ULM Travels to Sun Belt Crossover Rival App State

Football Oct 29

Game 8: ULM (4-3, 2-2 SBC) at App State (5-2, 2-1 SBC)
Saturday, Oct. 30 | 3:30 p.m. ET/2:30 p.m. CT
Kidd Brewer Stadium (30,000) | Boone, N.C.
ESPN+ | KLIP 105.3 FM

ULM Football Notes: Game 8 vs. App State

Terry Bowden Weekly Press Conference

FIRST-AND-10 –
• The ULM Warhawks begin a stretch of four road contests in the final five games of the season on Saturday when they visit Kidd Brewer Stadium in Boone, North Carolina, to face the App State Mountaineers. ULM has won back-to-back contests, knocking off South Alabama, 41-31, Saturday at Malone Stadium to improve to 4-3 overall and 2-2 in the Sun Belt Conference. App State upset No. 14 Coastal Carolina, 30-27, on Wednesday, Oct. 20 to move to 5-2 overall and 2-1 in the SBC.

• Saturday's game marks the seventh meeting between ULM and App State. The Mountaineers have won five of the first six meetings between the two schools, including last year's 31-13 win on Oct. 31 in Monroe. App State won the last meeting in Boone, 52-7, on Oct. 19, 2019. ULM's lone win in the series was a 52-45 victory on Nov. 4, 2017 in Monroe.

• Freshman Chandler Rogers, who set career highs for pass completions (25), pass attempts (35), passing yards (369), passing touchdowns (4) and total offense (409 yards) to lead ULM to a 41-31 victory over South Alabama, has been selected as one of the eight Manning Award "Stars of the Week" as well as Sun Belt Conference Offensive Player of the Week. In addition, he was named the Louisiana Sports Writers Association Offensive Player of the Week.

The 6-foot, 188-pound Rogers completed TD throws of 12 yards to Jared Sparks, 9 yards to Boogie Knight, 21 yards to Fred Lloyd Jr. and 81 yards to Will Derrick. His four TD passes match the highest single-game total by a ULM quarterback since 2017 (Caleb Evans vs. Arkansas State). His 81-yard strike to Derrick with 1:07 left in the third quarter matched the 10th-longest pass play in school history.

He completed passes to nine different receivers and led the Warhawks to scores on five of six possessions during one stretch (four TDs and one field goal). Rogers also picked up 40 yards rushing on 15 carries. The Warhawks scored 17 unanswered points to close out the game, turning a 31-24 deficit into a 10-point win.

In his last three starts, Rogers has completed 56-of-83 throws (.675) for 802 yards (267.3 ypg.), eight TDs and one interception. His passing efficiency rating during that stretch is an impressive 178.0.

• Junior Will Derrick set career highs with five receptions for 135 yards against South Alabama and scored his first career touchdown on an 81-yard bomb from Chandler Rogers for the go-ahead score (38-31) with 1:07 to play in the third quarter. Derrick picked 57 yards after the catch against the Jaguars, including 47 on the scoring play. His TD reception tied the 10th-longest pass play in ULM history and equaled the 19th-longest catch in the NCAA Football Bowl Subdivision this season.

Three of Derrick's five receptions against USA resulted in first downs.

• Junior linebacker Zack Woodard recorded a career-high 13 tackles, including a half tackle for loss, to help lead ULM to a 41-31 victory over South Alabama. The 6-foot-1, 235-pound Woodard posted double-figure tackles for the second-straight game (10 stops in a 31-28 win over Liberty) and the sixth time in his career. His previous career high was 12 tackles against Austin Peay in 2019 while playing at Jacksonville State.
The Warhawk defense held USA to three consecutive three-and-outs during a key stretch in the second half while the ULM offense put 10 points on the scoreboard, which proved to be the final margin in the game).

ULM limited the Jaguars to 89 yards rushing on 32 attempts (2.8 yards per carry). It marked the third time this season the Warhawks have held an opponent below 100 yards rushing.

• ULM linebackers Traveion Webster and Zack Woodard, who rank 1-2 on the team in tackles, rank among the Sun Belt Conference's Top 10 in tackles.

Webster leads the Warhawks with 53 tackles (19 solos, 34 assists), with 1.5 for losses including half a sack and a pass break-up. His 7.7 tackles per game is good for fourth in the SBC.

Woodard, who ranks second on the team in tackles (47), tackles for loss (4 for 18 yards) and sacks (2.5 for 16 yards), is tied for eighth in the conference, averaging 6.7 stops per game.

The duo has combined for 100 total tackles, with 5.5 for losses (26 yards) including three sacks (21 yards).

• ULM senior cornerback Mark Williams ranks 11th among active NCAA Football Bowl Subdivision players with nine career interceptions. Williams recorded eight interceptions at Eastern Illinois before transferring to ULM. He picked off his first pass as a Warhawk against Liberty, coming up with the interception with 1:04 remaining to seal the 31-28 upset win over the Flames. Williams also ranks ninth among active NCAA FBS leaders with 34 career passes defended (9 interceptions, 25 pass break-ups).

• Fifth-year senior placekicker Calum Sutherland leads the Sun Belt Conference and ranks tied for 10th in the NCAA Football Bowl Subdivision with 1.71 field goals made per game. Through seven games, Sutherland leads the Warhawks in scoring with 52 points and ranks third in the Sun Belt, averaging 7.4 points per game. He has converted 12-of-16 field-goal attempts and all 16 of his extra-point tries.

For the second week in a row, Sutherland has been selected Louisiana Sports Writers Association Special Teams Player of the Week after accounting for 11 points in ULM's 41-31 victory over South Alabama Saturday night. He was perfect on the night, hitting both field-goal attempts (from 39 and 40 yards) and all five extra-point tries. It marked the second time this season he has provided double-figure scoring in a game.

