ULM Battles Ragin’ Cajuns in Home Finale Saturday

Football Nov 28

Game 9: No. 23/24 Ragin' Cajuns (7-1, 5-1 Sun Belt) vs. ULM (0-8, 0-5 Sun Belt)
Saturday, Nov. 28 | 2:05 p.m. CT
Monroe, La. | JPS Field at Malone Stadium (30,000)
Watch: ESPN3 | Listen: KLIP 105.3FM

ULM Football Notes: Game 9 vs. Ragin' Cajuns

Video | Coach Viator Weekly Press Conference

FIRST-AND-10 –
• Saturday's game marks the 56th meeting between ULM and ULL. The Ragin' Cajuns lead the all-time series 29-25 (2011 game result vacated by ULL), including a 13-11 record in games played in Monroe. ULL has won two in a row and 10 out of the last 13 meetings, with 10 of those last 13 games being decided by nine points or less.

Last November, Levi Lewis completed 15-of-23 passes for 270 yards and three scores and Stevie Artigue kicked the game-winning 27-yard field goal with 1:21 left as the Ragin' Cajuns rallied from a fourth-quarter deficit for a 31-30 win in the season finale in Lafayette. ULM's Jared Porter missed the potential game-winning 35-yard field-goal attempt wide left with :02 remaining.

In his final game in a Warhawk uniform, quarterback Caleb Evans accounted for 407 yards total offense and three touchdowns. Evans connected on 22-of-37 throws for 330 yards, including TD strikes of 47 yards to Josh Pederson and 40 yards to Jonathan Hodoh, and rushed 14 times for 77 yards, including a 19-yard TD run.

• Three members of the Ragin' Cajun coaching staff – offensive coordinator/offensive line coach Rob Sale, wide receivers coach/recruiting coordinator Tim Leger and cornerbacks coach LaMar Morgan – have worked for ULM head coach Matt Viator. All three were members of Viator's inaugural ULM staff for the 2016 season.

Sale, who previously served under Viator for three seasons at McNeese State (offensive line coach, 2012-13; co-offensive coordinator, 2014), coached the Warhawk offensive line in 2016.

Leger, who spent nine years as offensive coordinator/quarterbacks coach for Viator at McNeese State from 2007-15, served as ULM's wide receivers coach and recruiting coordinator for two seasons (2016-17).

Morgan spent two seasons as the Warhawks defensive backs coach from 2016-17.

• ULM's 2020 roster features 35 players from the state of Louisiana, including four of the Warhawks' 22 probable starters against the Ragin' Cajuns: right tackle Victor Cutler (West Monroe), safety Jabari Johnson (Monroe/Ouachita Parish) and cornerbacks Josh Newton (Monroe/Ouachita Parish) and Kenderick Marbles (Monroe/Neville).

• Saturday's home finale against the Ragin' Cajuns marks ULM's first game in 21 days, matching its longest layoff since late in the 2005 season (21-day break between home games against Troy on Oct. 15 and FIU on Nov. 5). The 3-week hiatus in 2005 resulted from schedule adjustments made following the impact of Hurricane Katrina.

• ULM's 11 regular-season opponents have a combined record of 48-41 (.539) against NCAA Football Bowl Subdivision competition in 2020 and comprise the Sun Belt Conference's third-most difficult schedule, trailing only Texas State (.604/55-36) and Coastal Carolina (.551/43-35).
• Following his Nov. 7 performance at Georgia State, junior Perry Carter Jr., who set career highs for all-purpose yards (159) and total touchdowns (3), became one of four players named to the Paul Hornung Award Honor Roll. The 5-foot-8, 172-pound Carter averaged 19.9 yards on eight touches against the Panthers. He had four catches for a career-best 124 yards, including TD receptions of 50 and 39 yards from Jeremy Hunt. Carter carried twice for 20 yards, including a 2-yard TD run around left end. He returned one kickoff for 15 yards and one punt for no yards.

• Junior quarterback Jeremy Hunt came off the bench to set career highs for pass attempts (26), pass completions (39), passing yards (339) and touchdown passes (3) at Georgia State. Hunt, who directed five scoring drives, completed TD passes 50 and 39 yards to Perry Carter Jr. and 4 yards to Charles Norman. He also carried nine times for 15 yards to finish with 354 yards total offense.

