ULM Seeks Fast Start Against App State

Football Oct 29

Game 7: Appalachian State (3-1, 1-0 Sun Belt) vs. ULM (0-6, 0-3 Sun Belt)
Saturday, Oct. 31 | 3:02 p.m. CT
Monroe, La. | JPS Field at Malone Stadium (30,000)
Watch: ESPNU | Listen: KLIP 105.3FM

ULM Football Notes: Game 7 vs. Appalachian State

Digital Game Program

Video | Coach Viator Weekly Press Conference

MILITARY APPRECIATION DAY
Retired and active military present your I.D. and receive 2 complimentary general admission tickets to Saturday's game against Appalachian State. You're also eligible to purchase 2 additional GA tickets for the price of one ($15). Thank you for your service to our country.

General Admission Tickets ($15)

FIRST-AND-10 –
• Saturday's game marks the sixth meeting between ULM and Appalachian State. The Mountaineers lead the all-time series 4-1, including a 1-1 record in games played in Malone Stadium.

• ULM's 12 regular-season opponents have a combined record of 36-28 (.563) against NCAA Football Bowl Subdivision competition in 2020 and comprise the nation's 23rd-most difficult schedule, according to NCAA figures. The Warhawks' first six opponents have a combined record of 18-14 (.563).

• ULM leads the Sun Belt Conference and ranks No. 18 in the NCAA Football Bowl Subdivision in passing defense, allowing 180.3 yards per game.

• In six starts, Colby Suits has completed 133-of-216 throws for 1,407 yards, seven TDs and five interceptions. The 6-foot-3, 240-pound sophomore leads the Sun Belt Conference in passing yards (1,407), passing yards per game (233.8 ypg.) and 300-yard passing games (tied for first with 2) while ranking third in the league in total offense (243.5 ypg.). Suits is listed among the NCAA Football Bowl Subdivision Top 40 in passing yards (12th), completions per game (20th at 22.2), passing yards per game (No. 34) and passing TDs (No. 34).

He ranks as one of six 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), West Virginia's Jarret Doege (2), Central Florida's Dillon Gabriel (2) and Temple's Anthony Russo (2).

Suits recorded his third 200-yard passing game of the season at South Alabama, hitting 23-of-34 throws for 286 yards, one touchdown and one interception. He completed passes to 10 different receivers against the Jaguars.

• 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, five Warhawks have at least 13 receptions, including Josh Pederson (22 catches for 260 yards), Josh Johnson (16 for 60), Jonathan Hodoh (14 for 125), Jevin Frett (13 for 230) and Chandler Whitfield (13 for 91). In addition, seven different receivers have a touchdown reception.

• Through six games in 2020, Josh Pederson leads the Warhawks with 22 receptions for 260 yards (11.8 avg.). Thirteen of his 22 catches (59 percent) have resulted in first downs. Pederson has been Colby Suits' favorite target in four of the first six games. His receptions (tied for fourth) and receiving yards (seventh) rank among the Top 10 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 89 career receptions for 1,084 yards (12.2 avg.) and 11 touchdowns in 40 games.
Pederson, who has caught at least one pass in 18 consecutive games, has been named to the 2021 Reese's Senior Bowl Top 250. His 22 consecutive starts at tight end is the team's longest active streak.

• Senior linebacker Traveion Webster leads the Warhawks in tackles (47 total: 21 solos, 26 assists) and quarterback hurries (4) while ranking second on the team in tackles for loss (4.5 for 16 yards). The 5-foot-11, 209-pound Webster ranks seventh in the Sun Belt Conference in tackles, averaging 7.8 per game. He has led the team in tackles in four of the first six games, including two double-digit efforts.

Webster matched his career high with 11 stops at South Alabama, with two resulting in losses (11 yards) including a 10-yard sack.

The Longview, Texas, native paced the Warhawks in tackles in each of the first three 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 ranks second in sacks (2 for 2 yards). Shelby also ranks among the Sun Belt Conference's Top 20 in both tackles for loss (tied for eighth) and sacks (20th). In addition, he leads the ULM defensive linemen and ranks sixth on the team with 28 tackles (10 solos, 18 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 (10th with 320) and kickoff return average (29th at 21.3 yards per return). The 5-foot-7, 192-pound sophomore leads ULM with 11 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 six 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; 26 for 78 at Liberty; and 27 for 94 at South Alabama). It marks the most sub 100-yard rushing games by the Warhawks since the 2015 season (7 times: 1-6 record in those games).

