ULM Resumes Sun Belt Play at South Alabama

Football Oct 21

Game 6: ULM (0-5, 0-2 Sun Belt) vs. South Alabama (2-2, 1-0 Sun Belt)
Saturday, Oct. 24 | 6 p.m. CT
Mobile, Ala. | Hancock Whitney Stadium (25, 450)
Watch: ESPN+ |Listen: KLIP 105.3FM

ULM Football Notes: Game 6 vs. South Alabama

Video | Coach Viator Weekly Press Conference

FIRST-AND-10 –
• Saturday's game marks the seventh meeting between ULM and South Alabama. The Warhawks lead the all-time series 4-2, including a 1-2 record in games played in Mobile, Alabama. ULM has won the last two meetings and three of the last four games in the series.

• ULM's 12 regular-season opponents have a combined record of 31-22 (.585) against NCAA Football Bowl Subdivision competition in 2020 and comprise the nation's 12th-most difficult schedule, according to NCAA figures. The Warhawks' first five opponents have a combined record of 14-9 (.609).

• ULM ranks among the Sun Belt Conference leaders in passing defense (second at 167.2 passing yards allowed per game) and passing efficiency defense (fifth with 133.5 rating). In addition, the Warhawks rank ninth in the NCAA Football Bowl Subdivision in passing defense.

• In five starts, Colby Suits has completed 110-of-182 throws for 1,121 yards, six TDs and four interceptions. The 6-foot-3, 240-pound sophomore leads the Sun Belt Conference in passing yards (1,121) and ranks among the league leaders in passing yards per game (fifth at 224.2 ypg.), total offense (fifth at 231.4 ypg.) and touchdown passes (sixth with 6). Suits is listed among the NCAA Football Bowl Subdivision Top 40 in completions per game (14th at 22.0), passing yards (16th), passing yards per game (No. 33) and passing TDs (No. 33).

He ranks as one of four NCAA FBS quarterbacks with at least 30 completions in multiple games this season, joining Mississippi State's K.J. Costello, Texas Tech's Alan Bowman and Central Florida's Dillon Gabriel.

Suits accounted for a season-high 385 yards total offense in ULM's 35-30 Homecoming loss to Georgia Southern. He completed 31-of-54 throws for 334 yards, including a pair of 2-yard TD tosses to Malik Jackson and Josh Johnson. Suits, who completed passes to 10 different receivers, went 18-of-33 for 184 yards in the second half. He also led the team in rushing against the Eagles, with seven carries for 51 yards. His 17-yard run on a fourth-and-7 play late in the first half kept an 11-play, 75-yard scoring drive alive. He directed a 13-play, 72-yard drive in the closing minutes but was stopped inches short of a game-winning TD on his 8-yard scramble as time expired.

• A key to Colby Suits' throwing success early this season has been his ability to utilize all of the weapons at his disposal in ULM's one-back offense. This season, six Warhawks have at least 10 receptions, including Josh Pederson (18 catches for 195 yards), Josh Johnson (16 for 60), Jonathan Hodoh (12 for 104), Jevin Frett (11 for 180), Chandler Whitfield (11 for 82) and Perry Carter (10 for 114). In addition, six different receivers have a touchdown reception.

• Through five games in 2020, Josh Pederson leads the Warhawks with 18 receptions for 195 yards (10.8 avg.). Ten of his 18 catches (56 percent) have resulted in first downs. His receptions (tied for fifth) and receiving yards (12th) rank among the top 12 totals produced by NCAA Football Bowl Subdivision tight ends this season.

With his 21-yard reception from Colby Suits on a third-and-8 play midway through the third quarter at Liberty, Pederson became only the fifth tight end in ULM history to reach the 1,000-yard career milestone (Jackie Harris, 1986-89: 2,149 career receiving yards; Joey Evans, 1981-84: 1,764; Bobby Craighead, 1980-83: 1,095; and Fred Coleman, 1973-74: 1,080). The 6-foot-5, 235-pound Pederson has 85 career receptions for 1,019 yards (12.0 avg.) and 11 touchdowns in 39 games.

