ULM Travels to LSU for Prime-Time Matchup

Football Nov 19

Game 11: ULM (4-6, 2-5 SBC) at LSU (4-6, 2-5 SEC)
Saturday, Nov. 20 | 8:05 p.m. CT
Tiger Stadium (102,321) | Baton Rouge, La.
ESPN2 | KLIP 105.3 FM

ULM Football Notes: Game 11 vs. LSU

Terry Bowden Weekly Press Conference

FIRST-AND-10 –
• The ULM Warhawks step out of Sun Belt Conference play for the final time in 2021 when they visit Tiger Stadium in Baton Rouge at 8 p.m. Saturday to face LSU. ULM dropped to 4-6 overall and 2-5 in the SBC after a 27-24 loss in the home finale last Saturday against Arkansas State. LSU also fell to 4-6 and 2-5 in the SEC after a 16-13 overtime loss last Saturday against Arkansas.

• Saturday's game marks the fourth meeting between ULM and LSU with the Tigers winning all three previous meetings. LSU won the last meeting, 31-0, on Sept. 13, 2014. The Tigers also won 51-0 on Nov. 13, 2010 and 49-7 on Aug. 30, 2003.

• The Warhawks have compiled a 4-48-1 record (.085) against current members of the Southeastern Conference (1-2 vs. Alabama, 1-8 vs. Arkansas, 0-11 vs. Auburn, 0-2 vs. Florida, 0-4 vs. Georgia, 1-5 vs. Kentucky, 0-3 vs. LSU, 1-4-1 vs. Mississippi State, 0-1 vs. Missouri, 0-3 vs. Ole Miss, 0-1 vs. Tennessee and 0-4 vs. Texas A&M). ULM's last win over an SEC opponent came in the 2012 season opener against No. 8 Arkansas in Little Rock, 34-31, in overtime.

• ULM's 2021 roster features 34 players from the state of Louisiana, including four of the Warhawks' 11 probable starters on defense against LSU: defensive end Myles Cole (Shreveport/Evangel Christian Academy), safety Jabari Johnson (Monroe/Ouachita Parish), cornerback Josh Newton (Monroe/Ouachita Parish) and cornerback Lu Tillery (New Orleans/St. Augustine).

• Through the first 11 weeks of the 2021 season, ULM has faced the nation's 16th-most difficult schedule, according to NCAA figures. The Warhawks' 12 regular-season opponents have a combined record of 66-44 (.600).

• In his first collegiate start, sophomore Malik Jackson set career highs with 22 carries for 166 yards and two rushing touchdowns in the 2021 home finale against Arkansas State. Jackson, who entered the game with 15 career rushing attempts for 100 yards, was inserted into the starting lineup with Andrew Henry and Isaiah Phillips sidelined with injuries. He began making the transition from slot receiver to running back three weeks ago.

• Junior inside receiver Boogie Knight ranks 12th in the Sun Belt Conference, averaging 3.8 receptions per game. The 5-foot-10, 191-pound Knight leads the Warhawks in receptions (38), receiving yards (484) and yards after the catch (182). Twenty-two of his 38 catches have resulted in a first down (58 percent). He also has 15 receptions of 15 or more yards.

• Linebackers Ja'Cquez Williams, Traveion Webster and Zack Woodard along with safety Austin Hawley all rank among the Top 90 players in the NCAA Football Bowl Subdivision in career tackles. Williams is ranked 75th with 231 tackles (137 solos, 94 assists), Hawley is 84th with 227 (127 solos, 100 assists), Woodard is 88th at 226 (105 solos, 121 assists) and Webster is 90th with 225 (101 solos, 124 assists).

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

Woodard leads the Warhawks with 76 tackles (33 solos, 43 assists), which ranks fifth in the SBC at 7.6 tackles per game. He also leads the team in tackles for loss (7.5 for 24 yards). He is second on the team in sacks (3.5 for 18 yards). He has tallied an interception, three pass break-ups and two quarterback hurries.

Webster is second on the team at 75 tackles (29 solos, 46 assists), which is sixth in the SBC at 7.5 tackles per game. He has 2.5 tackles for loss (nine yards), including half a sack, two pass break-ups and two quarterback hurries.

The duo has combined for 151 total tackles, with 10 for losses (33 yards) including four sacks (23 yards).

• 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 the least-penalized team in the NCAA Football Bowl Subdivision. ULM leads the FBS at 3.7 penalties per game. The Warhawks also lead the SBC and are fourth in FBS at 34.4 penalty yards per game. ULM was penalized two times for 30 yards last Saturday vs. Arkansas State.

