ULM Closes Out Home Schedule Against A-State

Football Nov 10

Game 10: Arkansas State (1-8, 0-5 SBC) vs. ULM (4-5, 2-4 SBC)
Saturday, Nov. 13 | 4:05 p.m. CT
Malone Stadium (30,000) | Monroe, La.
ESPN+ | KLIP 105.3 FM

Military Appreciation Day
Retired and active military present your I.D. and receive 4 complimentary general admission tickets to ULM's home finale. Tickets may be picked up in advance from the Fant-Ewing Coliseum Ticket Office.

Fant-Ewing Coliseum Ticket Office Hours
Monday-Friday: 9 a.m.-5 p.m.; Saturday: 10 a.m.-halftime

ULM Football Notes: Game 10 vs. Arkansas State

Digital Game Program

Flipcard

Terry Bowden Weekly Press Conference

FIRST-AND-10 –
• The ULM Warhawks wrap up the 2021 home slate on Saturday when they take on the Arkansas State Red Wolves for Senior Day and Military Appreciation Day at Malone Stadium. Kickoff is set for 4 p.m. The Warhawks lost their second consecutive game on Saturday, falling 27-19 at Texas State to drop to 4-5 overall and 2-4 in the Sun Belt Conference. A-State has lost eight consecutive games after coming up short against App State on Saturday, 48-14, and are 1-8 overall and 0-5 in the SBC.

• Saturday's game marks the 44th meeting between ULM and Arkansas State. The Red Wolves lead the series, 29-14, and have won the last 11 meetings, dating back to 2010. A-State won last year's meeting in Jonesboro, 48-15, on Dec. 5, 2020. The Red Wolves won the last meeting in Monroe, 48-41, on Nov. 2, 2019. ULM last defeated Arkansas State, 16-10, on Oct. 13, 2009, in Monroe.

• Through the first 10 weeks of the 2021 season, ULM has faced the nation's 12th-most difficult schedule, according to NCAA figures. The Warhawks' first nine opponents have a combined record of 48-25 (.658).

• Quarterback Chandler Rogers has appeared in all nine games, including starts in the last six games (2-4 record) following a chest injury to junior Rhett Rodriguez. The 6-foot, 188-pound Rogers has completed 99-of-158 passes for 1,224 yards, eight TDs and three interceptions. He is one of 19 freshmen quarterbacks starting in the NCAA FBS, and his 140.6 pass efficiency rating ranks sixth among the group.

Rogers recorded his fourth 200-yard passing game of the season at Texas State, connecting on 28-of-43 throws for 262 yards. He completed passes to nine different receivers, added 52 yards on 23 carries and scored his first career rushing touchdown on a 10-yard keeper to finish off a nine-play, 75-yard drive in the second quarter. Rogers accounted for 314 yards total offense against the Bobcats.

• Through nine games, junior wide receiver Will Derrick ranks fourth on the team in receptions with 18 for 285 yards (15.8 avg.) and one score. The 6-foot, 160-pound Derrick ranks second on the team in yards after the catch (121) and first-down receptions (15). He has 10 receptions of 15 or more yards, and his 15.8 yards per catch ranks eighth in the Sun Belt Conference.

Derrick caught a career-best six passes for 74 yards at Texas State, with four of those receptions resulting in first downs.

• Junior inside receiver Boogie Knight ranks 13th in the Sun Belt Conference, averaging 3.7 receptions per game. The 5-foot-10, 191-pound Knight leads the Warhawks in receptions (33) and receiving yards (405). Nineteen of his 33 catches have resulted in a first down (55 percent). He also has 13 receptions of 15 or more yards.

Knight had four receptions, including three that resulted in a first down, for 48 yards, including a long of 21 yards, last Saturday at Texas State.

• Linebackers Ja'Cquez Williams and Traveion Webster and safety Austin Hawley all rank among the Top 90 players in the NCAA Football Bowl Subdivision in career tackles. Williams is ranked 71st with 230 tackles (136 solos, 94 assists), Hawley is 83rd with 221 (122 solos, 99 assists) and Webster is 90th with 217 (97 solos, 120 assists). Linebacker Zack Woodard is just outside the Top 100 active career tacklers with 211 (98 solos, 113 assists).

• 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 67 tackles (25 solos, 42 assists), with 2.5 for losses including half a sack, two pass break-ups and two quarterback hurries. His 7.4 tackles per game is good for fourth in the SBC.

