games at quarterback – the seventh-longest active streak among NCAA FB QBs.
The Mansfield, Texas, native has completed 579-of-955 passes (.606) for 7,171 yards, 42 TDs and 26 interceptions in 34 career games. Evans already ranks among ULM's all-time Top 5 in completion percentage (second), passing efficiency rating (third at 132.8), total offense (third with 8,692 career yards), passing yards (fourth), pass completions (fifth), pass attempts (fifth) and TD passes (fifth).
• 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, three Warhawks have at least 12 receptions, including Josh Pederson (12 for 146 yards), Xavier Brown (12 for 129) and Markis McCray (12 for 111).
• Fifth-year senior linebacker Chase Day leads ULM in tackles (23 total), tackles for loss (3 for 10 yards) and interceptions (2; tied with Corey Straughter). The Baton Rouge, Louisiana, native ranks among the Sun Belt Conference leaders in interceptions (tied for second at 0.67 per game), tackles (11th at 7.7 per game) and tackles for loss (16th at 1.0 per game). He produced interceptions in back-to-back games for the first time in his career (vs. Grambling State and at Florida State).
The 6-foot-1, 235-pound 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.
CLASS BREAKDOWN (STARTERS) –
South Alabama Offense: 3 seniors, 4 juniors, 4 sophomores
South Alabama Defense: 5 seniors, 3 juniors, 3 sophomores
ULM Offense: 7 seniors, 4 juniors
ULM Defense: 5 seniors, 5 juniors, 1 freshman
STAT LEADERS –
South Alabama (after four games):
Rushing – Tra Minter (35 carries for 282 yards, 8.1 avg., 2 TDs)
Passing – Cephus Johnson (38 of 71 for 400 yards, 3 TDs, 4 INTs)
Receiving – Tra Minter (12 catches for 114 yards, 9.5 avg., 0 TDs)
Tackles – Nick Mobley (32 tackles, 15 solos, 17 assists)
ULM (after three games):
Rushing – Josh Johnson (50 carries for 386 yards, 7.7 avg., 4 TDs)
Passing – Caleb Evans (61 of 93 for 600 yards, 5 TDs, 2 INTs)
Receiving – Josh Pederson (12 catches for 146 yards, 12.2 avg., 2 TDs); Xavier Brown (12 catches for 129 yards, 10.8 avg., 2 TDs); and Markis McCray (12 catches for 111 yards, 9.2 avg., 0 TDs)
Tackles – Chase Day (23 tackles, 10 solos, 13 assists, 3 TFL, 2 INT)
ULM/SOUTH ALABAMA SERIES NOTES –
Saturday's game marks the sixth meeting between ULM and South Alabama. The Warhawks lead the all-time series 3-2, including a 2-0 record in games played in Malone Stadium.
THE LAST MEETING –
ULM 38, South Alabama 10 (Nov. 10, 2018, in Mobile, Ala.): The Warhawks surged past South Alabama 38-10 at Ladd-Peebles Stadium for a fourth-straight win that secured bowl eligibility for ULM for the first time since 2013.
ULM's defense continued its stellar play of late, contributing four sacks, nine tackles for losses and limiting the Jaguars to 218 yards and 11 first downs. South Alabama punted seven times in the game, including five times in the second half as the Warhawks clamped down.
The ULM offense rang up 551 yards and scored on six consecutive possessions on drives covering 70 or more yards while building the lead. Quarterback Caleb Evans connected on 27-of-32 passes for 367 yards and two touchdowns and ran 12 times for 54 yards and two scores. Evans completed throws to 11 different receivers.
Senior receiver D'Marius Gillespie had a breakout game with a career-high 159 yards on seven catches and one touchdown.
ULM faced adversity early in the game but came storming back.
Special teams ace Marcus Green made an uncharacteristic muff on a punt return in the first quarter while struggling to make the catch in windy conditions, and the Jaguars took full advantage. One play after the turnover, red-shirt freshman quarterback Cephus Johnson tossed a rainbow-touchdown pass 34 yards to Jordan McCray to take a 7-0 lead.
Indeed, Green made amends on ULM's next series with 58-yard run, helping set up a 21-yard field goal by Craig Ford to narrow the gap to 7-3 with 7:27 showing in the first.
The Warhawks mounted another strong drive, covering 72 yards on 10 plays, that featured a clutch fourth-and-9 conversion pass from Evans to Zach Jackson for 16 yards. ULM faced the decision at the USA 29 and elected to stay aggressive.
Three plays later, Evans scored on a 4-yard run to give ULM a 10-7 lead with 36 seconds to go in the opening quarter.
Operating with Cole Garvin at quarterback early in the second quarter, South Alabama drove 51 yards in 12 plays and tied the game at 10-10 on Gavin Patterson's 31-yard field goal.
Jonathan Hodoh's first touchdown catch of the season gave ULM a 17-10 lead with 6:24 to go before halftime. Hodoh's 29-yard grab on a pump pass from Evans capped an eight-play, 70-yard drive.