The 5-foot-10, 176-pound Sutherland was named Sun Belt and LSWA Special Teams Player of the Week after his game-winning 53-yard field goal with 1:43 to play in the fourth quarter lifted ULM to a 31-28 upset of Liberty. The kick is tied for the fifth-longest in school history. Sutherland, who had a 27-yard field-goal attempt blocked in the first quarter, accounted for seven points, hitting all four of his extra-point attempts to go along with his game-winning kick.

• ULM leads the Sun Belt Conference and ranks tied for seventh in the NCAA Football Bowl Subdivision in turnover margin at +1.14 per game. The Warhawks have recorded 14 takeaways (6 fumble recoveries, 8 interceptions) in seven games. By comparison, ULM totaled 10 takeaways (6 fumble recoveries, 4 interceptions) in 10 games during the 2020 season.

• Since taking over the ULM program, first-year head coach Terry Bowden has emphasized the importance of playing disciplined football and his team has taken the message to heart. The Warhawks rank as one of the least-penalized teams in the Sun Belt Conference and NCAA Football Bowl Subdivision. ULM leads the SBC and is tied for ninth in FBS at 4.29 penalties per game. The Warhawks also lead the SBC and are tied for 13th in FBS at 39.9 penalty yards per game.

CLASS BREAKDOWN (STARTERS) –
ULM Offense: 3 seniors, 3 juniors, 2 sophomores, 3 freshmen
ULM Defense: 3 seniors, 2 juniors, 4 sophomores, 2 freshmen
APP Offense: 6 seniors, 4 juniors, 1 sophomore
APP Defense: 8 seniors, 3 juniors

STAT LEADERS –
ULM (after 7 games):
Rushing – Andrew Henry (85 carries for 367 yards, 4.3 avg., 3 TDs)
Passing – Chandler Rogers (69 of 110, 62.7%, for 959 yards, 8 TDs, 2 INTs)
Receiving – Boogie Knight (29 catches for 357 yards, 12.3 avg., 1 TD)
Tackles – Traveion Webster (53 tackles, 19 solos, 34 assists, 1.5 TFL, 0.5 sack, 1 PBU)

App State (after 7 games):
Rushing – Nate Noel (113 carries for 635 yards, 5.6 avg., 1 TD)
Passing – Chase Brice (137 of 208, 65.9%, for 1,842 yards, 10 TDs, 5 INTs)
Receiving – Corey Sutton (40 catches for 605 yards, 15.1 avg., 4 TDs)
Tackles – D'Marco Jackson (68 tackles, 32 solos, 36 assists, 9.0 TFL, 4 sacks, 1 interception, 2 PBUs, 7 quarterback hurries)

ULM/APP STATE SERIES NOTES –
Saturday's game marks the seventh meeting between ULM and App State. The Mountaineers have won five of the first six meetings between the two schools, including last year's 31-13 win on Oct. 31 in Monroe. App State won the last meeting in Boone, 52-7, on Oct. 19, 2019. ULM's lone win in the series was a 52-45 victory on Nov. 4, 2017 in Monroe.

THE LAST MEETING –
App State 31, ULM 13 (Oct. 31, 2020, in Monroe, Louisiana): ULM couldn't scare up its first win of the season in a Halloween afternoon affair at Malone Stadium.

App State rushed for 328 yards against the Warhawks and rolled to a 31-13 win. ULM fell to 0-7, 0-4 in the Sun Belt Conference.

Quarterback Zac Thomas, who improved to 27-4 as a starter, rushed for 109 yards and running back Marcus Williams added 103 yard to pace the Mountaineers (4-1, 2-0). App State tallied 480 total yards with 26 first downs in an overpowering performance.

The Warhawks managed 222 yards with 16 first downs while committing three turnovers. Quarterback Colby Suits entered the game leading the Sun Belt in passing but completed 19-of-30 attempts for 131 yards with a touchdown and an interception. Jeremy Hunt also saw action at quarterback, completing 3-of-9 passes for 20 yards and two picks.

ULM, which hasn't held a lead through seven games, trailed by 14 points after one quarter and suffered a significant setback when starting running back Josh Johnson went down early in the contest.

A promising start turned to disappointment early for ULM. Cornerback Josh Newton made his first career interception near the end zone to stop App State's initial drive and returned it 35 yards to the ULM 37. The positive vibe disappeared quickly as Johnson went down untouched clutching the back of his leg at the end of a 21-yard run on ULM's ensuing drive, which sputtered quickly after the deflating injury.

App State's next series was an efficient 11-play, 80-yard march concluded by Camerun Peoples' 1-yard touchdown run. The Mountaineers led 7-0 with 5:12 to go in the first quarter.

Marcus Williams raced 48 yards to cap a two-play, 54-yard drive to give App State the 14-0 advantage with 3:11 showing in the first. Although both teams ran 16 plays in the first quarter, the Mountaineers outgained ULM with 159 yards to 55, with 151 rushing.

The Warhawks finally finished off a fruitful drive in the second quarter, moving 76 yards in 17 plays and scoring on Perry Carter's 2-yard sweep around right end. ULM converted on third down twice and once on fourth down to reduce the lead to 14-7 with 9:30 remaining before the half.

App State treated itself to another touchdown and snuffed out ULM's momentum with a trick play. The Mountaineers climbed ahead 21-7 on a flea-flicker pass from Thomas to Christian Wells with 5:24 left in the second quarter. App State converted a fourth down to keep its eight-play, 80-yard drive alive.

ULM's defense kept the deficit to two scores with a goal-line stand to end the first half.

App State drove to the 2-yard line in the waning seconds of the second quarter, but ULM's Keilos Swinney tackled Thomas on the 3 and time expired before the Mountaineers could run another play.

The Mountaineers made up for the missed opportunity by opening the third quarter with a quick five-play, 65-yard scoring drive to push the lead to 28-7. Thomas tossed a 35-yard touchdown pass to Malik Williams with 12:46 to go in the period.

Turnovers kept ULM from staging any kind of second-half comeback.

Suits threw an interception on ULM's first offensive series of the second half, but the Warhawks held on fourth down at their own 20 to stop another App State drive.