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

STAT LEADERS –
ULM (after 10 games):
Rushing – Andrew Henry (122 carries for 476 yards, 3.9 avg., 4 TDs)
Passing – Chandler Rogers (103 of 164, 62.8%, for 1,259 yards, 8 TDs, 3 INTs)
Receiving – Boogie Knight (38 catches for 484 yards, 12.7 avg., 1 TD)
Tackles – Zack Woodard (76 tackles, 33 solos, 43 assists, 7.5 TFL, 3.5 sacks, 1 INT, 3 PBUs, 2 quarterback hurries)

LSU (after 10 games):
Rushing – Tyrion Davis-Price (171 carries for 837 yards, 4.9 avg., 6 TDs)
Passing – Max Johnson (181 of 302, 59.9%, for 2,190 yards, 22 TDs, 6 INTs)
Receiving – Kayshon Boutte (38 catches for 509 yards, 13.4 avg., 9 TDs)
Tackles – Damone Clark (118 tackles, 67 solos, 51 assists, 7 TFLs, 3 sacks, 1 INT, 2 PBU, 1 FR, 2 FF)

ULM/LSU SERIES NOTES –
Saturday's game marks the fourth meeting between ULM and LSU with the Tigers winning all three previous meetings. LSU won the last meeting, 31-0, on Sept. 13, 2014. The Tigers also won 51-0 on Nov. 13, 2010 and 49-7 on Aug. 30, 2003.

THE LAST MEETING –
LSU 49, ULM 7 (Sept. 13, 2014 in Monroe, Louisiana): A valiant effort by the Mitch Lane-led defense wasn't enough as the ULM football team dropped its first game of the 2014 season, 31-0, to No. 10 LSU on the road in Tiger Stadium.

ULM's (2-1) Lane garnered a career-high 14 tackles, while Ray Stovall and Cordero Smith had 10 tackles each. Hunter Kissinger contributed nine tackles and one sack on the night.

Quarterback Pete Thomas completed 16-of-30 passes for 77 yards, with Rashon Ceaser catching six of those passes.

LSU's (3-1) Anthony Jennings went 11-of-18 for 139 yards with one interception and two sacks.

The Warhawks' defense started off strong as they forced back-to-back three and outs, but the Tigers managed to get on the board with a field goal to take a 3-0 lead with 3:20 left in the first quarter.

ULM continued to press defensively at the start of the second quarter. However, LSU's Darrel Williams was able to break through on the left side and rushed for a touchdown to give the home team a 10-0 lead with 13:11 left in the second quarter.

Late in the second quarter, Lane intercepted a pass by LSU's Jennings on the ULM 37 yard line, stopping the Tigers in their tracks with 0:42 left in the half. With this pick, the Warhawks had caused at least one turnover in 29-straight games.

LSU added three more touchdowns in the second half en route to victory.

THE LAST TIME OUT –
Arkansas State 27, ULM 24 (Nov. 13, 2021 in Monroe, Louisiana): When you snooze, you lose.

ULM's offense slumbered for much of the game Saturday night and Arkansas State hung around long enough to escape with a 27-24 win at Malone Stadium.

Blake Grupe kicked a 42-yard field goal with 1:17 left in the game to give the Red Wolves (2-8, 1-5 Sun Belt) their 12th straight win over ULM (4-6, 2-5).

ULM's third-straight loss overshadowed a breakout game by Malik Jackson and a salty overall defensive performance.

Listed as a receiver on the roster, Jackson made the start at running back and scampered for a career-high 166 yards and two touchdowns on 22 carries. A 5-oot-9, 178-yard sophomore, Jackson's previous career highs were five carries at Texas State and 49 rushing yards against South Alabama.

Fittingly for Military Day on ULM's campus, the defense snagged two interceptions and made three stops on fourth down. Zack Woodard paced the Warhawks with a career-high 15 tackles, three tackles for losses including a sack.

ULM staggered through most of the first half, yet trailed just 10-7 at the break, thanks to a 53-yard run by Jackson that set up his own touchdown. Prior to Jackson's score with 33 seconds left in the half, ULM's offense produced six punts and an interception.

Then on the first play of the second half, Jackson was off and running again as he raced 75 yards for a touchdown and ULM led 14-10. ULM would extend that lead to 21-10 before faltering down the stretch.

Out with a chest injury since Sept. 25, quarterback Rhett Rodriguez returned to the starting lineup while his replacement Chandler Rogers was also on the field with the first-team offense. Rogers was listed as a starting running back alongside Jackson.