CLASS BREAKDOWN (STARTERS) –
App State Offense: 8 seniors, 2 juniors, 1 sophomore
App State Defense: 4 seniors, 5 juniors, 2 sophomores
ULM Offense: 5 seniors, 2 juniors, 3 sophomores, 1 freshman
ULM Defense: 5 seniors, 3 sophomores, 3 freshmen

STAT LEADERS –
App State (after four games):
Rushing – Daetrich Harrington (77 carries for 438 yards, 5.7 avg., 7 TDs)
Passing – Zac Thomas (64 of 100 for 819 yards, 6 TDs, 3 INTs)
Receiving – Thomas Hennigan (14 catches for 287 yards, 20.5 avg., 1TDs)
Tackles – Trey Cobb (36 tackles, 12 solos, 24 assists, 5.0 TFL, 2.0 sacks)

ULM (after six games):
Rushing – Josh Johnson (75 carries for 248 yards, 3.3 avg., 3 TDs)
Passing – Colby Suits (133 of 216 for 1,407 yards, 7 TDs, 5 INTs)
Receiving – Josh Pederson (22 catches for 260 yards, 11.8 avg., 0 TDs)
Tackles – Traveion Webster (47 tackles, 21 solos, 26 assists, 4.5 TFL, 4 QB hurries)

ULM/APP STATE SERIES NOTES –
Saturday's game marks the sixth meeting between ULM and Appalachian State. The Mountaineers lead the all-time series 4-1, including a 1-1 record in games played in Malone Stadium.

THE LAST MEETING –
No. 24 Appalachian State 52, ULM 7 (Oct. 19, 2019, in Boone, N.C.): ULM faltered in its first-place showdown with No. 24 Appalachian State.

The Mountaineers (6-0, 3-0 Sun Belt) scored on their first four possessions, rolled up 572 yards of total offense and cruised to a 52-7 win over the Warhawks (3-4, 2-1) at Kidd Brewer Stadium.

Quarterback Caleb Evans completed 9-of-19 passes for 75 yards with an interception in a short outing before ULM inserted backup Colby Suits to finish up with the score out of hand. Running back Josh Johnson rushed for 75 yards on 13 attempts before his third-quarter exit as ULM's reserve players saw extended action through the second half.

On a chilly, rainy day, the Warhawks managed just 213 yards of offense in the game. Third-down conversions were a notable statistic as ULM was 2 of 13 and App State 13 of 18. The Mountaineers had 27 first downs, compared to nine for the Warhawks.

App State running back Darrynton Evans gained 136 yards and scored one touchdown as the Mountaineers rushed for 302 yards. Evans also caught a touchdown pass from quarterback Zac Thomas, who threw for 214 yards and three scores. App State was six-for-six scoring in the red zone.

The early leader in the Sun Belt's West Division, ULM got off to a promising start, then fell in a deep hole in an action-packed first quarter.

The Warhawks made a statement with their opening drive as they marched 82 yards in 12 plays to take the early 7-0 lead. Kayin White powered in a 1-yard touchdown run with 11:09 remaining in the first quarter.

On their third offensive play, App State's Evans dashed 59 yards to tie the score at 7-7. It was his third run of 50-plus yards this season and 11th TD.

After forcing a punt, the Mountaineers scored on a second-straight possession with a 12-play, 76-yard drive. Thomas found Thomas Hennigan in the back of the end zone for a 6-yard TD to give App State a 14-7 lead with 4:46 left in the first quarter.

The game took a turn for the worse for the Warhawks as App State recovered a Johnson fumble and returned it 24 yards to the ULM 24. Five plays later, Thomas walked into the end zone for a 1-yard score that gave the home team a 21-7 advantage with 1:19 showing in the opening quarter.

App St. scored on a fourth-straight series as Chandler Staton booted a 27-yard field goal to end a 10-play, 75-yard drive with 11:14 left in the second quarter.

The Mountaineers extended the lead to 31-7 as Thomas flipped a 1-yard touchdown pass to Collin Reed with 1:19 to go in the half.

In the first half, App State outgained ULM, 376-169, in total yardage while converting seven-of-nine third-down opportunities.

The narrative didn't change after intermission.

App State's opening drive of the second half covered 75 yards in 12 plays and chewed almost six minutes off the clock. Evans scored his second TD for the Mountaineers on a 15-yard pass from Zac Thomas to increase the lead to 38-7.

The Mountaineers led 45-7 after Marcus Williams Jr. scored App State's third rushing touchdown of the afternoon on a 1-yard run with 12:21 remaining in the fourth quarter.