Hunt came in at quarterback on ULM's next offensive possession, but App State's Brendan Harrington intercepted him at the Warhawks' 39. ULM's defense held though and forced App State's first punt with 5:27 left in the third.

With 13:13 to go in the game, App State's Chandler Staton kicked a 38-yard field goal to cap 10-play, 29-yard drive and increase the lead to 31-7.

Suits managed a scoring drive to end the game, directing the offense 74 yards in 10 plays over the last 2:38 of the contest. Suits hit Malik Jackson in the end zone as time expired. The Warhawks didn't attempt a PAT after the final play.

THE LAST MEETING AT KIDD BREWER STADIUM –
No. 24 App State 52, ULM 7 (Oct. 19, 2018 in Boone, North Carolina): ULM faltered in its first-place showdown with No. 24 App 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 TIME OUT –
ULM 41, South Alabama 31 (Oct. 23, 2021 in Monroe, Louisiana): Suddenly, ULM is armed and dangerous.

Freshman quarterback Chandler Rogers celebrated his 20th birthday by passing for a career-high 368 yards and four touchdowns to lead ULM to a 41-31 Homecoming win over South Alabama at Malone Stadium.

A week after stunning Liberty on the same field, ULM kept the momentum going while improving to 4-3 overall and 2-1 in the Sun Belt Conference.

Making his fourth ULM start, Rogers set career highs across the box score passing as he completed 25-of-35 passes without a turnover or a sack.

Will Derrick made five catches for 135 yards, including an 81-yard touchdown catch in the fourth quarter that gave ULM the lead for good.

Overall, ULM gained 555 yards on 73 plays, with running back Andrew Henry contributing 88 rushing yards and a score on 18 attempts.
The defense did its part again with two interceptions, one fumble recovery and four sacks. Zack Woodard collected 13 tackles and ULM forced three punts, all in the second half.

ULM's opening drive was an impressive seven-play, 75-yard march finished off on Henry's 20-yard touchdown run. Henry gained 31 yards on three carries and Boogie Knight hauled in a 19-yard pass from Rogers during the series.

South Alabama's first offensive series ended with a ULM takeaway as cornerback Mark Williams raked loose a fumble after a catch by Jalen Tolbert and recovered at the Jaguars' 44.

But ULM would give the ball right back as Derrick fumbled at the USA 12 after a catch deep in enemy territory. Keith Gallmon Jr. recovered and returned the turnover to the Jaguars' 38.

On the series after the turnover, USA faced fourth-and-3 from the ULM 10 when Jake Bentley rolled out under heavy pressure and tossed a touchdown pass to Jalen Wayne in the back of the end zone. The eight-play, 62-yard drive tied the game at 7-7 with 4:18 left in the first quarter.

Safety Keilos Swinney intercepted Bentley and set up ULM's offense at the USA 49 with 14:18 left in the second quarter. The Warhawks needed six plays to reach the end zone as Rogers hit Jared Sparks for a 12-yard touchdown.

South Alabama settled for a 28-yard field goal with 9:13 left in the second quarter after driving 55 yards on seven plays to pull within 14-10. ULM's Sir'Darrius Ellis sacked Bentley on third down to force Diego Guarjardo's field-goal attempt.

The Warhawks recouped the three points on their next possession as Calum Sutherland's 39-yard field goal extended ULM's lead to 17-10 with 5:23 to go before halftime. ULM's 10-play drive gained 53 yards.

South Alabama tied the game at 17-17 with 1:24 remaining before halftime as Bentley found tight end Luke Sefcik on a 12-yard touchdown connection. The Jaguars moved 65 yards on nine plays for the score.

ULM's offense responded again to finish the half on a positive note as Rogers directed a masterful 11-play, 75-yard touchdown drive. Rogers completed six passes for 69 yards, including a 9-yard touchdown pass to Knight to give ULM a 24-17 lead with four seconds remaining. The touchdown was the first of Knight's ULM career.

The Warhawks gained 295 yards of total offense in the half while collecting 17 first downs. Henry rushed for 54 first-half yards, Rogers completed 16-of-23 attempts for 191 yards and two scores and Knight had six catches for 75 yards. ULM's defense made two takeaways.

South Alabama opened the third quarter with a 10-play, 75-yard march to tie the game at 24-24. Bentley's third touchdown of the game was an 8-yard strike to Tolbert with 10:17 to go in the quarter.

After ULM turned the ball over on downs at USA 34, the Jaguars unleashed their big-play offense to take their first lead at 31-24. Bentley's fourth touchdown pass was a 40-yard rainbow to Tolbert to cap a quick four-play, 66-yard drive with 6:28.

Malik Jackson's 38-yard run to the USA 37 started ULM's next offensive opportunity off on the right foot. Receiver Fred Lloyd leaped high to score his first ULM touchdown on a 21-yard pass from Rogers to pull even again at 31-31 after a six-play, 75-yard drive.

ULM's defense forced a three-and-out and the offense pounced two plays later with an 81-yard touchdown pass from Rogers to Derrick, who caught the ball in stride and raced for his first career score. ULM led 38-31 with 1:07 remaining in the third.

South Alabama didn't punt until the third quarter, but ULM's defense produced three-straight three-and-outs to help maintain control into the final period.

Sutherland's 40-yard field goal with 6:28 left in the game extended the lead to 41-31. ULM covered 51 yards in 10 plays while chewing 5:32 off the clock.

Needing two scores, USA opted for a 39-yard field-goal attempt by Guajardo with 1:22 remaining but the kicker was wide left.

An interception by ULM's Nick Roberts with 18 seconds sealed the win for ULM, which improved to 4-1 at home.

ROGERS TAKES CHARGE –
Freshman Chandler Rogers, who set career highs for pass completions (25), pass attempts (35), passing yards (369), passing touchdowns (4) and total offense (409 yards) to lead ULM to a 41-31 victory over South Alabama, has been selected as one of the eight Manning Award "Stars of the Week" as well as Sun Belt Conference Offensive Player of the Week. In addition, he was named the Louisiana Sports Writers Association Offensive Player of the Week.

