ULM Football Faces Texas in 2022 Season Opener

Football Aug 30

Game 1: ULM (0-0, 0-0 Sun Belt) vs. RV/No. 18 Texas (0-0, 0-0 Big 12)
Saturday, Sept. 3 | 7:05 p.m. CT
DKR-Texas Memorial Stadium (100,119) | Austin, Texas
Longhorn Network | KLIP 105.3 FM

2022 ULM Football Notes: Game 1 vs. Texas

Terry Bowden Weekly Press Conference [Texas Preview}

FIRST-AND-10 –
• ULM begins its 72nd season of football on Saturday at RV/No. 18 Texas. ULM is 320-446-8 since becoming a four-year institution prior to the 1951 season. In its 71-year football history, ULM is 30-39-2 (.437) in season openers, including a 5-5 record (.500) in its last 10 games.

• Saturday's game marks the second meeting between ULM and Texas. The Longhorns won the only previous meeting, 59-20, on Sept. 5, 2009. Heisman Trophy Finalist Colt McCoy threw for 317 yards and two touchdowns to lead No. 2 Texas to the victory in front of a then-record crowd of 101,096 fans at Texas Memorial Stadium. Cody Johnson scored three touchdowns. For ULM, Trey Revel completed 14-of-30 passes for 197 yards and one touchdown. Wide receiver Luther Ambrose had a 75-yard TD reception, 25 rushing yards and 105 kick return yards.

• ULM has compiled an 0-12 record against current members of the Big 12 Conference (0-2 vs. Baylor, 0-2 vs. Iowa State, 0-1 vs. Kansas, 0-2 vs. Kansas State, 0-2 vs. Oklahoma, 0-1 vs. Oklahoma State, 0-1 vs. TCU and 0-1 vs. Texas).

• ULM's 2022 roster features 29 players from the state of Texas, including four projected starters on offense and six on defense: quarterback Chandler Rogers (Mansfield, Lake Ridge High School), running back Andrew Henry (Dallas, Allen), wide receiver Zach Jackson (Grand Prairie, Lake Ridge), tight end Zach Rasmussen (Anna, Newman Smith), defensive tackle Quincy Lead (Orange, West Orange-Stark), nose guard Caleb Thomas (Mansfield), defensive end Seth Mason (Allen), linebacker Tristan Draggers (Hallsville), cornerback David Godey Jr. (Mansfield) and safety Tre Odom (Lufkin).

• Sophomore Chandler Rogers has been named starting quarterback for Saturday's season opener at Texas. He appeared in all 12 games in 2021, including six consecutive starts in the middle of the season. He played 476 offensive snaps and accounted for 1,678 yards' total offense and 10 touchdowns. He completed 112-of-179 throws for 1,311 yards, nine TDs and three interceptions. He ranked among the Sun Belt Conference leaders in completion percentage (third at .626) and passing efficiency rating (sixth at 137.3). His .626 completion percentage set the ULM single-season record while his 137.3 passing efficiency rating ranks third on the school's single-season chart.

• Super senior Boogie Knight, a Preseason All-Sun Belt Conference Second-Team selection by the league's head coaches and media panel, led the War hawks in receptions (45), receiving yards (588), touchdown receptions (3) and all-purpose yards (824) last season. His 2021 receiving numbers (receptions, receiving yards and TD receptions) surpassed his three-year totals at Akron.

Knight ranked among the Sun Belt leaders in combined kick return yards (sixth at 239), receptions (11th at 3.8 per game) and receiving yards (11th). Twenty-six of his 45 catches resulted in a first down (58 percent). He also led the team in first down receptions (26), yards after the catch (236) and explosive receptions (+15 yards: 17). Knight returned 12 kickoffs for 219 yards (18.3 avg.) and six punts for 20 yards.
• Super senior placekicker Calm Sutherland, a Preseason All-Sun Belt Conference Second-Team selection, led ULM in scoring with 75 points in 2021 – tied for the ninth-highest single-season total in program history. Sutherland ranked third in the Sun Belt and 42nd in the NCAA Football Bowl Subdivision with 1.33 field goals made per game. He also finished eighth in the league in scoring, averaging 6.25 points per game.

Sutherland hit 16-of-21 field-goal attempts (.762) and 27-of-28 extra-point tries. His 16 field goals made tied the third-best single-season total in ULM history. He made 8-of-12 field-goal attempts from 40 or more yards, including 2-of-4 from 50 plus. Sutherland connected on the two longest field goals (53 and 52 yards) in the Sun Belt during the 2021 season.