Pederson, who has caught at least one pass in 17 consecutive games, has been named to the 2021 Reese's Senior Bowl Top 250. His 21 consecutive starts at tight end is the team's longest active streak.

• Senior linebacker Traveion Webster leads the Warhawks in tackles (36 total: 13 solos, 23 assists) and quarterback hurries (3). The 5-foot-11, 209-pound Webster ranks 10th in the Sun Belt Conference in tackles, averaging 7.2 per game.

He has led the team in tackles in three of the first five games, including nine stops (2-7) against UTEP. Webster tallied eight tackles (3-5) against Texas State, including two for losses (3 yards). In his first career start at Will linebacker, he recorded a career-high 11 tackles (5 solos, 6 assists) and a quarterback hurry in ULM's season-opening loss at Army.

• Fifth-year defensive end Ty Shelby leads the Warhawks in tackles for loss (5 for 13 yards) and sacks (2 for 2 yards). Shelby also ranks among the Sun Belt Conference's Top 10 in both tackles for loss (fifth) and sacks (tied for 10th). In addition, he leads the ULM defensive linemen and ranks sixth on the team with 25 tackles (9 solos, 16 assists).

The 6-foot-4, 252-pound Shelby made five solo stops at Liberty, including a career-high three tackles for loss (10 yards).

He posted a career-best eight stops (2-6) against Georgia Southern.

Shelby, who was sidelined for ULM's season opener at Army, returned to the starting lineup against Texas State and registered seven tackles, with two resulting in losses including a sack.

• Isaiah Phillips ranks among the NCAA FBS leaders in kickoff return yards (seventh with 295) and kickoff return average (28th at 21.1 yards per return). The 5-foot-7, 192-pound sophomore leads ULM with 10 explosive plays (20-plus yards) – all kickoff returns. Phillips returned the opening kickoff at Army 35 yards and added a 31-yarder late in the second quarter against UTEP.

• ULM has been held below 100 rushing yards in five consecutive games (20 rushes for 37 yards at Army; 26 for 67 vs. Texas State; 14 for 7 vs. UTEP; 18 for 92 vs. Georgia Southern; and 26 for 78 at Liberty) for the first time since the last five contests of the 2014 season (30 for 78 at Texas A&M; 30 for 55 at Appalachian State; 21 for minus 39 vs. ULL; 27 for 70 at New Mexico State; and 16 for 19 at Georgia Southern).

CLASS BREAKDOWN (STARTERS) –
ULM Offense: 4 seniors, 2 juniors, 4 sophomores, 1 freshman
ULM Defense: 5 seniors, 1 junior, 4 sophomores, 1 freshman
South Alabama Offense: 3 seniors, 3 juniors, 5 sophomores
South Alabama Defense: 4 seniors, 6 juniors, 1 sophomore

STAT LEADERS –
ULM (after five games):
Rushing – Josh Johnson (60 carries for 199 yards, 3.3 avg., 2 TDs)
Passing – Colby Suits (110 of 182 for 1,121 yards, 6 TDs, 4 INTs)
Receiving – Josh Pederson (18 catches for 195 yards, 10.8 avg., 0 TDs)
Tackles – Traveion Webster (36 tackles, 13 solos, 23 assists, 2.5 TFL, 3 QB hurries)

South Alabama (after four games):
Rushing – Carlos Davis (80 carries for 385 yards, 4.8 avg., 2 TDs)
Passing – Desmond Trotter (38 of 57 for 560 yards, 3 TDs, 2 INTs)
Receiving – Jalen Tolbert (24 catches for 418 yards, 17.4 avg., 4 TDs)
Tackles – Riley Cole (40 tackles, 20 solos, 20 assists, 3.0 TFL)

ULM/SOUTH ALABAMA SERIES NOTES –
Saturday's game marks the seventh meeting between ULM and South Alabama. The Warhawks lead the all-time series 4-2, including a 1-2 record in games played in Mobile, Alabama. ULM has won the last two meetings and three of the last four games in the series.