The 6-foot, 188-pound Rogers completed TD throws of 12 yards to Jared Sparks, 9 yards to Boogie Knight, 21 yards to Fred Lloyd Jr. and 81 yards to Will Derrick. His four TD passes match the highest single-game total by a ULM quarterback since 2017 (Caleb Evans vs. Arkansas State). His 81-yard strike to Derrick with 1:07 left in the third quarter matched the 10th-longest pass play in school history.

He completed passes to nine different receivers and led the Warhawks to scores on five of six possessions during one stretch (four TDs and one field goal). Rogers also picked up 40 yards rushing on 15 carries. The Warhawks scored 17 unanswered points to close out the game, turning a 31-24 deficit into a 10-point win.

In his last three starts, Rogers has completed 56-of-83 throws (.675) for 802 yards (267.3 ypg.), eight TDs and one interception. His passing efficiency rating during that stretch is an impressive 178.0.

The Mansfield, Texas, native completed 16-of-25 throws for 225 yards, two touchdowns and one interception in ULM's 31-28 upset victory over Liberty. In the third quarter, Rogers went 9-for-9 for 91 yards, including TD strikes of 12 yards to Andrew Henry and 14 yards to Zach Rasmussen as the Warhawks rallied from a 14-0 halftime deficit to take a 28-14 lead. Late in the fourth quarter, he directed a seven-play, 57-yard drive that resulted in Calum Sutherland's game-winning 53-yard field goal. Rogers accounted for 45 of the 57 yards on the decisive drive, including a 33-yard completion to Derrick on a third-and-5 play and a 12-yard scramble on third down to set-up the game-winning kick. He completed passes to eight different receivers and added 42 rushing yards on 25 carries.

Rogers had his first 200-yard passing game on Oct. 9 vs. Georgia State, completing 15-of-23 passes for 208 yards, two touchdowns and no interceptions. He also led the Warhawks in rushing for the second consecutive game, picking up 72 yards on 14 carries.

Overall, Rogers has appeared in all seven games, including starts in the last four games (2-2 record) following a chest injury to junior Rhett Rodriguez. He has completed 69-of-110 passes for 959 yards, eight TDs and two interceptions. Rogers ranks second in the Sun Belt in pass efficiency rating (156.3) and fourth in completion percentage (.627) . He also is listed among the NCAA FBS leaders in passing yards per completion (21st at 13.9) and passing efficiency rating (26th).

Rogers is one of 20 freshmen quarterbacks starting in the NCAA FBS, and his 156.3 pass efficiency rating ranks fourth among the group.

DERRICK RECORDS FIRST CAREER 100-YARD RECEIVING GAME –
Junior Will Derrick set career highs with five receptions for 135 yards against South Alabama and scored his first career touchdown on an 81-yard bomb from Chandler Rogers for the go-ahead score (38-31) with 1:07 to play in the third quarter. Derrick picked 57 yards after the catch against the Jaguars, including 47 on the scoring play. His TD reception tied the 10th-longest pass play in ULM history and equaled the 19th-longest catch in the NCAA Football Bowl Subdivision this season.

Three of Derrick's five receptions against USA resulted in first downs.

Through seven games, Derrick ranks fourth on the team in receptions with 11 for 206 yards (18.7 avg.) and one score.

BEWARE THE BOOGIE KNIGHT –
Junior inside receiver Boogie Knight ranks ninth in the Sun Belt Conference, averaging 4.1 receptions per game. The 5-foot-10, 191-pound Knight leads the Warhawks in receptions (29) and receiving yards (357). Fifteen of his 29 catches have resulted in a first down (52 percent). He also has 11 receptions of 15 or more yards.

For the third time on the season, Knight matched his career high with six receptions last Saturday against South Alabama. He accounted for 75 yards and his first career receiving touchdown on a 9-yard pass from Chandler Rogers in the second quarter.

Knight was limited to two catches for 24 yards against Liberty on Oct. 16, but made a one-handed catch with the assistance of his helmet on ULM's first scoring drive in the third quarter. The play was ranked as the No. 1 play on ESPN's SportsCenter at Night Top 10.

Knight had five grabs and matched a season-high with 78 yards, including a 40-yard reception to set a new season-long, against Georgia State on Oct. 9.

After getting targeted just once against Troy, Knight made an immediate impact at No. 16 Coastal Carolina on Oct. 2 with a team-high four receptions for 47 yards. Three of his receptions came in the first quarter.

In ULM's 12-7 win over Jackson State on Sept. 18, Knight again matched his career best with six catches for 78 yards. In his ULM debut at Kentucky on Sept. 4, he had six receptions for 58 yards. Four of his catches produced first downs against the Wildcats, including third-down grabs of 14 and 15 yards from Rhett Rodriquez on ULM's first scoring drive (12 plays for 43 yards).

Knight ranks No. 14 among active NCAA FBS leaders in combined kick (punts and kickoffs) returns with 1,401 career yards. He also has accounted for 2,536 career all-purpose yards, which ranks No. 80 among active FBS players.

Knight, a transfer from Akron, previously set career highs for receptions (6) and receiving yards (121) against Eastern Michigan in 2019.

HENRY CLAIMS STARTING RUNNING BACK ROLE –
ULM freshman running back Andrew Henry led ULM in rushing for the second consecutive game and third time this season last Saturday vs. South Alabama, gaining 88 yards on 18 carries. He closed the opening drive with a 20-yard touchdown run, his third of the season. He leads ULM in rushing (367 yards) and rushing touchdowns (3). In addition, the 5-foot-10, 196-pound Henry has gained an impressive 71 percent of his rushing yards (259 of 367) after contact. He leads the team in runs of 10 or more yards (11) and ranks second in runs that result in first downs (13).

Henry led the team in rushing vs. Liberty on Oct. 16, gaining 80 yards on 15 carries, including a 40-yard touchdown run in the third quarter.