The transfer from Trinity Valley Community College will make his first collegiate start against the Ragin' Cajuns.

• Through eight games in 2020, Josh Pederson leads the Warhawks with 28 receptions for 329 yards (11.8 avg.). Seventeen of his 28 catches (61 percent) have resulted in first downs. Pederson has been ULM's favorite target in five of the first eight games. His receptions (tied for sixth) and receiving yards (10th) rank among the Top 10 totals produced by NCAA Football Bowl Subdivision tight ends this season.

With his 21-yard reception 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 95 career receptions for 1,153 yards (12.1 avg.) and 11 touchdowns in 42 games.

Pederson, who has caught at least one pass in 20 consecutive games, has been named to the 2021 Reese's Senior Bowl Top 250. His 24 consecutive starts at tight end is the team's longest active streak.

• Senior linebacker Traveion Webster leads the Warhawks in tackles (67 total: 31 solos, 36 assists), tackles for loss (6.5 for 18 yards) and quarterback hurries (5). The 5-foot-11, 209-pound Webster ranks third in the Sun Belt Conference in tackles, averaging 8.4 per game. He has led the team in tackles in five of the first eight games, including three double-digit efforts.

Webster matched his career highs for tackles (11) and tackles for loss (2 for 2 yards) at Georgia State while also being credited with one quarterback hurry.

He registered nine tackles against Appalachian State and 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 ranks second on the team in tackles for loss (6 for 14 yards) and sacks (2 for 2 yards). Shelby ranks among the Sun Belt Conference's Top 10 in tackles for loss (tied for eighth at 1.0 per game). In addition, he leads the ULM defensive linemen and ranks seventh on the team with 32 tackles (13 solos, 19 assists).

The 6-foot-4, 252-pound Shelby contributed four tackles against Appalachian State, including one behind the line of scrimmage. He made five solo stops at Liberty, including a career-high three tackles for loss (10 yards), and 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.

CLASS BREAKDOWN (STARTERS) –
Ragin' Cajun Offense: 4 seniors, 4 juniors, 1 sophomore, 2 freshmen
Ragin' Cajun Defense: 4 seniors, 6 juniors, 1 sophomore
ULM Offense: 3 seniors, 3 juniors, 3 sophomores, 2 freshmen
ULM Defense: 5 seniors, 1 junior, 2 sophomores, 3 freshmen

STAT LEADERS –
Ragin' Cajuns (after eight games):
Rushing – Elijah Mitchell (102 carries for 563 yards, 5.5 avg., 6 TDs)
Passing – Levi Lewis (139 of 227 for 1,880 yards, 13 TDs, 7 INTs)
Receiving – Peter LeBlanc (23 catches for 334 yards, 14.5 avg., 1 TD)
Tackles – Lorenzo McCaskill (65 tackles, 35 solos, 30 assists, 2.5 TFL, 2.0 sacks)

ULM (after eight games):
Rushing – Josh Johnson (77 carries for 270 yards, 3.5 avg., 3 TDs)
Passing – Colby Suits (152 of 249 for 1,541 yards, 8 TDs, 7 INTs)
Receiving – Josh Pederson (28 catches for 329 yards, 11.8 avg., 0 TDs)
Tackles – Traveion Webster (67 tackles, 31 solos, 36 assists, 6.5 TFL, 5 QB hurries)

ULM/RAGIN' CAJUNS SERIES NOTES –
Saturday's game marks the 56th meeting between ULM and ULL. The Ragin' Cajuns lead the all-time series 29-25 (2011 game result vacated by ULL), including a 13-11 record in games played in Monroe. ULL has won two in a row and 10 out of the last 13 meetings, with 10 of those last 13 games being decided by nine points or less.

Last November, Levi Lewis completed 15-of-23 passes for 270 yards and three scores and Stevie Artigue kicked the game-winning 27-yard field goal with 1:21 left as the Ragin' Cajuns rallied from a fourth-quarter deficit for a 31-30 win in the season finale in Lafayette. ULM's Jared Porter missed the potential game-winning 35-yard field-goal attempt wide left with :02 remaining.