THE LAST MEETING –
ULM 30, South Alabama 17 (Sept. 28, 2019, in Monroe, La.): The big scoreboard at Malone Stadium wasn't always fully functional on Saturday night as ULM opened Sun Belt Conference play against South Alabama.

While some of the bells and whistles weren't operational, the scoreboard numbers that mattered most were in full display for the home crowd of 16,222 as ULM posted a 30-17 win.
Indeed, ULM (2-2, 1-1) shook off a lopsided loss last week at Iowa State to get conference play started right.

ULM quarterback Caleb Evans completed 17-of-25 passes for 286 yards and three touchdowns and added another score on the ground. Josh Johnson ran for 93 yards on 15 carries while Josh Pederson, Markis McCray and Jonathan Hodoh all had touchdown grabs.

ULM's defense had a hard time corralling South Alabama running back Tra Minter, who rushed for
150 yards on 19 carries. The Jaguars (1-4, 0-1) gained 268 of their 377 yards on the ground on 78
offensive plays.

Led by linebacker Cortez Sisco's game-high 13 tackles, the Warhawks offset South Alabama's running success by holding the Jags to 4-of-16 on third-down conversions, registering four sacks and picking off the quarterback Cephus Johnson in the end zone.

The Jaguars made an early statement by taking their first offensive possession 90 yards in 12 plays.
Cephus Johnson, who rushed for 40 yards on the march, punched it in from 3 yards for a 7-0 USA
lead with 7:39 left in the first quarter.

Josh Johnson jumpstarted ULM's offense with a 49-yard run, setting up a 20-yard touchdown pass
from Evans to Pederson to tie the game at 7-7. ULM moved 75 yards in four plays for the score with
6:10 remaining in the first quarter.

Minter's 40-yard run put South Alabama in the red zone again as the first quarter ended. But cornerback Corey Straughter intercepted Johnson in the end zone for a timely ULM takeaway. Straughter
has interceptions in three-straight games.

ULM took advantage of the turnaround with a methodical 11-play, 75-yard drive capped by Jared Porter's 22-yard field goal, to go up 10-7 with 9:34 to go in the second quarter.

After another defensive stand, the Warhawks popped a big play as McCray scored on a 52-yard reception from Evans. ULM covered 72 yards in four plays to go ahead 17-7 with 4:12 remaining in the half.

Although ULM finished the first half with 17 unanswered points, Matt Viator left the field imploring his team to stick to running the ball more and be stingier against the run on defense. USA outrushed
ULM, 177-76, in the first half.

After the teams traded punts to open the second half, South Alabama narrowed the margin to 17-10
on a 21-yard field goal by Frankie Onate with 8:27 showing in the third quarter.

The Warhawks could muster little on offense through most of the third quarter, gaining just 45 yards
with two first downs and three punts.

However, ULM was moving as the fourth quarter started and finished a 61-yard, nine-play drive with a
21-yard touchdown pass from Evans to Hodoh. Evans converted a clutch 12-yard pass to Pederson
on fourth-and-7 to the USA 21 to keep the march going. While Porter missed the PAT, ULM extended
the lead to 23-10 with 13:00 left in the game.

On the scoring drive that basically sealed the win for the Warhawks, Brandius Batiste made a 31-
yard catch on third-and-15 and a 13-yard snag on fourth-and-4. Evans scored on a 13-yard dash to
put ULM ahead 30-10 with 7:02 left in the game.

Evans distributed the ball to seven different targets during the contest.

Cephus Johnson's 8-yard run with 4:02 remaining accounted for the final margin, 30-17.