Henry made the most of his second career start on Sept. 25 against Troy. The Dallas, Texas, native rushed for 108 yards on 19 carries and scored his first career touchdown, a 40-yard run on a fourth-and-1 play. It is the first 100-yard rushing game by a Warhawk since Josh Johnson ran for 109 yards at UL Lafayette on Nov. 30, 2019.

WARHAWKS EXCEL ON OPENING DRIVES AND EARLY LEADS –
ULM has scored on four of its opening drives and has scored first in five of its first seven games in 2021.

The Warhawks scored on the opening drive of the game last Saturday vs. South Alabama. The seven-play, 75-yard drive over 2:23 culminated with a 20-yard touchdown run by Andrew Henry for the 7-0 lead with 12:37 remaining in the first quarter.

While unable to score on the opening drive against Georgia State on Oct. 9, the Warhawks scored the first points when freshman quarterback Chandler Rogers found junior tight end Zach Rasmussen for a 25-yard touchdown pass on the second drive of the game for the 7-0 lead with 9:35 left in the first quarter.

ULM scored on its opening drive for the third consecutive game to open the season in the Sun Belt Conference opener against Troy on Sept. 25. The Warhawks capped an eight-play, 83-yard drive with a 23-yard touchdown pass from junior quarterback Rhett Rodriguez to senior wide receiver Zach Jackson to claim a 7-0 lead with 8:03 to play in the first quarter.

In the home-opener against Jackson State on Sept. 18, ULM closed out a 10-play, 45-yard drive with a 29-yard field goal from senior placekicker Calum Sutherland to take a 3-0 lead with 9:17 remaining in the first quarter.

The Warhawks took their first lead since the 2019 season on the opening drive of the 2021 season at Kentucky on Sept. 4. After sophomore safety Jabari Johnson ended Kentucky's drive with an interception, ULM concluded a 12-play, 43-yard drive with a 3-yard touchdown run by freshman running back Kadyn Roach to go on top 7-0 with 8:53 left in the first quarter.

ULM BOASTS THREE QUARTERBACKS WITH NCAA FBS STARTING EXPERIENCE –
ULM is one of 15 programs to enter the 2021 season with three or more quarterbacks who have started at least one NCAA Football Bowl Subdivision game: sophomore Colby Suits (started the first eight games in 2020), junior Jeremy Hunt (started the last two games of the 2020 season) and junior Rhett Rodriguez (transfer from Arizona started one game in 2018 and the first three games of the 2021 season).

Rodriguez completed 35-of-62 passes for 338 yards through the first three games of the season. He was 10-for-16 through the air for 131 yards and one touchdown against Troy in the Sun Belt Conference opener. He has not played at No. 16 Coastal Carolina, vs. Georgia State and vs. Liberty due to injury.

WEBSTER RETURNS AS HEART OF DEFENSE –
Fifth-year senior linebacker Traveion Webster is fourth in the Sun Belt Conference with 7.6 tackles per game. He leads the Warhawks with 53 tackles (19 solos, 34 assists) while adding in 1.5 tackles for loss, half a sack and a pass breakup. He tallied seven tackles (five solos, two assists) last Saturday vs. South Alabama. He had eight tackles (two solos, six assists) with half a tackle for loss vs. Liberty on Oct. 16. He hit double-digit tackles for the first time in 2021 with 10 tackles (two solo, 10 assists) on Oct. 9 vs. Georgia State.

Webster led the team in tackles for the second time this season, posting seven tackles (three solo, four assists) with a half tackle for loss at No. 16 Coastal Carolina on Oct. 2.

Webster was second on the team with nine tackles while adding a half sack in the Sun Belt Conference opener against Troy on Sept. 25. His sack, shared with nose guard Caleb Thomas, came on Troy's fourth-and-7 play to open the second quarter at the ULM 39-yard line.

Webster led ULM with seven tackles (two solo, five assists) in the 2021 home opener against Jackson State on Sept. 18. He had a half tackle for loss in the win as well. He totaled five tackles (two solo, three assists) in the season-opening loss at Kentucky on Sept. 4.

Webster returns in 2021 after he led the Warhawks in tackles (82 total: 37 solos, 45 assists), tackles for loss (8.5 for 25 yards), sacks (2.5 for 18 yards) and quarterback hurries (5). The 5-foot-11, 209-pound Webster ranked fourth in the Sun Belt Conference in tackles, averaging 8.2 per game. He led the team in tackles in five games, including three double-digit efforts.

SHELBY CONTINUES TO PRESSURE OPPOSING QUARTERBACKS –
ULM super senior Ty Shelby, who continues to be a menace for opposing quarterbacks, has been added to the Watch List for the Ted Hendricks Award, presented annually since 2002 to the nation's top defensive end. The Houston, Texas, native has posted 5.5 sacks through seven games, including a half sack last Saturday vs. South Alabama. His 5.5 sacks rank third in the Sun Belt Conference and 20th in the NCAA Football Bowl Subdivision at 0.79 sacks per game. He has 32 tackles, 6.5 tackles for loss, two quarterback hurries, a forced fumble and a fumble recovery through seven games.

Shelby picked up three tackles (one solo, two assists) with a half sack and half tackle for loss last Saturday against South Alabama. He recorded six tackles (three solos, three assists) with a half tackle for loss on Oct. 16 against Liberty. He had a season-high seven tackles (two solos, five assists) on Oct. 9 vs. Georgia State. He had five tackles (one solo and four assists), including half a tackle for loss, at No. 16 Coastal Carolina on Oct. 2.

Shelby picked up four tackles, including a sack, 1.5 tackles for loss and a quarterback hurry against Troy on Sept. 25. He had two sacks in the home opener against Jackson State on Sept. 18, including his first forced fumble of the season. He also picked up one quarterback hurry.

Shelby was named to Scouting Insiders National Defensive Player of the Week after recording five tackles (4 solos, 1 assist), including a career-best two sacks for 11 yards, and recovered a fumble at Kentucky in the 2021 season opener. Shelby finished with a team-high 10 production points.