In his final game in a Warhawk uniform, quarterback Caleb Evans accounted for 407 yards total offense and three touchdowns. Evans connected on 22-of-37 throws for 330 yards, including TD strikes of 47 yards to Josh Pederson and 40 yards to Jonathan Hodoh, and rushed 14 times for 77 yards, including a 19-yard TD run.

THE LAST MEETING –
Ragin' Cajuns 31, ULM 30 (Nov. 30, 2019, in Lafayette, La.): By the narrowest of margins and in familiar fashion, ULM's 2019 season ended at Cajun Field with a 31-30 loss to Louisiana-Lafayette.

The Warhawks (5-7, 4-4 Sun Belt) gave themselves a chance at the end, but placekicker Jared Porter pushed a 35-yard field-goal attempt wide left with two seconds remaining.

In 2018, Craig Ford missed a 36-yard field-goal try as time expired in a 31-28 loss to ULL in Monroe.

ULM drove 57 yards in 10 plays in just 1:19 after ULL took its lead on Stevie Artigue's 27-yard field goal with 1:21 left in the game.

Playing in his final game, ULM quarterback Caleb Evans passed for 330 yards and two touchdowns while rushing for 77 yards and a score. Josh Johnson added 109 yards rushing as the Warhawks outgained ULL with 570 total yards to 522.

ULM led in the fourth quarter but woes in the kicking game came back to haunt the Warhawks in the end.

Starting a drive at its own 1 with 11:17 to go, ULM dug out of the hole with a 53-yard run by Johnson to the ULL 34. Austin Vaughn's 11-yard touchdown run with 7:56 remaining capped an eight-play, 99-yard drive. Porter missed the PAT, but ULM led 30-28.

ULL's go-ahead drive took 16 plays as the Cajuns moved 62 yards to kick the game-winning field goal.

ULM missed out on its chance to attain bowl eligibility with a sixth win.

Levi Lewis tossed three touchdown passes and passed for 270 yards to lead ULL (10-2, 7-1). Raymond Calais rushed for 107 yards and a touchdown and Elijah Mitchell gained 102 yards on the ground.

The game featured momentum swings throughout as the Warhawks took their shots.

ULM's opening drive ended with a turnover after entering Cajuns territory. Facing fourth-and-8 from the 24, Bralen Trahan intercepted Evans and returned it 54 yards to the ULM 40.

ULL fared better on fourth-and-6 with a 36-yard touchdown pass from Lewis to Jamal Bell. The Cajuns led 7-0 with 10:02 remaining in the first quarter.

The Warhawks tied the score at 7-7 with 3:03 left in the first quarter when Evans finished off a 62-yard drive with a 19-yard touchdown run.

Following a 72-yard punt by Porter, ULL drove 99 yards in seven plays and scored on a 42-yard touchdown pass from Lewis to Ja'Marcus Bradley. The Cajuns led 14-7 with 10:41 left in the second quarter.

On third-and-1, Evans found Josh Pederson wide open down the middle of the field for a 47-yard touchdown that tied the game at 14-14 with 2:24 in the second quarter. ULM moved 80 yards in four plays.

One play after a ULM punt, Calais stunned the Warhawks with an 83-yard touchdown run that gave the Cajuns a 21-14 lead with 28 seconds remaining.

ULM's defense forced a three-and-out to open the third quarter, and Perry Carter Jr. returned the ensuing punt 22 yards to the ULL 29. It turned into another missed opportunity though as Johnson gained 1 yard on fourth-and-2 at the ULL 21 for a turnover on downs.

The defense rose to the challenge again by stopping ULL on fourth down. Trey Ragas gained 2 yards on fourth-and-3 from the Warhawks 46.

This time the ULM offense did something with their chance as Evans went over the top to hit Jonathan Hodoh for a 40-yard touchdown. The Warhawks needed five plays to go 54 yards and tie the game at 21-21 with 8:17 left in the third.

Lewis linked up with Bradley again one play after the touchdown for 74 yards down to the ULM 1. The defense stiffened, but Lewis found Peter LeBlanc on fourth-and-goal from the 2 for a score and ULL was back on top 28-21 with 5:34 showing.