THE LAST MEETING IN MOBILE –
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 2020 roster features three players from the state of Alabama, including sophomore wide receiver Malik Jackson (Opelika / attended Lufkin [Texas] High School), fifth-year senior tailback Josh Johnson (Hurtsboro / Opelika HS) and kickoff specialist/punter Daniel Sparks (Gadsden / Gadsden City HS).

ULM'S 2020 SCHEDULE RANKS AS THE NATION'S 12TH-MOST DIFFICULT –
ULM's 12 regular-season opponents have a combined record of 31-22 (.585) against NCAA Football Bowl Subdivision competition in 2020 and comprise the nation's 12th-most difficult schedule, according to NCAA figures. The Warhawks' first five opponents have a combined record of 14-9 (.609).

THE LAST TIME OUT –
Liberty 40, ULM 7 (Oct. 10, 2020, in Lynchburg, Va.): ULM stumbled into a Liberty ambush on Saturday and staggered out of Williams Stadium on the wrong end of a 40-7 decision.

Overall, ULM's punt team surrendered three touchdowns on a dropped punt, a blocked punt and a punt return, and gave up a lengthy return that set up another score.

The Warhawks clearly aren't early birds this season. With an 11 a.m. CT kickoff for the nationally-televised contest on ESPN2, ULM (0-5) trailed 14-0 after one quarter and 24-0 by halftime as the offense faltered and special teams made costly blunders. The Warhawks have been outscored 56-10 in the first quarter and 117-38 in the first half of their first five games.

Quarterback Colby Suits came into the game as one of the nation's most productive quarterbacks but struggled to ignite the offense against the Flames, as he completed 13-of-29 passes for 78 yards with two touchdowns.

ULM's score came with 3:34 left in the game on a 15-yard touchdown pass from Jeremy Hunt to running back Kadyn Roach, the first of his career. In relief, Hunt completed 3-of-6 attempts for 42 yards and his first ULM touchdown pass.

Liberty (4-0) won its sixth-straight game overall while facing ULM for the first time. The Flames outgained ULM in total yardage, 400-198, while the Warhawks were 1-of-16 on third-down conversions.

Liberty's offensive unit spent much of the first half in ULM territory.

Traveion Webster's fumble recovery helped ULM dodge early damage, with the takeaway coming one play after a 53-yard reception.

However, a big special teams return by Liberty put the Flames right back in striking distance.

Demario Douglas delivered a 38-yard punt return to the ULM 24 to set up Liberty's first score. Four plays later, Peytton Pickett scored on a 15-yard touchdown run on a fourth-and-1 play with 10:01 left in period as the Flames jumped out to a 7-0 lead.

ULM's early woes continued on the next offensive series as Javon Scruggs intercepted Suits at the Warhawks' 41. Seven plays later, Malik Willis scrambled 6 yards for the score and Liberty led 14-0 with 6:11 remaining in the first quarter. Willis passed for 177 yards and rushed for 87 yards.

In building a two-touchdown lead, Liberty outgained ULM 166-18 in total yards and held the Warhawks without a first down.

The Flames were approaching the end zone again as the opening quarter ended but Austin Hawley picked off Willis two plays into the second and returned it 39 yards to the ULM 48. The Warhawks saw another drive fizzle though, turning it over on downs at the Liberty 31.

ULM's shaky special teams unit dealt the Warhawks another blow when punter Daniel Sparks dropped the snap in the end zone, allowing Liberty to recover for a touchdown. The Flames led 21-0 with 3:56 to go before halftime.

Adding to the misery index, Liberty intercepted Suits again with 2:59 left and took over at the ULM 22. Ty Shelby's third-down sack forced the Flames to settle for a 42-yard field goal that extended the lead to 24-0 at the 1:46 mark.

ULM's first-half offensive numbers didn't add up to much. The Warhawks managed one first down with 50 yards, offset by seven penalties for 54 yards. ULM was 0-for-9 on third down.