Shelby ranked third on the team in tackles for loss (6.5 for 14 yards) and sacks (2 for 2 yards) in 2020, setting career highs in both categories. Shelby finished second among ULM defensive linemen and ranked eighth on the team with a career-best 36 tackles (13 solos, 23 assists).

The Preseason All-Sun Belt selection (third team by Pro Football Focus and fourth team by Athlon Sports) is in his third year as one of ULM's starting defensive ends. Shelby has started 26 of 51 career games and his career totals include 140 total tackles, with 23.5 resulting in losses (101 yards) including 12 sacks (68 yards).

WOODARD HELPS ANCHOR ULM'S DEFENSIVE UNIT –
Junior linebacker Zack Woodard, who ranks second on the team in tackles (47), tackles for loss (4 for 18 yards) and sacks (2.5 for 16 yards), is tied for eighth in the Sun Belt Conference, averaging 6.7 stops per game.

The 6-foot-1, 235-pound Woodard recorded a career-high 13 tackles, including a half tackle for loss, to help lead ULM to a 41-31 victory over South Alabama. He posted double-figure tackles for the second-straight game (10 stops in a 31-28 win over Liberty) and the sixth time in his career. His previous career high was 12 tackles against Austin Peay in 2019 while playing at Jacksonville State.

The Warhawk defense held USA to three consecutive three-and-outs during a key stretch in the second half while the ULM offense put 10 points on the scoreboard, which proved to be the final margin in the game).

ULM limited the Jaguars to 89 yards rushing on 32 attempts (2.8 yards per carry). It marked the third time this season the Warhawks have held an opponent below 100 yards rushing.

Woodard also produced a career-best 1.5 sacks for 13 yards against Liberty. He was named Louisiana Sports Writers Association Defensive Player of the Week for his effort against the Flames. He was credited with a quarterback hurry to go along with his 10 tackles.

The Warhawk defense played a pivotal role in the upset win against Liberty, coming up with two fourth-down stops and three interceptions. Late in the first quarter, Woodard combined with Jahaziel Lee to stuff Shedro Louis for no gain on fourth-and-goal from the ULM 1-yard line. The Warhawks turned away the Flames, who had four shots to score from the ULM 2 after a 73-yard return after a blocked field goal. In the third quarter, ULM limited Liberty to just two first downs and 36 total yards on 12 plays as the Warhawks turned a 14-0 halftime deficit into a 28-14 lead.

Woodard's interception with 5:24 left in the fourth quarter iced ULM's 12-7 victory over Jackson State in the 2021 home opener.

WILLIAMS SHINES AT CORNER FOR WARHAWKS –
ULM senior cornerback Mark Williams ranks 11th among active NCAA Football Bowl Subdivision players with nine career interceptions. Williams recorded eight interceptions at Eastern Illinois before transferring to ULM. He picked off his first pass as a Warhawk on Oct. 16, coming up with the interception with 1:04 remaining to seal the 31-28 upset win over Liberty. Williams also ranks ninth among active NCAA FBS leaders with 34 career passes defended (9 interceptions, 25 pass break-ups). He forced and recovered a fumble in last Saturday's win against South Alabama.

SPARKS FLYING FOR WARHAWK OFFENSE AND DEFENSE –
ULM senior cornerback Adam Sparks and senior wide receiver Jared Sparks are making impacts on their respective sides of the ball. The brothers from Baton Rouge, Louisiana, reunited in Monroe for the 2021 season after Adam started his career at Missouri and Jared played at Purdue.

Adam is 16th in the Sun Belt Conference with 5.6 tackles per game. He is third on the team with 39 tackles (21 solo, 18 assists) while adding two pass break-ups, a quarterback hurry, fumble recovery and forced fumble. He picked up four tackles (one solo, three assists) in the Oct. 16 upset win vs. Liberty. He totaled eight tackles (four solos, four assists) against Georgia State on Oct. 9. He had five tackles and a pass break-up at No. 16 Coastal Carolina on Oct. 2. He amassed a season-high 10 tackles (four solo, six assists) against Troy on Sept. 25.

Jared has 20 catches for 211 yards and a touchdown. He had four receptions for 45 yards and his first career touchdown last Saturday vs. South Alabama. He posted three catches for 29 yards against Liberty and Georgia State. He had three grabs and a season-high 63 yards to go with his season-long reception of 37 yards on Sept. 25 vs. Troy.

WILLIAMS SELECTED SUN BELT DEFENSIVE PLAYER OF THE WEEK –
ULM super senior linebacker Ja'Cquez Williams, whose fourth-quarter interception return for a touchdown iced the Sept. 25 29-16 victory over Troy in the league opener for both teams, was named Sun Belt Conference Defensive Player of the Week as selected by a media panel on Sept. 27. It marked the Warhawks' first Sun Belt win since Nov. 23, 2019 (45-42 over Coastal Carolina), ending a nine-game losing streak.

On a first-and-goal play, Williams intercepted Taylor Powell's pass attempt and returned it 96 yards for a score as ULM opened up a 29-10 lead with 9:40 left in the game. It marked the second-longest interception return for a TD in ULM history (school record: 100 yards by Pat Dennis vs. Nicholls in 1998). It also marked ULM's first interception return for a score since Corey Straughter's 57-yard pick six at Florida State in 2019.

It marks the fourth-longest interception return in the NCAA FBS this season, trailing only Boise State's Tyric LeBeauf (100 yards vs. UCF), UAB's Grayson Cash (100 yards vs. FAU) and Eastern Michigan's David Carter (98 yards vs. Wisconsin).

The 6-foot-2, 210-pound Williams was the second Warhawk to earn one of the conference's weekly awards. Placekicker Calum Sutherland has twice earned SBC Special Teams Player of the Week honors (Sept. 20 and Oct. 18) and quarterback Chandler Rogers was named SBC Offensive Player of the Week on Monday.

Williams has 222 tackles in his career, ranking him 65th among active NCAA FBS players.