Woodard, who ranks second on the team in tackles (61, 26 solos, 35 assists), tackles for loss (4 for 18 yards) and sacks (2.5 for 16 yards), is ninth in the conference, averaging 6.8 stops per game.

The duo has combined for 128 total tackles, with 6.5 for losses (27 yards) including three sacks (21 yards).

• Fifth-year senior placekicker Calum Sutherland leads the Sun Belt Conference and ranks 17th in the NCAA Football Bowl Subdivision with 1.56 field goals made per game. Through nine games, he leads the Warhawks in scoring with 63 points.

Sutherland made two of his three field-goal attempts, hitting from 45 and 52 yards while missing from 51, last Saturday at Texas State. He is 21-for-22 on extra-point attempts this season after missing his first try of the season on ULM's opening touchdown against the Bobcats.

• ULM is second in the Sun Belt Conference in turnover margin at +0.44 per game. The Warhawks have recorded 14 takeaways (6 fumble recoveries, 8 interceptions) in nine 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 second in FBS at 3.9 penalties per game. The Warhawks also lead the SBC and are fourth in FBS at 34.9 penalty yards per game. ULM was penalized three times for 25 yards last Saturday at Texas State.

CLASS BREAKDOWN (STARTERS) –
ULM Offense: 3 seniors, 3 juniors, 2 sophomores, 3 freshmen
ULM Defense: 3 seniors, 2 juniors, 4 sophomores, 2 freshmen
A-STATE Offense: 3 seniors, 4 juniors, 2 sophomores, 2 freshmen
A-STATE Defense: 4 seniors, 2 juniors, 4 sophomores, 1 freshman

STAT LEADERS –
ULM (after 9 games):
Rushing – Andrew Henry (123 carries for 475 yards, 3.9 avg., 4 TDs)
Passing – Chandler Rogers (99 of 158, 62.7%, for 1,224 yards, 8 TDs, 3 INTs)
Receiving – Boogie Knight (33 catches for 405 yards, 12.3 avg., 1 TD)
Tackles – Traveion Webster (67 tackles, 25 solos, 42 assists, 2.5 TFL, 0.5 sack, 2 PBUs, 2 quarterback hurries)

Arkansas State (after 9 games):
Rushing – Lincoln Pare (57 carries for 274 yards, 4.8 avg., 1 TD)
Passing – Layne Hatcher (114 of 207, 55.1%, for 1,429 yards, 14 TDs, 10 INTs)
Receiving – Corey Rucker (41 catches for 620 yards, 15.1 avg., 8 TDs)
Tackles – Elery Alexander (64 tackles, 42 solos, 22 assists, 1 TFL, 1 sack, 1 INT, 2 PBU, 2 FR, 1 FF)

ULM/ARKANSAS STATE SERIES NOTES –
Saturday's game marks the 44th meeting between ULM and Arkansas State. The Red Wolves lead the series, 29-14, and have won the last 11 meetings, dating back to 2010. A-State won last year's meeting in Jonesboro, 48-15, on Dec. 5, 2020. The Red Wolves won the last meeting in Monroe, 48-41, on Nov. 2, 2019. ULM last defeated Arkansas State, 16-10, on Oct. 13, 2009, in Monroe.

THE LAST MEETING –
Arkansas State 48, ULM 15 (Dec. 5, 2020, in Jonesboro, Ark.): Outmanned and outgunned, ULM was no match for Arkansas State's aerial attack at Centennial Bank Stadium.

Freshman receiver Corey Rucker set a school record with nine catches for 310 yards and four touchdowns in a 48-15 win over the Warhawks, who lost an 11th-straight game to their Sun Belt Conference foes.

ULM slipped to 0-10, 0-7 in the Sun Belt while Arkansas State improved to 4-7, 2-6.

Senior running back Josh Johnson returned to the starting lineup for the first time since injuring his hamstring on Oct. 31 against App State and rushed for 52 yards on 11 carries with a touchdown.

In his second start, quarterback Jeremy Hunt completed 20-of-34 passes for 203 yards and a touchdown. Arkansas State sacked Hunt three times.

Against a ULM team that dressed 59 players and a defense dwindled to 20, the Red Wolves outgained the Warhawks in total yardage 589 to 323.