ULM's special teams' woes continued in the second half as Liberty's Treon Sibley blocked Sparks' first punt attempt of the third quarter and Chancellor Smith recovered in the end zone for another touchdown and a 31-0 lead.

Through three quarters, ULM stuck with Suits, who directed a promising drive that ended on downs at the Liberty 1, with Chandler Whitfield catching a 7-yard pass on fourth-and-8.

The Flames took over and marched 87 yards on 15 plays to kick a 30-yard field goal for a 34-0 lead early in the fourth quarter.

With 10:47 left in the game, Douglas returned a punt 73 yards for a touchdown that gave Liberty a 40-0 edge.

PEDERSON REACHES 1,000-YARD CAREER RECEIVING MILESTONE –
Through five games in 2020, Josh Pederson leads the Warhawks with 18 receptions for 195 yards (10.8 avg.). Ten of his 18 catches (56 percent) have resulted in first downs. His receptions (tied for fifth) and receiving yards (12th) rank among the top 12 totals produced by NCAA Football Bowl Subdivision tight ends this season.

With his 21-yard reception from Colby Suits on a third-and-8 play midway through the third quarter at Liberty, Pederson became only the fifth tight end in ULM history to reach the 1,000-yard career milestone (Jackie Harris, 1986-89: 2,149 career receiving yards; Joey Evans, 1981-84: 1,764; Bobby Craighead, 1980-83: 1,095; and Fred Coleman, 1973-74: 1,080). The 6-foot-5, 235-pound Pederson has 85 career receptions for 1,019 yards (12.0 avg.) and 11 touchdowns in 39 games.

Despite missing the entire fourth quarter with a sprained ankle against Georgia Southern, he still managed three receptions for 53 yards. His 22-yard sliding grab – off a deflection from Eagle cornerback Ephraim Kitchen Jr. – on a fourth-and-7 play helped set up a field goal late in the first quarter. Pederson also hooked up with Colby Suits for a 25-yard gain on a TD drive to close out the first half, as ULM cut its halftime deficit to 21-17.

He has led the team in receptions in two of the first four games in 2020.

Pederson hauled in four passes for 27 yards against UTEP and caught four passes for 38 yards in ULM's Sun Belt Conference opener against Texas State.

In the 2020 season opener at Army, Pederson had a team-high five catches for 56 yards, with four of those five receptions producing first downs. He earned the third-highest grade among all NCAA FBS tight ends in Week 2, according to Pro Football Focus.

Pederson, who has caught at least one pass in 17 consecutive games, has been named to the 2021 Reese's Senior Bowl Top 250. His 21 consecutive starts at tight end is the team's longest active streak.

A native of Moorestown, New Jersey, Pederson set career highs for receptions (43), receiving yards (567) and touchdown receptions (9) last season while being selected honorable mention PFF All-American and All-Sun Belt First Team.

JOHNSON SCORES CAREER-BEST THREE TOUCHDOWNS IN HOMECOMING GAME –
Fifth-year senior Josh Johnson accounted for a career-best three touchdowns in ULM's 35-30 Homecoming loss to Georgia Southern. Johnson finished off a six-play, 72-yard drive with a 26-yard TD run around left end early in the second quarter. Late in the third quarter, he slipped out of the backfield to score the first receiving TD of his career on a 2-yard toss from Colby Suits, closing out a 13-play, 73-yard drive. Johnson capped off an eight-play, 80-yard drive with a 2-yard TD plunge off right guard with 4:59 left in the fourth quarter, as the Warhawks pulled to within five points after trailing by as many as 18 points in the third quarter.

It marked his fifth career multi-TD game. His 14 career rushing TDs are tied for No. 14 on ULM's all-time list.

Johnson, who ranked second in the Sun Belt Conference and 13th in the NCAA Football Bowl Subdivision in rushing while averaging 108.2 yards per game last season, has been named to the preseason watch lists for the Maxwell Award (College Player of the Year) and Doak Walker Award (nation's top running back).