A 56-yard touchdown pass from App State's back-up quarterback Jacob Huesman to Jalen Virgil closed out the scoring at 52-7.

THE LAST MEETING IN MALONE STADIUM –
ULM 52, Appalachian State 45 (Nov. 4, 2017, in Monroe, La.): Caleb Evans accounted for 403 yards total offense and five touchdowns to lead ULM to a 52-45 win over Sun Belt powerhouse Appalachian State.

ULM scored the go-ahead touchdown with 23 seconds remaining on a 50-yard TD pass from Evans to R.J. Turner. Officials initially flagged the play as Turner went out of bounds before coming back in and catching the ball, but then waved off the penalty by ruling that he was forced out of bounds.

Appalachian State started the final drive at its own 45, but three plays later, Taylor Lamb's pass from the ULM 39 fell incomplete in the end zone and the Warhawks survived.

The Mountaineers had tied the game at 45-45 with 53 seconds left on Lamb's 20-yard pass to Ike Lewis, who caught three touchdowns in the game.

A 24-yard return by Brandius Batiste on the ensuing kickoff put ULM's potent offense within striking distance at its own 36.

Evans hit a pair of 7-yard completions before finding Turner for the game winner.
In another monster performance, Evans completed 24-of-32 attempts for 356 yards and three touchdowns. He also scored two rushing TDs and collected 47 yards on nine attempts.

Turner finished with six catches for 134 yards and two scores.

Running back Derrick Gore added 103 yards on 18 carries and scored on a 1-yard touchdown run with 3:17 remaining in the game to put ULM ahead 45-38.

ULM (4-5, 4-3) gained 569 yards in total offense to defeat Appalachian State (5-4, 4-1) for the first time in four tries. The balanced Warhawks rushed for 213 yards on 38 attempts.

A strong start put ULM in position to win in the end.

ULM struck first on a 21-yard pass from Evans to Turner, who took a screen pass and weaved behind his blockers on a tackle-breaking trek to the end zone. ULM went 66 yards on eight plays to go up 7-0 with 6:59 left in the first quarter.

The Warhawks turned a takeaway into points a minute later when David Griffith recovered Daetrich Herrington's fumble at the visitor's 39. From there, Evans immediately fired a 39-yard TD strike to Marcus Green for a 14-0 ULM lead with 5:59 remaining.

The two-touchdown lead was a welcome change for a squad that has fallen behind early in losing its last three Sun Belt games after a 3-0 conference start.

App State finally dented the scoreboard on Chandler Staton's 35-yard field goal with 14:51 left in the second quarter.

ULM's response? A 95-yard kickoff return by Green that extended the Warhawks' advantage to 21-3. Green's kickoff return for a score was his third of the season, and the 95-yard return was the fifth longest in program history.

Lamb capped App State's first touchdown drive with a 7-yard scoring pass to Lewis at the 10:22 mark of the second quarter, cutting ULM's lead to 21-10.

Lamb hooked up with Lewis again from 31 yards out with 4:57 to go before the half, drawing closer at 21-17.

The Warhawks countered with a seven-play, 75-yard touchdown drive to boost their lead to 28-17. Evans scored on a quarterback draw.

App State's Jalin Moore came right back though with a 75-yard touchdown reception from Lamb with 1:16 showing in the second quarter.

The Warhawks had a chance to finish the half on a high note after driving to the App State 20, but Evans was intercepted in the end zone with 22 seconds to go.

The Mountaineers scored on their first possession of the second half and took their first lead on Moore's 2-yard TD run 3:29 into the third quarter. App State moved 75 yards in eight plays to go up 31-28.

ULM stopped App State on a fourth-and-3 from the Warhawk 17 and converted a fourth-and-3 of its own from the Mountaineers 47 in a key third-quarter shift. Evans completed a 19-yard pass to Brian Williams to the App State 28 on the fourth-down conversion, and then ran it in from 2 yards out to help ULM regain the lead, 34-31, with 2:41 left in the third. ULM covered 80 yards in 10 plays.

App State needed just four plays to get back on top as Moore scored on a 5-yard touchdown run with 39 second left in the third. Lamb's 60-yard pass to T.J. Watkins was the big play on the 75-yard drive that gave the visitors the 38-35 advantage heading into the final period.

Craig Ford made a game-tying 44-yard field goal with 11:49 remaining as ULM pulled even at 38-38 and set up the furious finish.