• Super senior linebacker Zack Woodard, who led the War hawks in tackles for loss (8.5 for 27 yards) and finished second in sacks (3.5 for 18 yards), was selected Team MVP and Defensive MVP by the coaching staff in 2021. Woodard ranked second on the team with 89 tackles (42 solos, 47 assists) and ranked fifth in the Sun Belt in tackles, averaging 7.4 per game. He produced double-figure tackles in four games, including 11 stops (8 solos, 3 assists) at LSU.

Woodard set career highs in tackles (15: 7 solos, 8 assists) and tackles for loss (3.5 for 6 yards), including a 2-yard sack, vs. Arkansas State. He collected 13 tackles, including a half tackle for loss, to help lead ULM to a 41-31 victory over South Alabama.

• ULM returns its top three rushers from 2021, in Andrew Henry (131 carries for 482 yards and 4 TDs), Malik Jackson (80 for 451 and 3 TDs) and Chandler Rogers (139 for 367 and 1 TD). That trio combined to account for 1,300 rushing yards – 80 percent of last year's ground game – and eight rushing TDs.

Jackson, who made the transition from slot receiver to running back late last season, averaged nearly 119 rushing yards over the last three games and scored three TDs. The 5-10, 175-pound Jackson gained 112 yards in the season finale against the Ragin' Cajuns and rushed for a career-high 166 yards and two scores in the home finale against Arkansas State, including a 75-yard run.

• Ten of ULM's top 11 pass catchers return from the 2021 season. Three returning lettermen caught 25 or more passes, led by Boogie Knight, who led the War hawks with 45 receptions for 588 yards (13.1 avg.) and three touchdowns. Will Derrick (353 yards and one TD) and Zach Jackson (301 yards and two TDs) caught 25 passes each.

CLASS BREAKDOWN (STARTERS) –
ULM Offense: 2 graduates, 1 senior, 2 juniors, 5 sophomores, 1 freshman
ULM Defense: 2 graduates, 3 juniors, 6 sophomores
Texas Offense: 1 senior, 2 juniors, 3 sophomores, 5 freshmen
Texas Defense: 7 seniors, 3 juniors, 1 sophomores

2021 RETURNING STAT LEADERS –
ULM (12 games):
Rushing – Andrew Henry (131 carries for 485 yards, 3.7 avg., 4 TDs)
Passing – Chandler Rogers (112 of 179, 62.6%, for 1,311 yards, 9 TDs, 3 INTs)
Receiving – Boogie Knight (45 catches for 588 yards, 13.1 avg., 3 TDs)
Tackles – Zack Woodard (89 tackles, 42 solos, 47 assists, 9.0 TFL, 3.5 sacks, 1 INT, 3 PBU, 3 QB hurries)

TEXAS (12 games):
Rushing – Bijan Robinson (195 carries for 1,127 yards, 5.8 avg., 11 TDs)
Passing – Hudson Card (51 of 83, 61.5%, for 590 yards, 5 TDs, 1 INT)
Receiving – Xavier Worthy (62 catches for 981 yards, 15.8 avg., 12 TDs)
Tackles – DeMarvion Overshown (74 tackles, 38 solos, 36 assists, 5.5 TFL, 2.0 sacks, 2 PBU, 2 QB hurries, 2 fumble recoveries)

THE LAST MEETING –
Texas 59, ULM 20 (Sept. 5, 2009 in Austin, Texas): Heisman Trophy finalist Colt McCoy threw for 317 yards and two touchdowns to lead No. 2 Texas past ULM, 59-20, in both teams' season opener Saturday night in front of a Texas Memorial Stadium record crowd of 101,096 fans.

Cody Johnson scored the first three touchdowns of the night for the Longhorns (1-0) on 1-yard runs. Texas became the highest-ranked team that the Warhawks (0-1) have squared off against in a season opener.

McCoy, who finished second behind Oklahoma quarterback Sam Bradford for the Heisman Trophy last year, completed 21-of-29 passes on the night.

In his third career start and first as ULM's number one quarterback, junior Trey Revell completed 14-of-30 passes for 197 yards and one touchdown. Sophomore wide receiver Luther Ambrose showed his big-play capability with a 75-yard TD reception, 25 rushing yards and 105 kick return yards.