Rodriguez took most of the snaps through the game and finished 12-of-29 passing for 160 yards and one touchdown with two interceptions. Rogers was 4-for-6 for 35 yards and sacked four times. ULM gained 372 yards on 75 plays overall but it came in spurts.

Neither quarterback was able to move the offense early after the defense provided a pair of first-quarter takeaways.

After tossing an interception to ULM's Quae Drake on Arkansas State's first drive, quarterback Layne Hatcher came back on the second series to lead a six-play, 80-yard drive that took just 1:48 off the clock. Corey Rucker, who opened the drive with a 36-yard reception from Hatcher, finished the march with a 9-yard touchdown on a speed sweep that gave the Red Wolves a 7-0 lead.

Keilos Swinney gave ULM its second interception of the game with 6:58 left in the first quarter, but again, the offense sputtered and the Warhawks punted.

The frustrations continued. After forcing a turnover on downs at the ULM 25 early in the second quarter, the Warhawks went three-and-out.

The Red Wolves extended the lead to 10-0 on a 30-yard field goal by Grupe with 11:10 to go before the half. Arkansas State scored to finish a six-play, 69-yard drive.

Arkansas State gambled on fourth-and-1 from its own 33, but quarterback Wyatt Begeal slipped for a loss of 1. ULM couldn't take advantage of the field position though, as Rodriguez was picked off by Denzel Blackwell at the A-State 6.

Taking over after a punt with 1:28 left in the first half, ULM finally found an offensive spark from Jackson. A 53-yard run up the middle moved the chains down to the ASU 10. Three carries later, Jackson burst into the end zone for a 3-yard touchdown run with 33 seconds to go to cut the lead to 10-7.

The Warhawks finished the half with 141 yards total offense but 63 yards came on the final drive. With Andrew Henry out with an injury, Jackson carried 10 times for 72 yards in the first two quarters.

ULM's defense delivered a third fourth-down stop against the Red Wolves on their first drive of the third quarter. Caleb Thomas and Jabari Johnson made the tackle for no gain at the 50.

This time the Warhawks capitalized on the defensive gift. Rodriguez converted on third-and-18 with a 32-yard pass to Boogie Knight before tossing a 17-yard touchdown pass to Jevin Frett to give ULM a 21-10 lead with 10:01 to go in the third.

Even after absorbing a 21-0 run by ULM, the Red Wolves wouldn't go quietly. Hatcher gunned a 22-yard touchdown pass to Te'Vailance Hunt with 7:26 remaining in the third to pull Arkansas State within 21-17.

ULM scored on a fourth-straight possession as Calum Sutherland kicked a 32-yard field goal at the 5:00 mark of the third quarter. A 36-yard pass from Rodriguez to Frett and a 17-yard run by the ULM quarterback helped maneuver the Warhawks into scoring position.

After the Warhawks limited Arkansas State to just three first downs in the third quarter, the Red Wolves regained their offensive footing in the fourth. Hunt hauled in a 20-yard touchdown pass from Hatcher with 7:56 left in the game to tie the score at 24-24. Arkansas State covered 77 yards in nine plays, including converting a fourth-and-2 at the ULM 30.
Arkansas State drove 55 yards in nine plays to kick its go-ahead field goal. The Red Wolves outgained ULM, 155-34, in the final quarter and scored the final 10 points.

The Warhawks managed just 3 yards in the fourth quarter until their final drive, which ended on a Rodriguez interception at the A-State 8 with 20 seconds remaining.

BATTLE FOR IN-STATE BRAGGING RIGHTS –
ULM's 2021 roster features 34 players from the state of Louisiana, including four of the Warhawks' 11 probable starters on defense against LSU: defensive end Myles Cole (Shreveport/Evangel Christian Academy), safety Jabari Johnson (Monroe/Ouachita Parish), cornerback Josh Newton (Monroe/Ouachita Parish) and cornerback Lu Tillery (New Orleans/St. Augustine).

WARHAWKS vs. SOUTHEASTERN CONFERENCE TEAMS –
The Warhawks have compiled a 4-48-1 record (.085) against current members of the Southeastern Conference (1-2 vs. Alabama, 1-8 vs. Arkansas, 0-11 vs. Auburn, 0-2 vs. Florida, 0-4 vs. Georgia, 1-5 vs. Kentucky, 0-3 vs. LSU, 1-4-1 vs. Mississippi State, 0-1 vs. Missouri, 0-3 vs. Ole Miss, 0-1 vs. Tennessee and 0-4 vs. Texas A&M). ULM's last win over an SEC opponent came in the 2012 season opener against No. 8 Arkansas in Little Rock, 34-31, in overtime.