ULM's Wesley Thompson contributed a key play on special teams as he blocked a 38-yard field-goal attempt by South Alabama's Patterson. Chase Day recovered at the ULM 25 with 2:01 left in the half.
The Warhawks didn't waste the opportunity either as they moved 73 yards in eight plays, with Evans finding Gillespie on a 5-yard toss with 19 seconds to play in the second quarter.
ULM carried a 24-10 lead into halftime, then started the second half with a full head of steam.
The defense dealt the Jaguars a quick three-and-out before the offense delivered a swift three-play, 70-yard drive that featured a 50-yard catch by Gillespie and ended on a 10-yard touchdown run by Green. ULM led 31-10 early in the third quarter.
Evans added a 15-yard touchdown run with 5:50 to go in the third, capping an eight-play, 77-yard drive to give the Warhawks their 38-10 advantage.
WARHAWKS FROM THE HEART OF DIXIE –
ULM's 2019 roster features two players from the state of Alabama, including fifth-year senior right tackle Eastwood Thomas (Jackson) and junior tailback Josh Johnson (Opelika).
SUN BELT OPENERS –
ULM enters its 19th season of Sun Belt competition with a 5-13 record (.278) in league openers. The Warhawks are 3-4 in their last seven conference openers.
ULM is 1-2 in Sun Belt openers under Matt Viator, including last year's 35-27 loss to Troy in Malone Stadium. The Warhawks' last three league openers have been decided by a combined total of 16 points.
Saturday's game marks the first time ULM has opened Sun Belt play against South Alabama.
ULM HONORS 2019 PRO FOOTBALL HALL OF FAME INDUCTEE JOHNNY ROBINSON –
ULM will recognize and honor 2019 Pro Football Hall of Fame inductee Johnny Robinson at halftime of Saturday's Sun Belt Conference opener against South Alabama. Following his retirement from pro football, Robinson served as ULM's (formerly Northeast Louisiana University) defensive backfield coach for the late John David Crow as well as the program's head tennis coach in the late 1970s. In 1980, he opened Johnny Robinson's Boys Home in Monroe.
Robinson, who starred at LSU in the late 1950s, spent 12 years in both the American and National Football Leagues from 1960-71, playing for the Dallas Texans and Kansas City Chiefs. He was selected for seven Pro Bowls and earned First-Team All-Pro honors for six-straight seasons (1965-70). Robinson, who recorded 57 interceptions in 164 career games, led both leagues in picks: AFL in 1966 and NFL in 1970 (10 picks each season). He also was named to the AFL All-Time Team.
In addition to family and friends, 30 residents (ages 11-17) along with staff members from Johnny Robinson's Boys Home will be in attendance Saturday.
EVANS REACHES 7,000-YARD CAREER PASSING MILESTONE –
Senior quarterback Caleb Evans has completed 61-of-93 throws (.656) for 600 yards, five touchdowns and two interceptions. The 6-foot-2, 210-pound Evans ranks among the Sun Belt Conference leaders in total offense (fourth at 249.0 ypg.) and passing yards (sixth at 200.0 yards per game).
He accounted for 269 yards total offense and two scores at Iowa State. Evans 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. He hit 19-of-30 passes for 176 yards, including TD tosses of 19 yards to Josh Pederson in the second quarter and 38 yards to Jonathan Hodoh in the third quarter.
With his 10-yard completion to Brandius Batiste on the second play from scrimmage against the Cyclones, Evans became just the fifth quarterback in ULM history to reach the 7,000-yard career passing milestone, joining Kolton Browning (2010-13: 10,263 passing yards), Steven Jyles (2002-05: 8,987), John Holman (1979-82: 7,825) and Raymond Philyaw (1993-96: 7,061).
Evans accounted for 273 yards total offense and four touchdowns in ULM's 45-44 overtime loss at Florida State. After starting 0-for-7 passing, Evans finished 23-of-38 for 241 yards, including scoring strikes of 33 yards to Josh Pederson in the second quarter and 2 yards to Xavier Brown in the fourth quarter. He also rushed 10 times for 32 yards, including TD runs of 10 and 5 yards. Evans 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 25 consecutive games at quarterback – the seventh-longest active streak among NCAA FB QBs.
The Mansfield, Texas, native has completed 579-of-955 passes (.606) for 7,171 yards, 42 TDs and 26 interceptions in 34 career games. Evans already ranks among ULM's all-time Top 5 in completion percentage (second), passing efficiency rating (third at 132.8), total offense (third with 8,692 career yards), passing yards (fourth), pass completions (fifth), pass attempts (fifth) and TD passes (fifth).
JOHNSON RANKS FOURTH IN THE NCAA FBS IN RUSHING –
Junior Josh Johnson ranks second in the Sun Belt Conference and eighth in the NCAA FBS in rushing, averaging 128.7 yards per game. His 7.72 yards per carry ranks 12th in the NCAA FBS. The 5-foot-9, 215-pound Johnson also leads the team in rushing touchdowns (4) and scoring (24 points) while ranking second in explosive plays (6, 20-plus yard runs). Seventeen of his 50 carries (34 percent) have resulted in either a TD or first down. He also hasn't been stopped for a loss in 50 rushing attempts.