ULM's new 3-3-5 defense was tested by the high-powered Texas offense, but came up with some big plays. Otis Stamps intercepted McCoy in the second quarter and the Warhawks forced a trio of fumbles and recovered two. Two of Texas' touchdowns came on a short field due to ULM turnovers.

The Warhawks gave Texas the one thing it didn't need, a short field on its first possession of the game. After a bad snap led to a fumble on ULM's second play of the game, Johnson found the end zone four plays later.

Following Johnson's second touchdown of the game and a ULM three-and-out, the senior linebacker duo of Cardia Jackson and Josh Thomas teamed up to give ULM its first scoring opportunity of the night. Jackson forced a Vondrell McGee fumble and Thomas ran it back 29 yards to the Longhorns' 8-yard line.

Radi Jabour gave the Warhawks their first points of the season four plays later connecting on a 24-yard field goal with 4:23 to play in the opening quarter. He would later add a 21-yard field goal in the fourth quarter.

Johnson, who finished the game with 27 yards on 11 carries, scored his third touchdown of the night with 11:02 to play in the opening half to stretch the Texas lead out to 21-3.

On the ensuing possession, Revell and Ambrose hooked up for a 75-yard touchdown pass down the ULM sideline - the play was longer than any executed by the Warhawk offense the previous season.

D.J. Moore quickly killed any momentum ULM had built up taking the following kickoff back 89 yards for a touchdown and a 28-10 Texas lead.

The Warhawks had a prime opportunity to get back into the game after Stamps' interception, which he returned to the Texas 39-yard line, with just over nine minutes to play in the opening half. However, ULM was not able to capitalize on the turnover as the Longhorns forced a punt.

McCoy quickly atoned for his interception as he completed a 14-yard pass on a third-and-long from Texas' 8-yard line and then found Jordan Shipley for a 78-yard touchdown on the very next play. Hunter Lawrence added a 32-yard field goal as time expired in the second quarter to give Texas a 38-10 lead at the break.

McCoy moved over the 10,000-yard mark for his career with a 14-yard TD pass to John Chiles on the Longhorns opening drive of the second half. McGee tacked on a 4-yard TD run on the first play of the fourth quarter to extend the lead out to 52-10.

The ULM offense found its groove in the fourth quarter putting together a pair of nine-play, 60-plus yard drives. Jabour's second field goal of the night capped the first drive and a 13-yard run by Frank Goodin was the final score of the night.

Texas' freshman quarterback Garrett Gilbert split the two scores with a 12-yard keeper for a touchdown to extend the Longhorns lead to 59-13.

ROGERS NAMED STARTING QB –
ULM sophomore Chandler Rogers has been named starting quarterback for the team's Sept. 3 season opener at Texas. Second-year ULM head coach Terry Bowden made the announcement when addressing a crowd gathered at a Season-Ticket Holder Appreciation Night, held Tuesday, Aug. 23 in Fant-Ewing Coliseum.

The 6-foot, 194-pound Rogers, who outdueled junior Jiya Wright for the starting nod, appeared in all 12 games in 2021, including six consecutive starts in the middle of the season (at Coastal Carolina, vs. Georgia State, vs. Liberty, vs. South Alabama, at App State and at Texas State) after Rhett Rodriguez suffered a chest injury in Game 3 against Troy. He became one of 16 freshmen quarterbacks to start at least six regular-season games in the NCAA Football Bowl Subdivision in 2021 and started seven games overall after joining Rodriguez in the backfield for ULM's first play from scrimmage in the home finale against Arkansas State.

Rogers played 476 offensive snaps and accounted for 1,678 yards total offense and 10 touchdowns. He completed 112-of-179 throws for 1,311 yards, nine TDs and three interceptions. Rogers ranked among the Sun Belt Conference leaders in completion percentage (third at .626) and passing efficiency rating (sixth at 137.3 rating). His .626 completion percentage set the ULM single-season record while his 137.3 passing efficiency rating ranks third on the school's single-season chart. He led the team in passing and total offense while finishing third in rushing with 139 carries for 367 yards and a score. Rogers led the team in runs of 10 or more yards (16) and in runs that result in first downs (26).

He recorded his fourth 200-yard passing game of the season at Texas State, connecting on 28-of-43 throws for 262 yards. Rogers, who completed passes to nine different receivers, also added 52 yards on 23 carries and scored his first career rushing TD on a 10-yard keeper to finish off a nine-play, 75-yard drive in the second quarter. He accounted for 314 yards total offense against the Bobcats while playing a career-best 99 snaps.