P-40 WARHAWK SERIES UNIFORM –
On Military Appreciation Day, it's only fitting ULM will don its P-40 series alternate uniform. The Curtiss P-40 Warhawks constituted the principal armament of the U.S. Army Air Force (USAFF) fighter squadrons in the early 1940s. In the summer of 1941, Maj. Gen. Claire Lee Chennault, who grew up in Louisiana, began recruiting and training pilots for the American Volunteer Group, who became known as the "Flying Tigers" in China during World War II.

The P-40 Warhawk served as inspiration for ULM's new nickname/mascot, adopted in 2006. The P-40 uniform series incorporates details of the fighter into its design. Saturday's game against Appalachian State marks the sixth time ULM has worn the P-40 series uniform (2015: vs. Nicholls State and Georgia Southern; 2017: vs. Southern Miss; 2018: vs. Georgia Southern; 2019: vs. Memphis).

ULM'S 2020 SCHEDULE RANKS AS THE NATION'S 23RD-MOST DIFFICULT –
ULM's 12 regular-season opponents have a combined record of 36-28 (.563) against NCAA Football Bowl Subdivision competition in 2020 and comprise the nation's 23rd-most difficult schedule, according to NCAA figures. The Warhawks' first six opponents have a combined record of 18-14 (.563).

THE LAST TIME OUT –
South Alabama 38, ULM 14 (Oct. 24, 2020, in Mobile, Ala.): ULM lacked a finishing touch on Saturday night.

The Warhawks came up empty too many times in the red zone and surrendered too many pivotal plays in a 38-14 loss to South Alabama at Hancock Whitney Stadium.

The Warhawks fell to 0-6, 0-3 in the Sun Belt Conference while the Jaguars improved to 3-2, 2-0.

ULM quarterback Colby Suits completed 23-of-34 passes for 286 yards and a touchdown but also had an interception returned for a touchdown. With 94 rushing yards, ULM was unable to top 100 yards for the sixth time this season.

Defensively, the Warhawks registered four sacks and seven tackles for losses but saw South Alabama receiver Kawaan Baker catch six balls for 154 yards and three touchdowns. The Jaguars were 8-of-14 on third down and 3-for-3 on fourth-down conversions.

Coming off an open date, ULM's early results looked good before South Alabama flipped the script.

Following a three-and-out by the defense, ULM's promising opening drive ended abruptly with a pick six that put South Alabama ahead 7-0. On second-and-10 from the USA 14, Suits' pass to Jevin Frett deflected to Devin Rockette, who returned the interception 95 yards for a touchdown.

The Jaguars led 10-0 after Diego Guajardo's 50-yard field goal capped a 10-play, 50-yard drive, with 3:01 left in the first quarter.

South Alabama struck again with 51 seconds left in the first quarter as Desmond Trotter connected with Baker on an 80-yard touchdown pass to go up 17-0.

South Alabama's two-quarterback system misfired when ULM linebacker Hunter Smith intercepted Chance Lovertich at the Warhawks 10 with 7:29 remaining before halftime.

ULM parlayed the turnover into points with an eight-play, 85-yard drive, finished as Josh Johnson bulled into the end zone for a 2-yard touchdown run. ULM trailed 17-6 after Davis Hughes missed the PAT, a score that stood until halftime.

With the first series of the second half, ULM delivered an impressive drive that ended in more frustration. The Warhawks covered 64 yards in 10 plays, stayed alive by converting on fourth-and-1 with a sliding catch by Jonathan Hodoh at the USA 7, yet ultimately came up empty when Hughes pushed a 29-yard field-goal attempt wide right.

South Alabama retaliated with another scoring march, covering 80 yards on 10 plays to extend the lead to 24-6. Baker contributed a 32-yard catch and Trotter scored on a 5-yard run for the Jaguars with 4:25 to play in the third.

After ULM turned the ball over on downs at midfield, the Jaguars constructed a five-play, 49-yard drive. Trotter found Baker for a 16-yard touchdown pass and South Alabama led 31-6 with 13 seconds remaining in the third.

Jordan Carroll caught his first career touchdown pass with 12:26 remaining in the fourth quarter and Frett added the two-point conversion catch from Suits as ULM cut the deficit to 31-14. Suits was 5-for-5 for 72 yards on the drive, including the TD toss to his former North Forney (Texas) High School teammate.

South Alabama played keep-away down the stretch with a 16-play, 71 yard drive that chewed 10:47 off the clock. Trotter fired his third touchdown pass to Baker on fourth-and-goal from the 5-yard line with 1:30 left in the game. Trotter was 8-of-12 passing for 184 yards.