The Red Wolves alternated quarterbacks Layne Hatcher (326 yards, five TDs) and Logan Bonner (185 yards, 1 TD), who combined for 511 passing yards. Rucker, who tied Omar Bayless' Arkansas State record for most TD catches in a game, had just seven catches for 143 yards and one touchdown coming into the contest. He also set an NCAA record for a freshman receiver with his breakout performance.

ULM followed a season-long script for trouble by falling behind early. After going three-and-out on its first possession this season for the eighth time in 10 games, the Warhawks surrendered a 55-yard touchdown pass from Bonner to Rucker and trailed 7-0.

The Warhawks tied the score at 7-7 on Johnson's 4-yard touchdown run. A 34-yard kickoff return by Perry Carter to the ULM 44 helped launch the four play, 56-yard touchdown sequence.

Arkansas State regained the edge at 14-7 as Hatcher came in and also targeted Rucker for a 30-yard touchdown strike to cap an eight-play, 98-yard drive.

Big plays hurt the defense, but the ULM offense missed on several opportunities to keep pace.

Near the end of the first quarter, ULM squandered good field position after Arkansas State misfired on a fake punt attempt. The Warhawks took over at midfield but went three-and-out before punting back to the Red Wolves.

Arkansas State retaliated with swift four-play, 81-yard scoring drive and led 21-7 early in the second quarter after Hatcher's 15-yard touchdown pass to Jeff Foreman. Rucker's 69-yard reception on the first play of the series flipped the field for the Red Wolves.

ULM freshman Tre Odom made his first career interception off Hatcher in the second quarter and returned it 32 yards to the ULM 43. The pick was the fourth of the season for the Warhawks, who couldn't convert the turnover into points as the drive ended with Davis Hughes missing a field-goal attempt from 35 yards.

From there, the Red Wolves were headed back to the end zone again. Hatcher tossed a 46-yard touchdown to Foreman to culminate a five-play, 80-yard drive and give his team a 28-7 advantage with 6:21 left in the half.

ULM maneuvered into scoring position near the end of the second quarter but turned the ball over on downs when tight Josh Pederson couldn't haul in a fourth-and-7 pass in the end zone.

Arkansas State outgained ULM, 349-166, in the first half while building the 21-point cushion.

Rucker's monster day continued in the second half as he corralled a 66-yard touchdown catch from Hatcher on the third play of the third quarter as Arkansas State went up 35-7.

ULM's defense contributed to the scoring column with a safety in the third quarter. Jabari Johnson's pressure on Bonner caused an intentional grounding call from the end zone and earned the Warhawk defender a sack.

From the ensuing free kick, Carter's 52-yard return to the ASU 18 led to six more points for the Warhawks. Five plays later, Hunt linked up with Malik Jackson for a 5-yard touchdown pass with 7:45 remaining in the third. Johnson's 2-point conversion run failed as ULM narrowed the score to 35-15.

The Warhawks could have cut the deficit to two scores with 1:01 showing in the third but couldn't convert on fourth down from the Arkansas State 5.

Instead, the Red Wolves drove 71 yards in five plays into kicking range to add a 41-yard field goal by Blake Grupe and led 38-15 with 14:50 left in the game.

Arkansas State blocked a Daniel Sparks punt and recovered at the ULM 31, which set up Rucker's fourth touchdown catch on a pass from Hatcher.

Grupe kicked a 42-yard field goal with 7:12 left in the game, stretching the lead to 48-15. Rucker's 30-yard catch on the drive punctuated his record-smashing day.

THE LAST MEETING AT MALONE STADIUM –
Arkansas State 48, ULM 41 (Nov. 2, 2019, in Monroe, Louisiana): ULM enjoyed a fast start against Arkansas State at Malone Stadium, but the good times didn't last.

Arkansas State spotted the Warhawks a two-touchdown lead and trailed by as many as 18 points in the first half before roaring back for a 48-41 Sun Belt Conference victory.

The Red Wolves (5-4, 3-2) scored 28 unanswered points in a pivotal second quarter that unraveled an early 21-3 ULM lead. The Warhawks (3-5, 2-2) remained within striking distance until the end but couldn't claw all the way back.

Quarterback Caleb Evans reached a pair of major ULM career milestones while gaining career-high 148 yards rushing and scoring three touchdowns and passing for 215 yards and two scores. With his three rushing TDs, Evans became ULM's career leader with 32. Running back Calvin Dawson held the mark at 30. Evans also became the third player in school history to gain 10,000 yards in total offense, joining former quarterbacks Kolton Browning and Steven Jyles, who was in attendance.