A 66-yard pass from Evans to Carter flipped the field and set ULM up at the ULL 4. Porter's 23-yard field goal completed the 12-play, 80-yard drive to cut the lead to 28-24 with five seconds left in the third quarter.

THE LAST MEETING IN MALONE STADIUM –
Ragin' Cajuns 31, ULM 28 (Nov. 24, 2018, in Monroe, La.): A slow start and multiple missed opportunities came back to haunt ULM in a 31-28 loss to Louisiana-Lafayette in the 2018 regular-season finale at Malone Stadium.

The Warhawks (6-6, 4-4) put themselves in position to win or tie the game in the waning seconds, but Craig Ford missed a 36-yard field goal wide right as time expired.

The missed field goal wasn't the only chance ULM let get away on this cool, sunny afternoon with 18,167 in attendance.

The Warhawks spotted ULL a two-touchdown lead in the first quarter, but cut the deficit to three by halftime, thanks to a pick-six by cornerback Corey Straughter. Then ULM failed to score on two second-half red zone trips and fumbled away another opportunity.

ULM's offense finished with 344 yards of total offense but 156 of those yards came in the fourth quarter.

Trailing 31-21, Caleb Evans hit Marcus Green for a 30-yard touchdown pass with 4:47 to cut the lead to three and set up the final sequence. ULM's defense held after the score and forced a ULL punt, which traveled 62 yards to the ULM 16.

The Warhawks moved into striking distance, converting on fourth-and-1 on a 30-yard pass from Evans to R.J. Turner to the ULL 17. Derrick Gore ran for 3 yards and Evans fired two incompletions, including a look toward the end zone that he had to throw away.

Ford lined up for the field goal and a chance to tie with four seconds left but pushed the kick right.

With so much on the line, the Warhawks found themselves in a bind early.

ULL needed just four plays on its opening series to find the end zone as Andre Nunez hit Ryheem Malone for a 40-yard touchdown pass with 13:32 left in the first quarter. Malone caught two passes for 70 yards on the 75-yard drive.

The Cajuns were fruitful on their second march to go ahead 14-0 with 4:41 left in the first. Nunez hit Ja'Marcus Bradley for a 20-yard touchdown to end the 11-play, 90-yard drive.

ULL outgained ULM, 184-54, in the opening period as each team ran 15 plays.

ULM made it a 14-7 game when Evans found Austin Vaughn on a 13-yard touchdown pass with 14:25 showing in the second quarter. The Warhawks moved 59 yards in 11 plays for Vaughn's first career touchdown reception.

The Cajuns responded quickly to go up 21-7 on the ensuing possession. ULL motored 65 yards in seven plays and scored on a 6-yard touchdown pass from Nunez to Trey Ragas.

Green's 43-yard kickoff return and a 22-yard run by Gore to the ULL 23 put ULM right back in scoring position. Capping a five-play, 54-yard drive, Kayin White took an inside handoff in from 5 yards for a 21-14 score with 9:14 left in the half.

ULL scored on its fourth-straight possession with a 37-yard field goal by Kyle Pfau with 4:22 remaining until halftime. The Cajuns covered 56 yards in 10 plays to make it 24-14.

ULM's offense had just gone three-and-out and netted 16 yards on a punt when Straughter gave the Warhawks a huge lift. The sophomore cornerback picked off Nunez and returned the interception 66 yards for a touchdown.

With 2:25 left in the second quarter, ULM trailed 24-21 and had new life.

Despite being outgained, 337-123, in the first half, ULM trailed by just three points after two quarters, thanks to the clutch defensive play.

The third quarter was scoreless with a flurry of defensive stands and a pair of turnovers by ULM.

The Warhawks received the second-half kickoff but went three-and-out with a punt. ULL gained just 24 yards on nine plays before Pfau missed a 50-yard field goal wide right.

A 34-yard pass to Markis McCray took the ball to the ULL 9 and the Warhawks faced third-and- goal at the 5 when Evans was intercepted in the end zone by Michael Jacquet III with 5:03 left in the third.

ULL gambled on fourth-and 1 from its own 29 and the Warhawks stuffed the attempt when Nunez bobbled the shotgun snap as Ty Shelby and Tyler Johnson converged for the tackle.