PEDERSON ESTABLISHES HIMSELF AS ONE OF NATION'S ELITE TIGHT ENDS –
Through six games in 2020, Josh Pederson leads the Warhawks with 22 receptions for 260 yards (11.8 avg.). Thirteen of his 22 catches (59 percent) have resulted in first downs. Pederson has been Colby Suits' favorite target in four of the first six games. His receptions (tied for fourth) and receiving yards (seventh) rank among the Top 10 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 89 career receptions for 1,084 yards (12.2 avg.) and 11 touchdowns in 40 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 18 consecutive games, has been named to the 2021 Reese's Senior Bowl Top 250. His 22 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 CONTINUES TO CLIMB ULM'S ALL-TIME RUSHING LIST –
Fifth-year senior Josh Johnson leads the team in rushing yards (248) and rushing touchdowns (3).

Johnson already ranks among ULM's all-time leaders in rushing average (fourth at 5.47 yards per carry), rushing TDs (tied for 12th with 15) and rushing yards (14th with 1,615).

He accounted for a career-best three touchdowns in ULM's 35-30 Homecoming loss to Georgia Southern. It marked his fifth career multi-TD game. 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.

Last season, Johnson ranked second in the Sun Belt Conference and 13th in the NCAA Football Bowl Subdivision in rushing, averaging 108.2 yards per game.

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 seven 100-yard rushing games in 2019 while becoming ULM's first 1,000-yard rusher since Frank Goodin (219 rushes for 1,126 yards and 13 TDs) in 2009.

SUITS REPLACES THREE-YEAR STARTER EVANS AT QUARTERBACK –
In six starts, Colby Suits has completed 133-of-216 throws for 1,407 yards, seven TDs and five interceptions. The 6-foot-3, 240-pound sophomore leads the Sun Belt Conference in passing yards (1,407), passing yards per game (233.8 ypg.) and 300-yard passing games (tied for first with 2) while ranking third in the league in total offense (243.5 ypg.). Suits is listed among the NCAA Football Bowl Subdivision Top 40 in passing yards (12th), completions per game (20th at 22.2), passing yards per game (No. 34) and passing TDs (No. 34).

He ranks as one of six 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), West Virginia's Jarret Doege (2), Central Florida's Dillon Gabriel (2) and Temple's Anthony Russo (2).

Suits recorded his third 200-yard passing game of the season at South Alabama, hitting 23-of-34 throws for 286 yards, one touchdown and one interception. He completed passes to 10 different receivers against the Jaguars.

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 50)
Passing Yards: Colby Suits (12th with 1,407 passing yards)
Passing Yards per Game: Colby Suits (34th at 234.5 passing yards per game)
Pass Completions per Game: Colby Suits (20th with 22.2 completions per game)
Passing Touchdowns: Colby Suits (34th with 7 passing TDs)
Total Offense: Colby Suits (49th at 244.2 yards per game)
Yards per Reception: Jevin Frett (35th at 17.69 yards per reception)
Kickoff Return Yards: Isaiah Phillips (10th with 320 kickoff return yards)
Kickoff Returns: Isaiah Phillips (29th at 21.3 yards per kickoff return)
Fumbles Forced: Keilos Swinney (48th at 0.33 forced fumbles per game)
Fumbles Recovered: Jahquan Bloomfield/Mason Husmann/Tyler Johnson/Keilos Swinney/Traveion Webster (t-15th 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 returned 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: 54 games):

2020 / Overall
Games played in Malone Stadium: 0-3 / 12-12
Games played on the road/neutral site: 0-3 / 7-23

Games played in August: 0-0 / 2-1
Games played in September: 0-3 / 5-11
Games played in October: 0-3 / 5-13
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: 0-6 / 2-34
When tied at halftime: 0-0 / 2-0

When scoring first: 0-0 / 12-5
When opponent scores first: 0-6 / 7-30

When leading after first quarter: 0-0 / 11-3
When trailing after first quarter: 0-6 / 4-27
When tied after first quarter: 0-0 / 4-5

When leading after three quarters: 0-0 / 16-0
When trailing after three quarters: 0-6 / 2-34
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: 0-1 / 2-3

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: 0-6 / 6-30

When gaining 200+ yards passing: 0-3 / 13-23
When opponent gains 200+ yards passing: 0-4 / 11-27

When gaining more total yards than opponent: 0-2 / 15-8
When gaining fewer total yards than opponent: 0-4 / 4-27

When leading in time of possession: 0-1 / 11-7
When trailing in time of possession: 0-5 / 8-28
When splitting in time of possession: 0-0 / 0-0

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