The 100-yard rushing game was the fifth of Evans' career and second of the season.

Cornerback Corey Straughter came up with an interception and helped hold Arkansas State's star receiver Omar Bayless under 100 yards. Bayless had six catches for 98 yards and one score.

Arkansas State gained 514 yards total offense as running back Marcel Murray rushed for 175 yards and three scores and quarterback Layne Hatcher threw for 307 yards and two scores.

ULM's third play of the game featured Evans racing around the right side and dashing 67 yards for a touchdown and an early 7-0 lead. Evans tied the school record for career touchdowns on the season-long scoring play, pulling even at 30 with the former running back Dawson.

The Warhawks gained an extra possession when Traveion Webster recovered a muffed punt by B.J. Edmonds at the Arkansas State 6 with 7:02 left in the first quarter. One play later, Josh Johnson wiggled into the end zone and the Warhawks were up 14-0 at the 6:56 mark.

The Red Wolves cut the deficit to 14-3 with 41 seconds remaining in the opening quarter on a 43-yard field goal from Blake Grupe. Arkansas State covered 54 yards in eight plays to reach scoring position.

ULM pulled a flea-flicker from the back of tricks as Evans hit Markis McCray in stride on a 34-yard touchdown pass. Jonathan Hodoh also made a 23-yard catch on the four-play, 75-yard drive as ULM jumped ahead 21-3 with 14:18 left in the half.

But just as quickly as ULM jumped ahead, the Warhawks saw their lead evaporate in a stunning second-quarter swing.

Quiet early, Murray gashed the Warhawks for a 57-yard touchdown run on the second play of the ensuing A-State offensive series to make it a 21-10 game with 13:50 showing.

The Warhawks squandered a deep drive later in the second quarter. Austin Vaughn's 8-yard run pushed the ball to the A-State 7, but a 15-yard penalty on a late hit by Sam Williams backed the offense up to the 22. Three plays later, William Bradley-King blocked a 39-yard field goal try by Jared Porter as the Warhawks came up empty.

Bayless came up even bigger for the Arkansas State offense with a 46-yard touchdown catch from Hatcher. The Red Wolves were within 21-17 with 7:28 showing in the half.

The rally continued for the Red Wolves as Kerry Starks fumbled the ensuing kickoff and Arkansas State recovered at the ULM 35. After a pass interference call against the Warhawks, Murray scored on a 20-yard run and the Red Wolves led 24-21 at 7:08 to go in the second quarter.

The Warhawks gambled and lost as Arkansas State stuffed Johnson on fourth-and-1 at the ULM 47 with 2:42 remaining in the half. The Red Wolves parlayed the short field into points four plays later as Hatcher hit Kirk Merritt on a 23-yard touchdown pass and Arkansas State led 31-21 with 1:27 to play in the half.

ULM finished the rough quarter on a positive note with a nine-play, 65-yard scoring drive to make it a 31-28 game with three seconds remaining. Evans, who kept the drive alive with a 14-yard run on fourth-and-6 from the A-State 30, finished the march with a 16-yard touchdown run. On the same play, Evans became ULM's career rushing touchdown leader with 31 and the third quarterback with more than 10,000 yards in total offense.

The wild first half featured ULM's quick start, 614 yards of total offense and the 28-0 run by Arkansas State.

Arkansas State opened the second half on offense, kept the drive alive with a fake punt (18-yard run by punter Cody Grace), and went 61 yards in 12 plays to collect a 31-yard field goal by Grupe. The Red Wolves were up 34-28 at the 9:29 mark of the third quarter.

Straughter's fifth interception of the year came with 6:16 left in the third quarter and Arkansas State driving again. Straughter picked off Hatcher and returned the ball 22 yards to the ASU 42.

Five plays later, Evans rushed for his third touchdown on a 23-yard run to tie the score at 34-34 with 4:20. Porter's PAT attempt hit the left upright.

The teams entered the final quarter deadlocked. Edmonds' 20-yard punt return on the third quarter's final snap put the Red Wolves in prime position at the ULM 36. Dahu Green's 35-yard catch on third down set up first-and-goal from the 4. Three plays later, Murray scored on a 6-yard run and Arkansas State was back on top 41-34 with 12:58 remaining.