The Warhawks would squander the opportunity three plays later when McCray fumbled as he battled to pick up a first down. Justin Middleton raked the ball loose and recovered at the ULL 21.

The Cajuns faced another fourth-and-1 from the ULL 30 and Ragas converted this time on a 2-yard run as the third quarter expired. The drive stayed alive on a crucial pass interference call and bore fruit with 11:49 left in the game as Levi Lewis completed a 40-yard touchdown pass to Elijah Mitchell, giving ULL a 31-21 lead.

ULM/ULL COACHING CONNECTIONS –
Three members of the Ragin' Cajun coaching staff – offensive coordinator/offensive line coach Rob Sale, wide receivers coach/recruiting coordinator Tim Leger and cornerbacks coach LaMar Morgan – have worked for ULM head coach Matt Viator. All three were members of Viator's inaugural ULM staff for the 2016 season.

Sale, who previously served under Viator for three seasons at McNeese State (offensive line coach, 2012-13; co-offensive coordinator, 2014), coached the Warhawk offensive line in 2016.

Leger, who spent nine years as offensive coordinator/quarterbacks coach for Viator at McNeese State from 2007-15, served as ULM's wide receivers coach and recruiting coordinator for two seasons (2016-17).

Morgan spent two seasons as the Warhawks defensive backs coach from 2016-17.

BATTLE FOR IN-STATE BRAGGING RIGHTS –
ULM's 2020 roster features 35 players from the state of Louisiana, including four of the Warhawks' 22 probable starters against the Ragin' Cajuns: right tackle Victor Cutler (West Monroe), safety Jabari Johnson (Monroe/Ouachita Parish) and cornerbacks Josh Newton (Monroe/Ouachita Parish) and Kenderick Marbles (Monroe/Neville).

SLOW STARTS PLAGUE WARHAWKS –
• The Warhawks have been victimized by slow starts in 2020. ULM has been outscored, 197-65, in the first half of its first eight games, including 108-17 in the first quarter.

• The Warhawks have not held the lead in a game this season.

• ULM has not scored on its first possession this season, including six three-and-outs in eight games. The last time ULM scored on its opening series came against Coastal Carolina in Game 11 last season (5 plays for 67 yards: touchdown).

ULM'S 2020 SCHEDULE RANKS AS THE SUN BELT'S THIRD-MOST DIFFICULT –
ULM's 11 regular-season opponents have a combined record of 48-41 (.539) against NCAA Football Bowl Subdivision competition in 2020 and comprise the Sun Belt Conference's third-most difficult schedule, trailing only Texas State (.604/55-36) and Coastal Carolina (.551/43-35).

THE LAST TIME OUT –
Georgia State 52, ULM 34 (Nov. 7, 2020, in Atlanta, Ga.): Sluggish starts are contributing mightily to ULM's woes this season.

The Warhawks descended into a familiar flight pattern before falling 52-34 to Georgia State at Center Parc Stadium.

ULM trailed 21-0 in another rocky first quarter that featured two lost fumbles by the Warhawks (0-8, 0-5 Sun Belt Conference), and faced a 42-14 deficit by halftime. ULM, which has not led through eight games, has been outscored 108-17 in the first quarter this season and 197-65 in the first half.
If not for the early outcome, the Warhawks might have had a puncher's chance after finding an offensive spark off the sidelines.

Quarterback Jeremy Hunt saw his most extensive action of the year in relief of starter Colby Suits and delivered a career-best performance by completing 26-of-39 passes for 339 yards and three touchdowns.

Suits was 0-for-3 passing with an interception and a lost fumble. Georgia State recorded six sacks against the two ULM quarterbacks.

ULM's Perry Carter Jr. overcame a costly special teams miscue to score three touchdowns (two receiving) while catching four passes for a career-high 124 yards.

Overall, the Warhawks made three turnovers leading to 21 points and were outgained 504 to 424 yards by the Panthers (3-3, 2-3) in a high-scoring affair.

Georgia State quarterback Cornelious Brown passed for 241 yards and three touchdowns while Cornelius McCoy made seven catches for 118 yards. The duo played a key role in the home team's explosive start.

Brown struck for 57 yards to McCoy on the first pass of the game to enter the red zone and needed six plays to cover 75 yards to take a 7-0 lead. Roger Carter's 4-yard touchdown catch from Brown provided the early cushion.