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

He was selected as one of the eight Manning Award "Stars of the Week" as well as Sun Belt Conference Offensive Player of the Week and Louisiana Sports Writers Association Offensive Player of the Week after completing 25-of-35 passes for 369 yards, four TDs and 409 yards of total offense in ULM's 41-31 victory over South Alabama. Rogers set career highs for passing yards, passing TDs and total offense against the Jaguars. He 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 matched the highest single-game total by a ULM quarterback since 2017 (Caleb Evans vs. Arkansas State), and his 81-yard strike to Derrick with 1:07 left in the third quarter matched the 10th-longest pass play in school history. Rogers completed passes to nine different receivers against USA and led the Warhawks to scores on five of six possessions during one stretch (four TDs and one field goal). He also picked up 40 yards rushing on 15 carries. ULM scored 17 unanswered points to close out the game, turning a 31-24 deficit into a 10-point win.

A native of Mansfield, Texas, Rogers connected on 16-of-25 throws for 225 yards, two TDs and one interception in ULM's 31-28 upset victory over Liberty. He went 9-for-9 for 91 yards in the third quarter, 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. Rogers completed passes to eight different receivers and added 42 rushing yards on a season-high 25 carries. He directed a seven-play, 57-yard drive late in the fourth quarter that resulted in Calum Sutherland's game-winning 53-yard field goal vs. Liberty. 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 posted his first 200-yard passing game against Georgia State, hitting 15-of-23 passes for 208 yards, two TDs and no interceptions. Rogers also led the Warhawks in rushing for the second consecutive game, picking up a season-best 72 yards on 14 carries.

BOOGIE ON THE BAYOU –
Super senior Boogie Knight, a Preseason All-Sun Belt Conference Second-Team selection by the league's head coaches and media panel, led the Warhawks in receptions (45), receiving yards (588), touchdown receptions (3) and all-purpose yards (824) last season. His 2021 receiving numbers (receptions, receiving yards and TD receptions) surpassed his three-year totals at Akron.

Knight ranked among the Sun Belt leaders in combined kick return yards (sixth at 239), receptions (11th at 3.8 per game) and receiving yards (11th). Twenty-six of his 45 catches resulted in a first down (58 percent). He also led the team in first down receptions (26), yards after the catch (236) and explosive receptions (+15 yards: 17). Knight returned 12 kickoffs for 219 yards (18.3 avg.) and six punts for 20 yards.

A native of Jefferson, Ohio, Knight has amassed 2,819 career all-purpose yards on 230 touches (12.3 yards per play). He needs 181 all-purpose yards to reach the 3,000-yard career milestone.

Knight had two receptions, including a 46-yard TD catch from Rhett Rodriguez, totaling 47 yards in the 2021 season finale against the Ragin' Cajuns in Lafayette.

He led the Warhawks with five receptions for 57 yards, including a 28-yard touchdown pass from Rhett Rodriguez in the second quarter, on Nov. 20 at LSU.

Knight had five receptions, including three that resulted in a first down and two for more than 15 yards, for 76 yards on Nov. 13 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.

He 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 Rodriguez on ULM's first scoring drive (12 plays for 43 yards).

EXPERIENCED PASS CATCHERS –
Ten of ULM's top 11 pass catchers return from the 2021 season. Three returning lettermen caught 25 or more passes, led by Boogie Knight, who led the Warhawks with 45 receptions for 588 yards (13.1 avg.) and three touchdowns. Will Derrick (353 yards and one TD) and Zach Jackson (301 yards and two TDs) caught 25 passes each.

The 6-foot, 160-pound Derrick ranked second on the team in yards after the catch (146) and third in first-down receptions (15). He had five receptions of 15 or more yards. Derrick has caught at least one pass in nine consecutive games entering 2022.

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 23rd-longest catch in the NCAA Football Bowl Subdivision in 2021.

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

Jackson averaged just over 12.0 yards per catch in 2021. He had at least three receptions six times. He had a season high five catches vs. Georgia State, going for 59 yards and one score. He also had four grabs for 80 yards and a touchdown in the Warhawks' win over Troy. He tallied four catches for 47 yards in ULM's upset win over Liberty.

WARHAWKS WITH THE GROUND ATTACK –
ULM returns its top three rushers from 2021, in Andrew Henry (131 carries for 482 yards and 4 TDs), Malik Jackson (80 for 451 and 3 TDs) and Chandler Rogers (139 for 367 and 1 TD). That trio combined to account for 1,300 rushing yards – 80 percent of last year's ground game – and eight rushing TDs.