The lead grew to 48-34 with 7:26 left in the game when Jamal Jones scored on an 8-yard run to finish a seven-play, 73-yard drive.

ULM's last score came with 2:21 remaining on an 11-yard touchdown pass from Evans to tight end Josh Pederson. Arkansas State came up with the onside kick that followed and ran out the clock to preserve the win.

THE LAST TIME OUT –
Texas State 27, ULM 19 (Nov. 6, 2021 in San Marcos, Texas): ULM walked a tightrope Saturday at Bobcat Stadium in a game that started off as an offensive shootout and turned into a defensive struggle.

In the end, the Warhawks came up short in a 27-19 loss that featured too many missed opportunities for ULM.

Down by eight, ULM possessed the ball inside the final minute but saw the last drive end at the Warhawks' 44 on fourth down with 17 seconds remaining.

Chandler Rogers completed 28-of-43 passes and 262 yards and ULM (4-5, 2-4 Sun Belt) gained 432 yards overall. However, the Warhawks were held to a single field goal in the second half as the game's fast pace slowed significantly.

ULM was 2-for-5 on fourth-down conversions and could never seem to come up with the game-changing play against Texas State (2-7, 1-4 Sun Belt).

The Warhawks also came up short in the kicking game, with a missed PAT, one missed field goal and a missed field goal opportunity as time ran out at the end of the first half without getting off a kick.

Tyler Vitt, not injured starter Brady McBride, opened for Texas State and the Bobcats took a 3-0 lead on Seth Keller's 42-yard field goal with 8:12 remaining in the first quarter. The Bobcats drove 73 yards in 11 plays on a series that started on their own 2-yard line.

Andrew Henry scored on a 1-yard run to put ULM on top 6-3 with 2:58 left in the first quarter but Calum Sutherland hit the upright on his extra point try. ULM's drive covered 75 yards in 11 plays.

Vitt tossed a 49-yard touchdown pass to Javen Banks with 1:11 remaining in the first quarter, wrapping a five-play, 75-yard drive that reclaimed the lead at 10-6 for the Bobcats.

Sutherland's 52-yard field goal with 10:04 left before halftime narrowed the Bobcats' margin to 10-9 after a 12-play, 40-yard drive.

The Bobcats led 17-9 with 5:58 remaining in the second quarter after Caleb Twyford's 1-yard touchdown run punctuated a nine-play, 75-yard drive.

ULM faced fourth-and-1 from the Texas State 10 with 2:08 showing before the break and elected to go for it. With Abraham Alce in the backfield, Rogers faked the handoff and darted left to score the touchdown, his first on the ground this season. Jared Sparks made a 43-yard reception, his season long, on third-and-10 from the ULM 25 to keep the chains moving on the nine-play, 75-yard drive that cut the score to 17-16.

Texas State extended its lead to 20-16 as Keller stroked a 43-yard field goal with 54 seconds left in the second quarter. The Bobcats moved into scoring position with a quick nine-play, 49-yard drive.

Down four with less than a minute to go, ULM drove to the Texas State 29 before time ran out. Will Derrick made a 25-yard reception on the series that saw him race across the field to get out of bounds after the catch. But Jevin Frett couldn't get out of bounds after a 7-yard catch to the 29 and time expired before Rogers could clock it.

The Bobcats piled up 308 yards in the first half while ULM gained 274. Vitt was 12-for-21 passing for 210 yards and Texas State averaged 17.5 yards per completion with passes covering 49, 42, 30 and 24 yards.

ULM received the second-half kickoff and drove 47 yards in 13 plays to collect Sutherland's 45-yard field goal, cutting the lead to 20-19 at the 10:13 mark of the third quarter.

The Warhawks stiffened on defense, forcing two punts on two Texas State series in a fast-paced third quarter.

Early in the fourth quarter, Sutherland was wide right on a 51-yard field-goal attempt with 12:22 to go. But ULM's defense held the rope and forced a third-straight Texas State punt.

After the Warhawks went three-and-out on their next offensive series, Texas State answered with a punt of its own as ULM linebacker Zack Woodard made a strong open-field tackle on third down.

After trading punts, the two teams then traded fourth-down defensive stops.

With 7:31 left in the game, ULM went for it on fourth-and-1 from its own 37 and Texas State stuffed Rogers for no gain. Taking over after their defensive stop, the Bobcats also faced fourth-and 2 at the ULM 5, but Quae Drake and Myles Cole stuffed Jahmyl Jeter a yard short.