ULM HAS FACED ONE OF THE NATION'S TOUGHEST SCHDULE THROUGH THE FIRST 10 WEEKS –
Through the first 11 weeks of the 2021 season, ULM has faced the nation's 16th-most difficult schedule, according to NCAA figures. The Warhawks' 12 regular-season opponents have a combined record of 66-44 (.600).

ROGERS TAKES CHARGE –
Chandler Rogers is one of 28 freshmen quarterbacks to earn multiple starts in the NCAA FBS in 2021. The 6-foot, 188-pound Rogers, who started six consecutive games (2-4 record) following a chest injury to junior Rhett Rodriguez in Game 3 against Troy, has completed 103-of-164 passes for 1,259 yards, eight touchdowns and three interceptions. He also ranks as the Warhawks' second-leading rusher with 128 carries for 327 yards and a score. Rogers leads the team in runs of 10 or more yards (15) and in runs that result in first downs (24).

He has appeared in all 10 games in 2021, including seven starts overall after joining Rodriguez in the backfield for ULM's first play from scrimmage in the home finale against Arkansas State.

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 10 games, junior Will Derrick ranks fourth on the team in receptions with 21 for 304 yards (14.5 avg.) and one score. The 6-foot, 160-pound Derrick ranks second on the team in yards after the catch (134) and first-down receptions (12). He has five receptions of 15 or more yards, and his 14.5 yards per catch ranks 12th in the Sun Belt Conference. Derrick has caught at least one pass in seven consecutive games.

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

Derrick 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. He 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 23rdd-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 12th in the Sun Belt Conference, averaging 3.8 receptions per game. The 5-foot-10, 191-pound Knight leads the Warhawks in receptions (38), receiving yards (484) and yards after the catch (182). Twenty-two of his 38 catches have resulted in a first down (58 percent). He also has 15 receptions of 15 or more yards.

Knight had five receptions, including three that resulted in a first down and two for more than 15 yards, for 76 yards last Saturday vs. Arkansas State. He had four receptions, including three that resulted in a first down, for 48 yards, including a long of 21 yards, on Nov. 6 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. 16 among active NCAA FBS leaders in combined kick (punts and kickoffs) returns with 1,453 career yards. He also has accounted for 2,715 career all-purpose yards, which ranks No. 87 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 (476 yards) and rushing touchdowns (4). In addition, the 5-foot-10, 196-pound Henry has gained an impressive 71 percent of his rushing yards (339 of 476) 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, who started seven of the first nine games at running back, sat out the home finale against Arkansas State with an injury.

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.

JACKSON PROVIDES HOME-RUN THREAT IN ULM BACKFIELD –
In his first collegiate start, sophomore Malik Jackson set career highs with 22 carries for 166 yards and two rushing touchdowns in the 2021 home finale against Arkansas State. Jackson, who entered the game with 15 career rushing attempts for 100 yards, was inserted into the starting lineup with Andrew Henry and Isaiah Phillips sidelined with injuries. He began making the transition from slot receiver to running back three weeks ago.

With ULM trailing A-State, 10-0, with 1:28 left in the second quarter, Jackson opened the drive with a 53-yard run up the middle to set up a first-and-goal at the Red Wolves' 10-yard line. Three plays later, he scored his first career rushing TD from 3 yards out as ULM cut its deficit to 10-7 with :33 left in the first half.

On the first play from scrimmage in the third quarter, the 5-foot-9, 178-pound Jackson raced 75 yards down the near sideline for another score as ULM took its first lead at 14-10 with 14:48 on the clock. He gained 93 yards on eight rushes in the third quarter alone.

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 has completed 47-of-91 passes for 497 yards. He played in the first three games of the season before sustaining a chest injury. He missed six games before returning last Saturday vs. Arkansas State. He was 10-for-16 through the air for 131 yards and one touchdown against Troy in the Sun Belt Conference opener on Sept. 25.

WEBSTER RETURNS AS HEART OF DEFENSE –
Fifth-year senior linebacker Traveion Webster is sixth in the Sun Belt Conference with 7.5 tackles per game. He is second on the team with 75 tackles (29 solos, 46 assists) while adding in 2.5 tackles for loss, half a sack, two pass break-ups and two quarterback hurries. He is the fourth active Warhawk with over 200 career tackles, with his 225 career tackles ranking 90th among active players in the NCAA Football Bowl Subdivision.