Henry led ULM in rushing (485 yards) and rushing touchdowns (4). In addition, the 5-foot-10, 196-pound Henry gained an impressive 73 percent of his rushing yards (352 of 485) after contact. He ranked second on the team in runs of 10 or more yards (11) and in runs that resulted in first downs (20).

Henry led ULM in rushing for the fifth time in 2021 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.

The Dallas, Texas, native led the team in rushing against Liberty, gaining 80 yards on 15 carries, including a 40-yard TD run in the third quarter.

He made the most of his second career start against Troy, rushing for 108 yards on 19 carries and scoring his first career touchdown on a 40-yard run on a fourth-and-1 play. It was the first 100-yard rushing game by a Warhawk since Josh Johnson ran for 109 yards at UL Lafayette on Nov. 30, 2019.

Jackson, who made the transition from slot receiver to running back late last season, averaged nearly 119 rushing yards over the last three games and scored three TDs. He gained 112 yards in the season finale against the Ragin' Cajuns and rushed for a career-high 166 yards and two scores in the home finale against Arkansas State, including a 75-yard run.

The 5-10, 175-pound Jackson led the Warhawks with 21 carries for 78 yards in the Nov. 20 27-14 loss at LSU.

In his first collegiate start, he carried 22 times for a career-high 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 Henry and Isaiah Phillips sidelined with injuries.

With ULM trailing A-State, 10-0, with 1:28 left in the second quarter, he 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, Jackson 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, he 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. Jackson gained 93 yards on eight rushes in the third quarter alone.

OFFENSIVE LINE CONTINUES TO DEVELOP –
Offensive line development will be another key storyline early in 2022. Only three lettermen return along ULM's offensive line: left tackle Victor Cutler, who made seven combined starts at three different positions in 2021 (four at center, two at right tackle and one at left tackle), left guard Peyton Dunn (10 starts last season) and right tackle Keydrell Lewis (11 total starts; played a team-leading 837 offensive snaps).

THOMAS RETURNS TO ANCHOR DEFENSIVE FRONT –
Super senior nose guard Caleb Thomas ranked second among ULM defensive linemen and 10th on the team overall with a career-high 37 tackles (12 solos, 25 assists). The 6-foot, 308-pound Thomas finished second on the team in tackles for loss with 7.5 for 30 yards, including 2.5 sacks for 19 yards; his totals for tackles for loss and sacks also represented career highs. He recorded at least a half tackle for loss in seven games. Thomas posted six stops (3 solos, 3 assists) in the season finale at the No. 23 Ragin' Cajuns, including a career-best 3.0 tackles for loss (9 yards). He made a career-high seven tackles (3 solos, 4 assists) against Georgia State.

BRINGING THE WOODARD –
Super senior linebacker Zack Woodard, who led the Warhawks in tackles for loss (8.5 for 27 yards) and finished second in sacks (3.5 for 18 yards), was selected Team MVP and Defensive MVP by the coaching staff in 2021. Woodard ranked second on the team with 89 tackles (42 solos, 47 assists) and ranked fifth in the Sun Belt in tackles, averaging 7.4 per game. He produced double-figure tackles in four games, including 11 stops (8 solos, 3 assists) at LSU.

Woodard set career highs in tackles (15: 7 solos, 8 assists) and tackles for loss (3.5 for 6 yards), including a 2-yard sack, against Arkansas State.

The 6-foot-1, 230-pound Woodard posted his second consecutive double-figure tackle game at LSU with 11 tackles (8 solos, 3 assists) and a tackle for loss for 3 yards. It was the fourth time last season and eighth time in his career to post double-figure tackles.

He was second on the team with seven tackles (3 solos, 4 assists) and a quarterback hurry in the 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.

He collected 13 tackles, including a half tackle for loss, to help lead ULM to a 41-31 victory over South Alabama. He posted double-figure tackles for the second-straight game (10 stops in a 31-28 win over Liberty 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.

SUTHERLAND LOOKS TO BUILD ON PRODUCTIVE 2021 SEASON –
Super senior placekicker Calum Sutherland, a Preseason All-Sun Belt Conference Second-Team selection, led ULM in scoring with 75 points in 2021 – tied for the ninth-highest single-season total in program history. Sutherland ranked third in the Sun Belt and 42nd in the NCAA Football Bowl Subdivision with 1.33 field goals made per game. He also finished eighth in the league in scoring, averaging 6.25 points per game.