After an unsportsmanlike conduct penalty against the Bobcats, ULM's drive began at the 19 with 4:39 left in the game. On fourth-and-10 from the ULM 40, Rogers was unable to connect with Dariyan Wiley past midfield.

After the fourth-down stop, Texas State got it back with 2:42 remaining and ULM holding three timeouts. Jeter picked up a big first down on a third-and-3 run and then ran in uncontested from 26 yards out with 1:43 left in the game for a 27-19 lead.

Allowing Texas State to score gave ULM one final chance to tie the game with a touchdown and two-point conversion. After starting at the 25, the Warhawks converted a fourth-and-5 to the ULM 38 with 56 seconds to go before a fourth-and-4 pass was broken up with 17 seconds to go.

ULM HAS FACED ONE OF THE NATION'S TOUGHEST SCHDULE THROUGH THE FIRST 10 WEEKS –
Through the first 10 weeks of the 2021 season, ULM has faced the nation's 12th-most difficult schedule, according to NCAA figures. The Warhawks' first nine opponents have a combined record of 48-25 (.658).

ROGERS TAKES CHARGE –
Chandler Rogers has appeared in all nine games, including starts in the last six games (2-4 record) following a chest injury to junior Rhett Rodriguez. The 6-foot, 188-pound Rogers has completed 99-of-158 passes for 1,224 yards, eight TDs and three interceptions. He is one of 19 freshmen quarterbacks starting in the NCAA FBS, and his 140.6 pass efficiency rating ranks sixth among the group.

Rogers recorded his fourth 200-yard passing game of the season at Texas State, connecting on 28-of-43 throws for 262 yards at Texas State. He completed passes to nine different receivers, added 52 yards on 23 carries and scored his first career rushing touchdown on a 10-yard keeper to finish off a nine-play, 75-yard drive in the second quarter. Rogers accounted for 314 yards total offense against the Bobcats.

During ULM's three-game homestand in October, he completed 56-of-83 throws (.675) for 802 yards (267.3 ypg.), eight TDs and one interception. His passing efficiency rating during that stretch was an impressive 178.0.

Rogers, who completed 25-of-35 passes for 369 yards, four touchdowns and 409 yards of total offense to lead ULM to a 41-31 victory over South Alabama, was 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, Rogers was named the Louisiana Sports Writers Association Offensive Player of the Week.

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.

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.

WRIGHT GAINS VALUABLE PLAYING TIME AT APP STATE –
Sophomore quarterback Jiya Wright, who played nearly three full quarters at App State after starter Chandler Rogers was sidelined with a bruised biceps, set career highs across the board and directed all four of ULM's touchdown drives.

The 6-foot-1, 200-pound Wright hit 9-of-17 throws for 158 yards, including a 13-yard TD strike to Dariyan Wiley, and two interceptions. He completed passes to seven different receivers. Wright also led the Warhawks in rushing with 91 yards on 20 carries, including his first career rushing TD on a 3-yard run around right end late in the second quarter.

He led back-to-back 75-yard TD drives, covering 10 and 16 plays, in the third quarter. Late in the fourth quarter, Wright managed an 11-play, 60-yard drive that ended in a turnover near the App State goal line.

DERRICK EMERGES AS RECEIVING THREAT –
Through nine games, junior Will Derrick ranks fourth on the team in receptions with 18 for 285 yards (15.8 avg.) and one score. The 6-foot, 160-pound Derrick ranks second on the team in yards after the catch (121) and first-down receptions (15). He has 10 receptions of 15 or more yards, and his 15.8 yards per catch ranks eighth in the Sun Belt Conference.

Derrick caught a career-best six passes for 74 yards at Texas State, with four of those receptions resulting in first downs.

He had five receptions for a career-high 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 22nd-longest catch in the NCAA Football Bowl Subdivision this season.

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

BEWARE THE BOOGIE KNIGHT –
Junior inside receiver Boogie Knight ranks 13th in the Sun Belt Conference, averaging 3.7 receptions per game. The 5-foot-10, 191-pound Knight leads the Warhawks in receptions (33) and receiving yards (405). Nineteen of his 33 catches have resulted in a first down (55 percent). He also has 13 receptions of 15 or more yards.