Webster was second on the team with eight tackles (four solos, four assists) last Saturday vs. Arkansas State. He led the Warhawks with eight tackles (three solos, five assists) and a pass break-up on Nov. 6 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 10 games, including a half sack on Oct. 23 vs. South Alabama. His 5.5 sacks rank ninth in the Sun Belt Conference. He has 39 tackles, seven tackles for loss, a pass break-up, three quarterback hurries, a forced fumble and a fumble recovery.

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 29 of 54 career games and his career totals include 147 total tackles, with 24 resulting in losses (102 yards) including 12 sacks (68 yards).

WOODARD HELPS ANCHOR ULM'S DEFENSIVE UNIT –
Junior linebacker Zack Woodard, who leads the team in tackles (76), tackles for loss (7.5 for 24 yards) and sacks (3.5 for 18 yards), is fifth in the Sun Belt Conference in tackles, averaging 7.6 stops per game. He is one of four Warhawks (Ja'Cquez Williams, Austin Hawley and Traveion Webster) with over 200 career tackles. His 226 tackles rank 88th among active NCAA Football Bowl Subdivision players.

The 6-foot-1, 235-pound Woodard set career highs in tackles (15: seven solos, eight assists) and tackles for loss (3.5, 6 yards), including a 2-yard sack, in last Saturday's 27-24 loss against Arkansas State. It was the third time this season and seventh time in his career to post double-figure tackles. He 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 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). 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 ranks second on the team with 25 catches for 278 yards and a touchdown. He collected two receptions for 42 yards, including a new season-long of 43 yards, on Nov. 6 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 fifth-longest interception return in the NCAA FBS this season.

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 231 tackles in his career, ranking him 75th 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 227 total tackles (127 solos, 100 assists), ranking No. 84 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 19th in the NCAA Football Bowl Subdivision with 1.50 field goals made per game. Through 10 games, he leads the Warhawks in scoring with 69 points.

Sutherland's 15 field goals made are tied for the fourth-best single-season total in ULM history (Teddy Garcia: 15 made, 1986; Jessie Garcia: 15 made, 1983). He has made 8-of-12 field-goal attempts from 40 or more yards, including 2-of-4 from 50+.

Sutherland made a 32-yard field-goal attempt and all three of his extra-point attempts in last Saturday's 27-24 loss to Arkansas State. He is 24-of-25 this season on extra-point attempts.

Sutherland made two of his three field-goal attempts, hitting from 45 and 52 yards while missing from 51, on Nov. 6 at Texas State.

Sutherland made all four of his extra-point attempts 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-FOUR WARHAWKS HAVE MADE FIRST-TIME STARTS IN 2021 –
ULM's starting lineup through nine games of the 2021 season has featured 23 first-time starters for the Warhawks, including 13 on the offensive side of the football, eight on defense and two specialists.

The Warhawk starting lineup vs. Arkansas State included cornerback Jordyn Riley (5-10, 200, Jr.) making his first start at ULM and running back Malik Jackson (5-9, 178, So.) made his first-ever start.

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.

Thirteen of those 24 starters came to ULM with previous starting experience at the NCAA Football Bowl or Championship Subdivisions. The 12 true first-time starters included Dunn, Lewis, Henry, Jackson, Ledet, Lloyd, McCormick, Norman, Roach, Rogers, Tillery, Tyler and Williams.

WARHAWKS LEAST PENALIZED TEAM IN NATION –
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 the least-penalized team in the NCAA Football Bowl Subdivision. ULM leads the FBS at 3.7 penalties per game. The Warhawks also lead the SBC and are fourth in FBS at 34.4 penalty yards per game. ULM was penalized two times for 30 yards last Saturday vs. Arkansas 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 (12th at 2 fumble recoveries)
Field Goals Per Game: Calum Sutherland (19th at 1.50 field goals per game)

WARHAWK TRENDS UNDER BOWDEN –
Here's how ULM has fared under first-year head coach Terry Bowden (2021: 10 games):


Games played in Malone Stadium: 4-2
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: 0-2
Games played in December: 0-0

When leading at halftime: 1-0
When trailing at halftime: 3-6
When tied at halftime: 0-0

When scoring first: 3-2
When opponent scores first: 1-4

When leading after first quarter: 2-0
When trailing after first quarter: 0-5
When tied after first quarter: 2-1

When leading after three quarters: 3-1
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: 1-5
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: 3-1
When being outrushed by opponent: 1-5

When gaining 200+ yards passing: 2-2
When opponent gains 200+ yards passing: 3-6

When gaining more total yards than opponent: 1-0
When gaining fewer total yards than opponent: 3-6

When leading in time of possession: 1-2
When trailing in time of possession: 3-4
When splitting in time of possession: 0-0

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