Sutherland hit 16-of-21 field-goal attempts (.762) and 27-of-28 extra-point tries. His 16 field goals made tied the third-best single-season total in ULM history. He made 8-of-12 field-goal attempts from 40 or more yards, including 2-of-4 from 50 plus. Sutherland connected on the two longest field goals (53 and 52 yards) in the Sun Belt during the 2021 season.

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

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.

A native of Keller, Texas, Sutherland was named Sun Belt Conference Special Teams Player of the Week for the second time this season as well as Louisiana Sports Writers Association Special Teams Player of the Week following his game-winning 53-yard field goal against Liberty with 1:43 to play in the fourth quarter, lifting ULM to a 31-28 upset over the Flames. The kick 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, booting through field goals from 40 and 30 yards against the Chanticleers.

He made both of his field-goal attempts, connecting from 26 and 32 yards, all three of his extra-point tries against Troy.

Sutherland, who accounted for all 12 points in ULM's 12-7 victory over Jackson State in the home opener, was named Sun Belt Conference Special Teams Player of the Week. 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 in his ULM debut at Kentucky.

WARHAWKS LEAST PENALIZED TEAM IN FBS IN 2021 –
Since taking over the ULM program, head coach Terry Bowden has emphasized the importance of playing disciplined football and his team has taken the message to heart. The Warhawks ranked as the least-penalized team in the NCAA Football Bowl Subdivision in 2021. ULM committed just 44 penalties, or 3.67 penalties per game, for 384 yards, good for 32.0 yards per game, which all ranked as the fewest in the FBS. The Warhawks were penalized just four times for 17 yards in the season finale against the Ragin' Cajuns in 2021.

ELEVEN GRADUATES LISTED ON 2022 ULM FOOTBALL ROSTER –
Eleven members of the 2022 ULM football team already have earned their bachelor's degrees: offensive tackle Victor Cutler, linebacker Isaiah Humphries, running back Malik Jackson, defensive back Jabari Johnson, defensive back Kevin Jones, wide receiver Boogie Knight, defensive back Jordyn Riley, defensive tackle Caleb Thomas, linebacker Tralon Thomas, safety Tavier Williams and linebacker Zack Woodard.

Those 11 student-athletes wear a Sun Belt Conference graduate patch on their jersey.

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 2022 season opener at Texas.

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.

BOWDEN RANKS SIXTH AMONG NCAA FBS WINNINGEST ACTIVE HEAD COACHES –
ULM's Terry Bowden ranks sixth among NCAA FBS winningest active head coaches with 179 career victories, trailing only Alabama's Nick Saban (269), North Carolina's Mack Brown (266), LSU's Brian Kelly (263), Iowa's Kirk Ferentz (190) and Tulane's Willie Fritz (185).

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 FIVE 2021 BOWL SQUADS IN 2022 –
ULM is scheduled to play five teams which played in a bowl game in the 2021 season this fall. Alabama (13-2, College Football Playoff), Ragin' Cajuns (13-1, New Orleans), Coastal Carolina (11-2, Cure), Army (9-4, Armed Forces) and Georgia State (8-5, Camellia) all played in bowl games. Nicholls also finished above .500 (6-5).

WARHAWK TRENDS UNDER BOWDEN –
Here's how ULM fared under head coach Terry Bowden in 2021 (12 games):

Games played in Malone Stadium: 4-2
Games played on the road/neutral site: 0-6

Games played in August: 0-0
Games played in September: 2-1
Games played in October: 2-3
Games played in November: 0-4
Games played in December: 0-0

When leading at halftime: 1-0
When trailing at halftime: 3-8
When tied at halftime: 0-0

When scoring first: 3-2
When opponent scores first: 1-6

When leading after first quarter: 2-0
When trailing after first quarter: 0-7
When tied after first quarter: 2-1

When leading after three quarters: 3-1
When trailing after three quarters: 1-7
When tied after three quarters: 0-0

Overtime games: 0-0

When gaining more first downs than opponent: 2-3
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: 3-2
When being outrushed by opponent: 1-6

When gaining 200+ yards passing: 2-2
When opponent gains 200+ yards passing: 3-8

When gaining more total yards than opponent: 1-0
When gaining fewer total yards than opponent: 3-8

When leading in time of possession: 1-2
When trailing in time of possession: 3-6

Print Friendly Version

ULM Warhawks

Related News

ULM Football Faces Texas in 2022 Season Opener