Knight had four receptions, including three that resulted in a first down, for 48 yards, including a long of 21 yards, last Saturday at Texas State.

For the third time on the season, Knight matched his career high with six receptions on Oct. 23 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 Rodriguez on ULM's first scoring drive (12 plays for 43 yards).

Knight ranks No. 15 among active NCAA FBS leaders in combined kick (punts and kickoffs) returns with 1,453 career yards. He also has accounted for 2,636 career all-purpose yards, which ranks No. 89 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 leads ULM in rushing (475 yards) and rushing touchdowns (4). In addition, the 5-foot-10, 196-pound Henry has gained an impressive 71 percent of his rushing yards (336 of 475) after contact. He ranks second on the team lead in runs of 10 or more yards (11) and in runs that result in first downs (20).

Henry led ULM in rushing for the fifth time this season at Texas State, picking up 82 yards on a season-high 23 rushing attempts. He capped off a 12-play, 75-yard drive with a 1-yard TD run late in the first quarter.

Henry paced the Warhawk ground game for the second consecutive week against South Alabama, gaining 88 yards on 18 carries. He closed the opening drive with a 20-yard TD run.

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 nine games in 2021.

The Warhawks scored on the opening drive of the game on Oct. 23 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 in the last six games due to injury.

WEBSTER RETURNS AS HEART OF DEFENSE –
Fifth-year senior linebacker Traveion Webster is fourth in the Sun Belt Conference with 7.4 tackles per game. He leads the Warhawks with 67 tackles (25 solos, 42 assists) while adding in 2.5 tackles for loss, half a sack, two pass break-ups and two quarterback hurries. He is the third active Warhawk with over 200 career tackles, with his 217 career tackles ranking 90th among active players in the NCAA Football Bowl Subdivision.

Webster led the Warhawks with eight tackles (three solos, five assists) and a pass break-up last Saturday at Texas State.

Webster picked up six tackles (three solos, three assists), a tackle for loss and a career-best two QB hurries on Oct. 30 at App State. He tallied seven tackles (five solos, two assists) on Oct. 23 vs. South Alabama. He had eight tackles (two solos, six assists) with half a tackle for loss vs. Liberty on Oct. 16.

Webster 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 nine games, including a half sack on Oct. 23 vs. South Alabama. His 5.5 sacks rank seventh in the Sun Belt Conference and 54th in the NCAA Football Bowl Subdivision at 0.61 sacks per game. He has 38 tackles, 6.5 tackles for loss, a pass break-up, three quarterback hurries, a forced fumble and a fumble recovery through nine games.

Shelby picked up three tackles (one solo, two assists) with a half sack and half tackle for loss on Oct. 23 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 28 of 53 career games and his career totals include 146 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 (61), tackles for loss (4 for 18 yards) and sacks (2.5 for 16 yards), is ninth in the Sun Belt Conference, averaging 6.8 stops per game.

The 6-foot-1, 235-pound Woodard was second on the team with seven tackles (three solos, four assists) and a quarterback hurry in last Saturday's 27-19 loss at Texas State.

Woodard recorded seven tackles, including a career-high two pass break-ups, in ULM's 59-28 loss at App State on Oct. 30. He collected a career-high 13 tackles, including a half tackle for loss, to help lead ULM to a 41-31 victory over South Alabama on Oct. 23. He posted double-figure tackles for the second-straight game (10 stops in a 31-28 win over Liberty on Oct. 16) 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.

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 27th in the Sun Belt Conference with 5.2 tackles per game. He is fifth on the team with 42 tackles (24 solo, 18 assists) while adding three pass break-ups, a quarterback hurry, fumble recovery and forced fumble. He had three solo tackles with a pass breakup last Saturday at App State. 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, who ranks second on the team with 24 catches for 282 yards and a touchdown, is the only Warhawk with at least one reception in all nine games. He collected two receptions for 42 yards, including a new season-long of 43 yards, in last Saturday's game at Texas State. He picked up two catches for 29 yards on Oct. 30 at App State. He had four receptions for 45 yards and his first career touchdown on Oct. 23 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 Oct. 25.

Williams has 230 tackles in his career, ranking him 71st 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 221 total tackles (122 solos, 99 assists), ranking No. 83 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 leads the Sun Belt Conference and ranks 17th in the NCAA Football Bowl Subdivision with 1.56 field goals made per game. Through nine games, he leads the Warhawks in scoring with 63 points.