HAWLEY ECLIPSES 200-TACKLE CAREER MILESTONE –
With three stops (2 solos, 1 assist) in the season opener at Kentucky, ULM fifth-year senior safety Austin Hawley eclipsed the 200-tackle career milestone. The 6-foot-1, 199-pound Hawley has recorded 212 total tackles (120 solos, 92 assists), ranking No. 76 among active NCAA Football Bowl Subdivision players.

In 2020, he finished second on the Warhawks with a career-best 77 tackles (49 solos, 28 assists). Hawley recorded double-figure tackles in three of his last four games, including a career-high 12 stops in the home finale against the Ragin' Cajuns. He produced 11 tackles each against Appalachian State (4-yard sack) and at Arkansas State (career-high 2 tackles for loss for 4 yards). Hawley registered his second career interception at Liberty and returned it 39 yards.

SUTHERLAND LEADS SUN BELT IN FIELD GOALS PER GAME –
Fifth-year senior placekicker Calum Sutherland made both of his field-goal attempts last Saturday vs. South Alabama, hitting from 39 yards in the second quarter for the 17-10 lead and again from 40 yards with 6:28 to play in the fourth quarter to give ULM a 10-point lead at 41-31.

Sutherland leads the Sun Belt Conference and ranks 10th in the NCAA Football Bowl Subdivision with 1.71 field goals made per game. He is second to Arkansas State's Blake Grupe (.786, 11-for-14) for the SBC lead in field-goal percentage at .750 (12-for-16). Sutherland has made all 11 of his extra-point tries. Through seven games, he leads the Warhawks in scoring with 52 points and is a perfect 16-for-16 on extra-point attempts.

Sutherland was named Sun Belt Conference Special Teams Player of the Week for the second time this season on Oct. 18, as selected by a media panel. He also was named Louisiana Sports Writers Association Special Teams Player of the Week, as selected by a panel of the state's sports information directors. His game-winning 53-yard field goal with 1:43 to play in the fourth quarter lifted ULM to a 31-28 upset of Liberty on Oct. 16. The kick is tied for the fifth-longest in school history. Sutherland, who had a 27-yard field-goal attempt blocked in the first quarter, accounted for seven points, hitting all four of his extra-point attempts to go along with his game-winning kick.

Sutherland picked up all six of ULM's points at No. 16 Coastal Carolina on Oct. 2, booting through field goals from 40 and 30 yards against the Chanticleers.

Sutherland made both of his field-goal attempts and all three of his extra-point tries on Sept. 25 vs. Troy. He connected from 26 and 32 yards against the Trojans.

Sutherland accounted for all 12 points in ULM's 12-7 victory over Jackson State on Sept. 18. He was named Sun Belt Conference Special Teams Player of the Week on Sept. 20 as selected by a media panel. His 12 points matched his career high (12 at UCLA in 2019), as the Warhawks won for the first time since Nov. 23, 2019, 45-42 over Coastal Carolina, ending a 12-game losing streak.

Sutherland converted 4-of-6 field-goal attempts, hitting from 29, 45, 42 and 49 yards against the Tigers. His 42-yarder early in the fourth quarter gave ULM a 9-7 lead and his career-long 49-yarder with 2:24 left in the game provided the final margin.

With four made field goals, Sutherland tied the ULM single-game record, joining Cole Wilson (vs. UL Lafayette, Dec. 3, 2006), Roger Miller (vs. McNeese State, 1993), Teddy Garcia (vs. Georgia Southern, 1987) and Bubba Toups (vs. Mississippi College, 1980). His six field-goal attempts are tied for the fourth-highest single-game total in Sun Belt history.

In addition, he was selected as one of the Lou Groza Award Stars of the Week.

Sutherland made his only field-goal attempt, from 29 yards, and extra-point try on Sept. 4 at Kentucky.

MCCORMICK EMERGES AS SPECIAL TEAMS WEAPON –
Junior punter Devyn McCormick is averaging 41.2 yards per punt over the first seven contests of the 2021 season. He has placed nine punts inside the 20-yard line. He has eight punts of 50 yards or longer, including a long of 50 yards last Saturday vs. South Alabama.

On Oct. 2 at Coastal Carolina, McCormick launched seven punts for an average of 40.4 yards and a season long of 56 yards, putting one punt inside the 20-yard line.

In the Sun Belt Conference opener vs. Troy on Sept. 25, McCormick punted seven times for an average of 45.7 yards, including a long of 55 yards. He pinned the Trojans inside the 20-yard line twice, including a punt that was downed by Traveion Webster at the 4-yard line in the fourth quarter, setting up a safety.

Against Jackson State on Sept. 18, McCormick punted seven times for an average of 44.0 yards and a game-high kick of 54 yards.

McCormick averaged 42.1 yards on 10 punts in the 2021 season opener at Kentucky on Sept. 4, including one kick inside the Wildcats' 20-yard line. McCormick hit a game-best 49-yarder early in the second quarter.

McCormick transferred to ULM from Ave Maria (Fla.), where he was a three-time All-Sun Division selection and led the NAIA in punting in 2020 at 42.5 yards per punt while placing 11-of-29 punts inside the 20-yard line.

TWENTY WARHAWKS HAVE MADE FIRST-TIME STARTS IN 2021 –
ULM's starting lineup through six games of the 2021 season has featured 20 first-time starters for the Warhawks, including 12 on the offensive side of the football, six on defense and two specialists.

ULM's starting lineup at No. 16 Coastal Carolina included two first-time starters, with both on offense. Quarterback Chandler Rogers (6-0, 188, Fr.) and wide receiver Fred Lloyd Jr. (6-4, 211, Jr.) each made their first start for the Warhawks.

The Warhawk starting lineup in the 2021 home opener vs. Jackson State featured four first-time starters, with three on offense and one on defense. The first-time starters on offense were running back Kaydn Roach (6-0, 203, Fr.), right guard Aries Davis (6-2, 320, Sr.-6) and left tackle Willie Tyler (6-7, 330, So.). The lone first-time starter on defense was safety Tavier Williams (6-2, 190, Fr.).