An All-Sun Belt Second-Team selection, Johnson also finished among the NCAA FBS Top 20 in yards per carry (10th at 6.46) and rushing yards (tied for 18th with 1,298). His 1,298 rushing yards ranked as the fourth-highest single-season total in ULM history. In addition, Johnson led the Warhawks in all-purpose yards (1,420) while ranking second in rushing touchdowns (11) and scoring (66 points). His eight runs of 30-plus yards ranked tied for eighth in the NCAA FBS. He also had 13 receptions for 122 yards (9.4 avg.).

Johnson was stopped for a loss only nine times in 201 rushing attempts in 2019. He opened last season with 69 consecutive carries without being tackled in the backfield.

He recorded his seventh 100-yard game in the season finale at the Ragin' Cajuns, finishing with 13 carries for 109 yards. His career-long 53-yard run set up ULM's fourth touchdown early in the fourth quarter.

Johnson ran 19 times for 129 yards and two TDs in ULM's 45-42 win over Coastal Carolina in the home finale. 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 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.

He carried 22 times for 114 yards and two touchdowns in ULM's 24-14 victory at Texas State. 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.

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.

SUITS REPLACES THREE-YEAR STARTER EVANS AT QUARTERBACK –
In five starts, Colby Suits has completed 110-of-182 throws for 1,121 yards, six TDs and four interceptions. The 6-foot-3, 240-pound sophomore leads the Sun Belt Conference in passing yards (1,121) and ranks among the league leaders in passing yards per game (fifth at 224.2 ypg.), total offense (fifth at 231.4 ypg.) and touchdown passes (sixth with 6). Suits is listed among the NCAA Football Bowl Subdivision Top 40 in completions per game (14th at 22.0), passing yards (16th), passing yards per game (No. 33) and passing TDs (No. 33).

He ranks as one of four NCAA FBS quarterbacks with at least 30 completions in multiple games this season, joining Mississippi State's K.J. Costello (3), Texas Tech's Alan Bowman (2) and Central Florida's Dillon Gabriel (2).

Suits accounted for a season-high 385 yards total offense in ULM's 35-30 Homecoming loss to Georgia Southern. He completed 31-of-54 throws for 334 yards, including a pair of 2-yard TD tosses to Malik Jackson and Josh Johnson. Suits, who completed passes to 10 different receivers, went 18-of-33 for 184 yards in the second half. He also led the team in rushing against the Eagles, with seven carries for 51 yards. His 17-yard run on a fourth-and-7 play late in the first half kept an 11-play, 75-yard scoring drive alive. He directed a 13-play, 72-yard drive in the closing minutes but was stopped inches short of a game-winning TD on his 8-yard scramble as time expired.

He hit 17-of-27 passes for 184 yards against UTEP, including a 35-yard scoring strike to Jahquan Bloomfield in the third quarter.

In the Sun Belt Conference opener against Texas State, Suits connected on 35-of-53 throws for 377 yards and two scores. He completed throws to 11 different receivers, including TD tosses of 20 yards to Jevin Frett and 5 yards to Chandler Whitfield. His 35 completions (fifth), 377 passing yards (13th) and 384 yards total offense (13th) are among the best single-game totals produced by an NCAA FBS quarterback this season. His 35 completions also tied the sixth-highest single-game mark in ULM history.

In his first career start at Army, Suits completed 14-of-19 passes for 148 yards, including a 6-yard touchdown toss to Malik Jackson late in the second quarter. Suits went a perfect 4-for-4 for 40 yards on ULM's seven-play, 64-yard scoring drive. On the first play of the second quarter, he hooked up with Bloomfield for a career-long 54-yard completion.
Suits became the first ULM quarterback not named Caleb Evans to start under center in 35 games. Evans, who started 37 of 43 career games including 34 in a row from 2017-19, rewrote the Warhawk record book. He set ULM's career record for total offense per game (271.7 yards) and rushing touchdowns (36). In addition, Evans finished ranked among ULM's Top 10 all-time leaders in eight additional categories: second in total offense (11,681 yards), second in TDs responsible for (94), second in completion percentage (.605), second in passing yards (9,513), second in TD passes (58), third in pass attempts (1,252), third in pass completions (757) and sixth in rushing yards (2,168).