A mistake on special teams led to a deeper hole as Carter muffed a punt return and Georgia State recovered at the Warhawks' 37. Six plays later, Brown rushed for a 4-yard touchdown and the Panthers led 14-0 with 8:44 left in the first quarter.

ULM's next offensive series went south when Suits was sacked and lost a fumble. Georgia State recovered at the ULM 28 and turned the takeaway into points. McCoy scored his first touchdown of the year on a 5-yard pass from Brown and the Panthers led 21-0 with 5:16 remaining in the opening period.

Hunt's first entry in the game for ULM was a success as he directed an 11-play, 75-yard touchdown drive. Carter scored on a 2-yard speed sweep with 46 seconds left in the first quarter to shave the lead to 21-7.

McCoy's 18-yard touchdown reception on third down capped an 11-play, 60-yard drive and put Georgia State up 28-7 with 9:19 to go before the half.

Suits returned at quarterback only to toss an interception to Bryquice Brown at the ULM 35. Two plays later, Destin Coates scored on a 3-yard run and Georgia State led 35-7 at the 8:08 mark. Coates rushed for 102 yards as Georgia State gained 259 yards on the ground.

Hunt came back and executed a flea flicker for a 50-yard touchdown pass to Carter. The novelty play capped a quick four-play, 75-yard drive and closed the gap to 35-14 with 6:03 left in the second quarter.

Georgia State kept its ensuing drive alive with a fake punt that picked up a first down and went up 42-14 on a 1-yard touchdown run by Coates with 1:27 left in the half.

Hunt started the second half for ULM and directed his third scoring drive. Kadyn Roach's 19-yard touchdown jaunt in the third quarter was the first rushing TD of his career. Davis Hughes missed the PAT with 8:41 showing in the period after the nine-play, 67-yard drive and ULM trailed 42-20.

Georgia State extended its lead to 45-20 with a 21-yard field goal by Noel Ruiz at the 2:58 mark of the third quarter. The Panthers used 13 plays to go 72 yards.

ULM started the fourth quarter by finishing a seven-play, 75-yard drive on a 4-yard touchdown pass from Hunt to Charles Norman, a walk-on running back from West Monroe. The Warhawks cut their deficit to 45-27 with 14:55 remaining in the game.

ULM's defense responded immediately by recovering a Georgia State fumble at the Panthers' 37. Seth Mason forced the turnover with a jarring hit on running back Gregg Tucker and Keilos Swinney recovered. The Warhawks on offense failed to capitalize and turned the ball over on downs.

The Panthers turned to their power running game after the stop and went ahead 52-27 on Marcus Carroll's 5-yard touchdown run. Georgia State ran on six of seven plays covering 61 yards.

With 6:44 to go in the game, Hunt fired a 39-yard touchdown pass to Carter as both players added to their career-best performances. Hunt surpassed 300 yards and Carter topped 100 yards on the big play.

PEDERSON ESTABLISHES HIMSELF AS ONE OF NATION'S ELITE TIGHT ENDS –
Through eight games in 2020, Josh Pederson leads the Warhawks with 28 receptions for 329 yards (11.8 avg.). Seventeen of his 28 catches (61 percent) have resulted in first downs. Pederson has been ULM's favorite target in five of the first eight games. His receptions (tied for sixth) and receiving yards (10th) rank among the Top 10 totals produced by NCAA Football Bowl Subdivision tight ends this season.

With his 21-yard reception 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 95 career receptions for 1,153 yards (12.1 avg.) and 11 touchdowns in 42 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.

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 20 consecutive games, has been named to the 2021 Reese's Senior Bowl Top 250. His 24 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.

CARTER NAMED TO PAUL HORNUNG AWARD HONOR ROLL –
Following his Nov. 7 performance at Georgia State, junior Perry Carter Jr., who set career highs for all-purpose yards (159) and total touchdowns (3), became one of four players named to the Paul Hornung Award Honor Roll. The 5-foot-8, 172-pound Carter averaged 19.9 yards on eight touches against the Panthers. He had four catches for a career-best 124 yards, including TD receptions of 50 and 39 yards from Jeremy Hunt. Carter carried twice for 20 yards, including a 2-yard TD run around left end. He returned one kickoff for 15 yards and one punt for no yards.