ULM's starting lineup for the 2021 season opener at Kentucky featured 14 first-time starters for the Warhawks, including seven on the offensive side of the football, five on defense and two specialists. The first-time starters on offense were outside receiver Jared Sparks (6-1, 212, Sr.-6), left guard Peyton Dunn (6-7, 306, R-Fr.), right tackle Keydrell Lewis (6-6, 310, Fr.), tight end Zach Rasmussen (6-4, 225, Jr.), quarterback Rhett Rodriguez (6-0, 190, Jr.), running back Andrew Henry (5-10, 196, So.) and inside receiver Boogie Knight (5-10, 191, Jr.). The first-time starters on defense included nose guard Caleb Thomas (6-0, 311, Jr.), defensive tackle Quincy Ledet (6-2, 288, Fr.), Mike linebacker Zack Woodard (6-1, 235, Jr.), nickel Nick Roberts (5-11, 175, Jr.) and field corner Adam Sparks (6-0, 169, Sr.-5). Placekicker Calum Sutherland (5-10, 176, Sr.-5) and punter Devyn McCormick (6-2, 201, Jr.) also made their starting debuts for ULM.

Ten of those 20 starters came to ULM with previous starting experience at the NCAA Football Bowl or Championship Subdivisions. The 10 true first-time starters included Dunn, Lewis, Henry, Ledet, Lloyd, McCormick, Roach, Rogers, Tyler and Williams.

DISCIPLINE MATTERS –
Since taking over the ULM program, first-year head coach Terry Bowden has emphasized the importance of playing disciplined football and his team has taken the message to heart. The Warhawks rank as one of the least-penalized teams in the Sun Belt Conference and NCAA Football Bowl Subdivision. ULM leads the SBC and is ninth in FBS at 4.3 penalties per game. The Warhawks also lead the SBC and are 13th in FBS at 39.9 penalty yards per game. ULM was penalized three times for 45 yards last Saturday vs. South Alabama.

SEASONED STAFF –
ULM head coach Terry Bowden (17 seasons) and associate head coach/offensive coordinator Rich Rodriguez (16) have a combined 33 years of head coaching experience at the NCAA Football Bowl Subdivision/Football Championship Subdivision levels. The 33 combined seasons of head coaching experience rank second among FBS staffs, trailing only Wake Forest, which boasts a combined total of 41 years (head coach Dave Clawson, 22 seasons; associate head coach/wide receivers coach Kevin Higgins, 16; and assistant head coach/defensive line coach Dave Cohen, 4).

Including all four-year programs, Bowden (25) and Rodriguez (24) have a combined 49 seasons of head coaching experience.

BOWDEN RANKS AMONG NCAA FBS/FCS WINNINGEST ACTIVE HEAD COACHES –
ULM's Terry Bowden ranks 12th among NCAA FBS/FCS winningest active head coaches with 174 career victories.

BOWDEN: WINNINGEST FAMILY IN NCAA DIVISION I FOOTBALL HISTORY –
The late Bobby Bowden (377 career victories) and his sons, Terry (179) and Tommy (90), have combined for 646 wins – the most by any family in NCAA Division I football history. Bobby and Terry became the first father-son combo to serve as head coaches at the NCAA Division I level at the same time while Bobby and Tommy became the first father-son combo ever to coach against each other as head coaches. In a feat likely never to be duplicated, all three Bowden coaches went undefeated and were named National Coach of the Year in the same decade (1990s: Terry, Auburn, 1993; Tommy, Tulane, 1998; and Bobby, Florida State, 1999).

WARHAWKS TO FACE SIX 2020 BOWL SQUADS IN 2021 –
ULM is scheduled to play six teams which played in a bowl game in the 2020 season this fall. Kentucky (5-6, Gator), Coastal Carolina (11-1, Cure), Georgia State (6-4, LendingTree), Liberty (10-1, Cure), App State (Myrtle Beach) and the Ragin' Cajuns (First Responder) all played in bowl games. Two other teams, Jackson State (4-3) and LSU (5-5), finished .500 or better but did not play in the postseason.

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

Individual Statistics (Top 50)
Passing Efficiency: Chandler Rogers (26th at 156.3)
Passing Yards Per Completion: Chandler Rogers (21st at 13.90 yards per completion)
Yards per Pass Attempt: Chandler Rogers (26th at 8.72 yards per pass attempt)
Sacks: Ty Shelby (20th at 0.79 sacks per game)
Fumbles Recovered: Mark Williams (4th at 2 fumble recoveries)
Field Goals Per Game: Calum Sutherland (10th at 1.71 field goals per game)

WARHAWK TRENDS UNDER BOWDEN –
Here's how ULM has fared under first-year head coach Terry Bowden (2021: 7 games):

Games played in Malone Stadium: 4-1
Games played on the road/neutral site: 0-2

Games played in August: 0-0
Games played in September: 2-1
Games played in October: 2-2
Games played in November: 0-0
Games played in December: 0-0

When leading at halftime: 1-0
When trailing at halftime: 3-3
When tied at halftime: 0-0

When scoring first: 3-2
When opponent scores first: 1-1

When leading after first quarter: 2-0
When trailing after first quarter: 0-2
When tied after first quarter: 2-1

When leading after three quarters: 3-0
When trailing after three quarters: 1-3
When tied after three quarters: 0-0

Overtime games: 0-0

When gaining more first downs than opponent: 2-0
When gaining fewer first downs than opponent: 1-3
When gaining same number of first downs as opponent: 1-0

When gaining 200+ yards rushing: 0-0
When opponent gains 200+ yards rushing: 1-2

When outrushing opponent: 3-0
When being outrushed by opponent: 1-3

When gaining 200+ yards passing: 2-1
When opponent gains 200+ yards passing: 3-3

When gaining more total yards than opponent: 1-0
When gaining fewer total yards than opponent: 3-3

When leading in time of possession: 1-0
When trailing in time of possession: 3-3
When splitting in time of possession: 0-0

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