The last Warhawk to start at quarterback other than Evans was (current graduate assistant coach) Garrett Smith in Game 2 of the 2017 season against Southern Miss.

With Evans' departure, ULM was one of 18 schools in the country that entered the 2020 season with no starting experience at quarterback.

ALL-AMERICAN STRAUGHTER SIDELINED BY WRIST INJURY FOR REMAINDER OF 2020 –
ULM senior cornerback Corey Straughter, who ranks among ULM's all-time Top 20 in interception return yards (second at 250), pass break-ups (tied for eighth with 20) and interceptions (tied for 15th with 9), will be sidelined for the remainder of the 2020 season with a wrist injury. Straughter first sprained his wrist during an Aug. 15 preseason scrimmage.

Through the first three games, he posted four tackles and a pass break-up.

The 5-foot-10, 183-pound Straughter, who ranked among the NCAA Football Bowl Subdivision leaders in interceptions (tied for seventh with 5) and passes defended (tied for 14th with 15) last season, was named to the preseason watch lists for three major national awards, including the Bronko Nagurski Trophy (Football Writers Association of America National Defensive Player of the Year), Paycom Jim Thorpe Award (nation's best defensive back) and Bednarik Award (Maxwell Football Club defensive player of the year).

In 2019, Straughter was named All-American by both USA TODAY (second team) and Pro Football Focus (third team) as well as First-Team All-Sun Belt Conference. His 15 passes defended led the Sun Belt and his five interceptions tied for the league lead. Straughter allowed the nation's lowest passer rating (13.5), lowest completion percentage (28.6) and fewest combined receptions for first downs and touchdowns (7). His 89.9 coverage grade ranked sixth-highest among all NCAA FBS cornerbacks, according to Pro Football Focus. He allowed only one touchdown reception in 2019 (came in the season finale at the Ragin' Cajuns) and one explosive pass play (20-plus yards; came on the opening drive of Game 11 vs. Coastal Carolina).

The Monroe, Louisiana, native also contributed 23 tackles (18 solos, 5 assists) in 2019.

NCAA STAT LEADERS –
Here's a glance at how ULM ranks among the NCAA individual stat leaders in 2020:

Individual Statistics (Top 40)
Passing Yards: Colby Suits (16th with 1,121 passing yards)
Passing Yards Per Game: Colby Suits (33rd at 224.2 passing yards per game)
Pass Completions Per Game: Colby Suits (14th with 22.0 completions per game)
Passing Touchdowns: Colby Suits (33rd with 6 passing TDs)
Kickoff Return Yards: Isaiah Phillips (t-7th at 295 kickoff return yards)
Kickoff Returns: Isaiah Phillips (28th at 21.1 yards per kickoff return)
Fumbles Forced: Keilos Swinney (24th at 0.4 forced fumbles per game)
Fumbles Recovered: Jahquan Bloomfield/Mason Husmann/Keilos Swinney (t-9th with 1 fumble recovery)

ULM SEEKS TO PLAY FULL 12-GAME SLATE IN 2020 –
ULM is one of four NCAA Football Bowl Subdivision teams scheduled to play 12-games in 2020, joining Texas State, Troy and UTSA.

WARHAWKS RETOOL OFFENSIVE LINE –
Another challenge for the Warhawks has been filling the holes left by four starters on the offensive line, including left tackle Eastwood Thomas (46 career starts), left guard Trace Ellison (29), center Bobby Reynolds (40) and right guard Brandon Jones (12). That quartet accounted for 127 combined starts.