Sutherland made two of his three field-goal attempts, hitting from 45 and 52 yards while missing from 51, last Saturday at Texas State. He is 21-for-22 on extra-point attempts this season after missing his first try of the season on ULM's opening touchdown against the Bobcats.

Sutherland made all four of his extra-point attempts to remain perfect on the season on Oct. 30 at App State. He did not attempt a field goal in the contest.

Sutherland made both of his field-goal attempts on Oct. 23 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 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.

TWENTY TWO WARHAWKS HAVE MADE FIRST-TIME STARTS IN 2021 –
ULM's starting lineup through nine games of the 2021 season has featured 22 first-time starters for the Warhawks, including 13 on the offensive side of the football, seven on defense and two specialists.

ULM's starting lineup at Texas State included cornerback Lu Tillery (5-10, 158, Fr.) making his first career start.

The Warhawk starting lineup at App State included running back Charlie Norman (5-8, 202, Fr.) for his first career start.

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.

Eleven of those 21 starters came to ULM with previous starting experience at the NCAA Football Bowl or Championship Subdivisions. The 11 true first-time starters included Dunn, Lewis, Henry, Ledet, Lloyd, McCormick, Norman, Roach, Rogers, Tillery, 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 second in FBS at 3.9 penalties per game. The Warhawks also lead the SBC and are fourth in FBS at 34.9 penalty yards per game. ULM was penalized three times for 25 yards last Saturday at Texas State.

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)
Fumbles Recovered: Mark Williams (8th at 2 fumble recoveries)
Field Goals Per Game: Calum Sutherland (17th at 1.56 field goals per game)

STEVEN JYLES NAMED HONORARY CAPTAIN –
Steven Jyles, one of the most dynamic and prolific quarterbacks in ULM history, has been selected as honorary captain for Saturday's home finale against Arkansas State.

Jyles, who took over as the first-team quarterback in just the fourth game of his collegiate career in 2002 for Coach Bobby Keasler, became only the second four-year starter at the position in school history, joining John Holman (1979-82). As a true freshman, he accounted for 495 yards total offense and five touchdowns in ULM's 51-48 overtime win over Utah State in Malone Stadium. Jyles completed 26-of-42 throws for 470 yards and four scores against the Aggies. His 470 passing yards remains the sixth-best single-game total in school history.

He spent the next three years under center for Coach Charlie Weatherbie, and as a senior in 2005, Jyles earned Sun Belt Conference Player of the Year honors while leading ULM to a share of the league championship. He also became the first ULM quarterback to record four consecutive 2,000-yard passing seasons.

A product of Glen Oaks High School in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, Jyles still ranks among ULM's all-time Top 5 in seven different career stat categories, including pass attempts (second with 1,473), pass completions (second with 795), passing yards (third with 8,987), 200-yard passing games (third with 22), touchdown passes (third with 55), total offense yards (third with 10,234) and TDs responsible for (third with 76).

Jyles went to play seven seasons in the Canadian Football League (2006-12) where he produced 8,371 yards total offense and 50 total TDs. His CFL career totals included 7,075 passing yards and 37 TD passes.

WARHAWK TRENDS UNDER BOWDEN –
Here's how ULM has fared under first-year head coach Terry Bowden (2021: 9 games):

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

Games played in August: 0-0
Games played in September: 2-1
Games played in October: 2-3
Games played in November: 0-1
Games played in December: 0-0

When leading at halftime: 1-0
When trailing at halftime: 3-5
When tied at halftime: 0-0

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

When leading after first quarter: 2-0
When trailing after first quarter: 0-4
When tied after first quarter: 2-1

When leading after three quarters: 3-0
When trailing after three quarters: 1-5
When tied after three quarters: 0-0

Overtime games: 0-0

When gaining more first downs than opponent: 2-1
When gaining fewer first downs than opponent: 1-4
When gaining same number of first downs as opponent: 1-0

When gaining 200+ yards rushing: 0-1
When opponent gains 200+ yards rushing: 1-3

When outrushing opponent: 3-0
When being outrushed by opponent: 1-5

When gaining 200+ yards passing: 2-2
When opponent gains 200+ yards passing: 3-5

When gaining more total yards than opponent: 1-0
When gaining fewer total yards than opponent: 3-5

When leading in time of possession: 1-2
When trailing in time of possession: 3-3
When splitting in time of possession: 0-0

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