Johnson gained 87 yards on 14 attempts (6.2 avg.) at Iowa State, which entered the game with the nation's 10th-ranked rushing defense, allowing just 73.0 yards per game. He opened ULM's fifth offensive series with a 46-yard run around left end and later capped off a 12-play, 87-yard drive with a 1-yard TD run late in the second quarter.
In his first career start, Johnson carried a career-high 26 times for 126 yards at Florida State, including a 1-yard touchdown run midway through the fourth quarter. He broke runs of 22, 14 and 19 yards against the Seminoles.
In the 2019 season opener against Grambling, he rushed 10 times for 173 yards, including TD runs of 51 and 37 yards. On his first carry of the season, Johnson scored on a 51-yard run up the middle as the Warhawks jumped out to a 7-0 lead late in the first quarter. He iced the game with a 37-yard TD run around left end early in the third quarter. Six of his 10 carries against the Tigers resulted in either a TD or first down.
A native of Opelika, Alabama, Johnson gained 69 yards on 19 carries and scored one rushing TD in nine games last season.
PEDERSON EMERGES AS PLAYMAKER IN PASSING GAME –
Junior tight end Josh Pederson leads ULM in receptions (12; tied for team lead with Xavier Brown and Markis McCray), receiving yards (146) and touchdown receptions (2; tied with Brown). His 146 receiving yards are a career high and 12 catches match his season totals from 2017 and '18. Eight of Pederson's 12 receptions (67 percent) have resulted in either a first down or a TD.
The 6-foot-5, 232-pound Pederson has been named to the Pro Football Focus Sun Belt Conference Offensive Team of the Week following each of the last two 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 Caleb Evans to put ULM on the scoreboard early in the second quarter. Pederson set career highs for receptions (6) and receiving yards (85) at Florida State, including a season-long 33-yard TD catch from Evans late in the first half.
DAY EARNED BACK-TO-BACK LSWA DEFENSIVE PLAYER OF THE WEEK HONORS –
Fifth-year senior linebacker Chase Day leads ULM in tackles (23 total), tackles for loss (3 for 10 yards) and interceptions (2; tied with Corey Straughter). The Baton Rouge, Louisiana, native ranks among the Sun Belt Conference leaders in interceptions (tied for second at 0.67 per game), tackles (11th at 7.7 per game) and tackles for loss (16th at 1.0 per game). He produced interceptions in back-to-back games for the first time in his career (vs. Grambling State and at Florida State).
The 6-foot-1, 235-pound 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.
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 386 rushing yards)
Rushing Yards Per Game: Josh Johnson (8th at 128.7 rushing yards per game)
Rushing Yards Per Carry: Josh Johnson (12th at 7.72 rushing yards per carry)
Rushing Touchdowns: Josh Johnson (23rd with 4 rushing touchdowns)
Pass Completions Per Game: Caleb Evans (44th with 20.3 completions per game)
Pass Completion Percentage: Caleb Evans (40th at .656)
Total Touchdowns: Josh Johnson (48th with 4 total touchdowns)
Points Responsible For Per Game: Caleb Evans (45th at 14.0 points per game)
All-Purpose Yards: Josh Johnson (27th at 129.7 all-purpose yards per game)
Kickoff Returns: Markis McCray (46th at 21.0 yards per kickoff return)
Combined Kick Return Yards: Markis McCray (33rd at 168 combined kick return yards)
Interceptions: Chase Day/Corey Straughter (t-7th with 2 interceptions each)
Passes Defended: Corey Straughter (23rd at 1.3 passes defended per game)
Forced Fumbles: Keilos Swinney (36th at 0.33 fumbles forced per game)
Fumbles Recovered: Jordan Oliver/Ty Shelby (t-20th with 1 fumble recovery each)
WARHAWKS FEATURED ON PRESEASON WATCH LISTS FOR FOUR NATIONAL AWARDS –
Three ULM players – quarterback Caleb Evans, offensive guard T.J. Fiailoa and center Bobby Reynolds – combined for mentions on four different preseason watch lists for national awards.
Evans is listed on the preseason watch lists for both the Manning Award (presented to the nation's top quarterback after postseason bowl games) and Johnny Unitas Golden Arm Award (nation's top senior of fourth-year junior quarterback). Fiailoa is featured on the preseason watch list for the Polynesian College Football Player of the Year while Reynolds is mentioned on the fall watch list for the Rimington Trophy (nation's most outstanding center).
ULM BOASTS ONE OF THE NATION'S MOST EXPERIENCED OFFENSIVE LINES –
Right tackle Eastwood Thomas (37 career starts), center Bobby Reynolds (31), right guard T.J. Fiailoa (22) and left tackle Trace Ellison (20) have combined for 110 career starts.
Heading into the 2019 season, those four returning starters had combined for 98 career starts, giving ULM one of the nation's most experienced offensive lines (tied for 15th with Syracuse in the NCAA Football Bowl Subdivision). That combined total also marked the third highest in the Sun Belt Conference, trailing only ULL (131) and Texas State (110).
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.
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; 39 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