ULM returns five lettermen upfront but only two of those linemen had previous starting experience, including right guard T.J. Fiailoa (23 career starts) and right tackle Samuel Williams, who started the last eight games of the 2019 season.

SEASON-OPENING STARTING LINEUP FEATURED 13 FIRST-TIME STARTERS –
ULM's starting lineup for the 2020 season opener at Army featured 13 first-time starters, including six on the offensive side of the football, five on defense and two specialists.

The first-time starters on offense were left tackle Blake Lodes (6-7,315, So.), left guard Dakota Torbert (6-5, 305, Jr.), center Zach Breaux (6-3, 306, So.), flanker Perry Carter (5-8, 172, Jr.), quarterback Colby Suits (6-3, 240, So.) and outside (W) receiver Jahquan Bloomfield (6-1, 190, So.). The first-time starters on defense included defensive ends Myles Cole (6-6, 248, So.) and Brandon Nettles (6-1, 250, So.), defensive tackle Kevin Pointer (6-1, 287, R-Fr.), Will linebacker Traveion Webster (5-11, 209, Sr.) and Mike linebacker KeyShawn Johnson (6-0, 223, So.). Kickoff specialist Daniel Sparks (6-6, 188, Fr.) and placekicker Davis Hughes (6-1, 167, Jr.) also made their debuts in the starting lineup.

By comparison, ULM's 2019 opening-game lineup against Grambling State included just four first-time starters.

NINE GRADUATES LISTED ON 2020 ULM FOOTBALL ROSTER –
Nine members of the 2020 ULM football team already have earned their bachelor's degrees: kicker Zach Elder, center Garrett Hirsch, wide receiver Jonathan Hodoh, defensive lineman Mason Husmann, running back Josh Johnson, tight end Tyler Lamm, tight end Josh Pederson, defensive end Ty Shelby and offensive tackle Samuel Williams.

Those nine student-athletes wear a Sun Belt Conference graduate patch on their jersey.

WARHAWK TRENDS UNDER VIATOR –
Here's how ULM has fared during head coach Matt Viator's tenure (2016-present: 53 games):

2020 / Overall
Games played in Malone Stadium: 0-3 / 12-12
Games played on the road/neutral site: 0-2 / 7-22

Games played in August: 0-0 / 2-1
Games played in September: 0-3 / 5-11
Games played in October: 0-2 / 5-12
Games played in November: 0-0 / 7-8
Games played in December: 0-0 / 0-2

When leading at halftime: 0-0 / 15-1
When trailing at halftime: 0-5 / 2-33
When tied at halftime: 0-0 / 2-0

When scoring first: 0-0 / 12-5
When opponent scores first: 0-5 / 7-29

When leading after first quarter: 0-0 / 11-3
When trailing after first quarter: 0-5 / 4-26
When tied after first quarter: 0-0 / 4-5

When leading after three quarters: 0-0 / 16-0
When trailing after three quarters: 0-5 / 2-33
When tied after three quarters: 0-0 / 1-1

Overtime games: 0-0 / 2-1

When gaining more first downs than opponent: 0-2 / 13-6
When gaining fewer first downs than opponent: 0-3 / 5-26
When gaining same number of first downs as opponent: 0-0 / 2-2

When gaining 200+ yards rushing: 0-0 / 14-9
When opponent gains 200+ yards rushing: 0-3 / 6-29

When outrushing opponent: 0-0 / 13-5
When being outrushed by opponent: 0-5 / 6-29

When gaining 200+ yards passing: 0-2 / 13-22
When opponent gains 200+ yards passing: 0-3 / 11-26

When gaining more total yards than opponent: 0-2 / 15-8
When gaining fewer total yards than opponent: 0-3 / 4-26

When leading in time of possession: 0-1 / 11-7
When trailing in time of possession: 0-4 / 8-27
When splitting in time of possession: 0-0 / 0-0

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