HUNT COMES OFF BENCH TO RECORD FIRST CAREER 300-YARD PASSING GAME –
Junior quarterback Jeremy Hunt came off the bench to set career highs for pass attempts (26), pass completions (39), passing yards (339) and touchdown passes (3) at Georgia State. Hunt, who directed five scoring drives, completed TD passes 50 and 39 yards to Perry Carter Jr. and 4 yards to Charles Norman. He also carried nine times for 15 yards to finish with 354 yards total offense.

The transfer from Trinity Valley Community College will make his first collegiate start against the Ragin' Cajuns.

JOHNSON CONTINUES TO CLIMB ULM'S ALL-TIME RUSHING LIST –
Fifth-year senior Josh Johnson leads the team in rushing yards (270) and rushing touchdowns (3).

Johnson already ranks among ULM's all-time leaders in rushing average (fourth at 5.51 yards per carry), rushing TDs (tied for 12th with 15) and rushing yards (14th with 1,637).

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.

WEBSTER ANCHORS WARHAWK DEFENSIVE UNIT –
Senior linebacker Traveion Webster leads the Warhawks in tackles (67 total: 31 solos, 36 assists), tackles for loss (6.5 for 18 yards) and quarterback hurries (5). The 5-foot-11, 209-pound Webster ranks third in the Sun Belt Conference in tackles, averaging 8.4 per game. He has led the team in tackles in five of the first eight games, including three double-digit efforts.

Webster matched his career highs for tackles (11) and tackles for loss (2 for 2 yards) at Georgia State while also being credited with one quarterback hurry.

He registered nine tackles against Appalachian State and 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.

SHELBY EMERGES AS PLAYMAKER ON D-LINE –
Fifth-year defensive end Ty Shelby ranks second on the team in tackles for loss (6 for 14 yards) and sacks (2 for 2 yards). Shelby ranks among the Sun Belt Conference's Top 10 in tackles for loss (tied for eighth at 1.0 per game). In addition, he leads the ULM defensive linemen and ranks seventh on the team with 32 tackles (13 solos, 19 assists).

The 6-foot-4, 252-pound Shelby contributed four tackles against Appalachian State, including one behind the line of scrimmage. He made five solo stops at Liberty, including a career-high three tackles for loss (10 yards), and 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.

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)
Kickoff Return Yards: Isaiah Phillips (12th with 382 kickoff return yards)
Fumbles Recovered: Keilos Swinney (t-4th with 2 fumble recoveries)

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: 56 games):

2020 / Overall
Games played in Malone Stadium: 0-4 / 12-13
Games played on the road/neutral site: 0-4 / 7-24

Games played in August: 0-0 / 2-1
Games played in September: 0-3 / 5-11
Games played in October: 0-4 / 5-14
Games played in November: 0-1 / 7-8
Games played in December: 0-0 0-2

When leading at halftime: 0-0 / 15-1
When trailing at halftime: 0-8 / 2-36
When tied at halftime: 0-0 / 2-0

When scoring first: 0-0 / 12-5
When opponent scores first: 0-8 / 7-32

When leading after first quarter: 0-0 / 11-3
When trailing after first quarter: 0-8 / 4-29
When tied after first quarter: 0-0 / 4-5

When leading after three quarters: 0-0 / 16-0
When trailing after three quarters: 0-8 / 2-36
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: 0-4 / 5-27
When gaining same number of first downs as opponent: 0-2 / 2-4

When gaining 200+ yards rushing: 0-0 / 14-9
When opponent gains 200+ yards rushing: 0-5 / 6-31

When outrushing opponent: 0-0 / 13-5
When being outrushed by opponent: 0-8 / 6-32

When gaining 200+ yards passing: 0-4 / 13-24
When opponent gains 200+ yards passing: 0-5 / 11-28

When gaining more total yards than opponent: 0-2 / 15-8
When gaining fewer total yards than opponent: 0-6 / 4-29

When leading in time of possession: 0-1 / 11-7
When trailing in time of possession: 0-7 / 8-30
When splitting in time of possession: 0-0 / 0-0

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