ULM Faces Road Test at No. 2/1 Alabama

Football Sep 15

Game 3: ULM (1-1, 0-0 Sun Belt) at No. 2/1 Alabama (2-0, 0-0 SEC)
Saturday, Sept. 17 | 3:01 p.m. CT
Bryant-Denny Stadium (100,077) | Tuscaloosa, Ala.
SEC Network | KLIP 105.3 FM

2022 ULM Football Notes: Game 3 vs. Alabama

Alabama Gameday Information

Coach Bowden Weekly Press Conference

FIRST-AND-10 –
• ULM heads on the road Saturday to face off with No. 2/1 Alabama at Bryant-Denny Stadium in Tuscaloosa for one more non-conference tune-up prior to Sun Belt Conference play. The Warhawks are coming off a 35-7 win over Nicholls on Saturday in the home opener at Malone Stadium, while the Crimson Tide rallied to defeat Texas 20-19, in Austin, to move to 2-0.

• Saturday's game marks the fourth all-time meeting between ULM and Alabama. The Crimson Tide leads the series, 2-1. Alabama shut out ULM in the last meeting, 34-0, on Sept. 26, 2015.

• ULM's 21-14 win over Alabama on Nov. 17, 2007, in Tuscaloosa is one of the biggest victories in program history. Warhawk cornerback Quintez Secka intercepted Crimson Tide quarterback John Parker Wilson twice, while running back Calvin Dawson ran for 91 yards on 33 carries and Kinsmon Lancaster threw a touchdown pass. The ULM defense shut out the Alabama offense in the second half.

• The Warhawks have compiled a 4-49-1 record (.083) against current members of the Southeastern Conference. 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 2022 roster features four players from the state of Alabama: junior linebacker Quae Drake (Wadley), junior running back Malik Jackson (Opelika/Lufkin (Texas) HS), red-shirt freshman safety Jalen Vinson (Red Bay) and super senior linebacker Zack Woodard (Thomasville).

• Sophomore quarterback Chandler Rogers accounted for 308 yards total offense and three touchdowns in leading ULM to a 35-7 win over Nicholls in the Warhawks' home opener. Rogers recorded his first 200-yard passing game of the season and fifth of his career, completing 20-of-25 throws for 253 yards and two scores. He completed passes to 10 different receivers, including TD strikes of 4 yards to Zach Rasmussen and 18 yards to Jevin Frett. Rogers added 55 rushing yards on eight carries, including a 9-yard TD run around left end early in the fourth quarter.

After a slow start, ULM took control of the game as Rogers directed TD drives on four of five possessions, including three straight during one stretch.

• Fifth-year senior wide receiver Jevin Frett set career highs with six receptions and 71 receiving yards in Saturday's 35-7 win over Nicholls. He had a long reception of 23 yards and caught an 18-yard TD pass from Chandler Rogers in the third quarter to extend ULM's lead to 28-7. He leads the team with 10 catches for 132 yards and one TD through two weeks. The Manchester, Connecticut, native has played in 22 games at ULM with 39 receptions for 634 yards (16.3 yards per catch) and three TDs.

• Sophomore linebacker Tristan Driggers recorded a team-high eight tackles, including one for a 5-yard loss, and intercepted a pass in ULM's 35-7 victory over Nicholls in the Warhawks' home opener.

On a third-and-3 play late in the second quarter, Driggers intercepted Kohen Granier's pass attempt and returned it 10 yards to the Nicholls' 33-yard line. His pick set up ULM's go-ahead score as Malik Jackson scored three plays later on an 8-yard run for a 14-7 lead. It marked Driggers' second-straight game with an interception as he also came up with one in the first half in the season opener at Texas.

The Warhawk defense pitched a shutout over the last three quarters and allowed only 198 total yards during that stretch.

• Fifth-year senior Devyn McCormick was named Louisiana Sports Writers Association Special Teams Player of the Week on Monday. He averaged 44.0 yards on five punts, including three kicks down inside the opponent's 20-yard line, in ULM's 35-7 win over Nicholls. McCormick launched a season-long 55-yard punt in the first quarter.

• Super senior placekicker Calum Sutherland remained perfect on the season, knocking through all five of his extra points in Saturday's win over Nicholls. He opened his 2022 season by hitting his only field-goal attempt of the night, a 25-yard attempt, in the first quarter to cut the deficit to 7-3 at Texas on Sept. 3. He also connected on his only PAT attempt, which came in the fourth quarter.

A Preseason All-Sun Belt Conference Second-Team selection, Sutherland led ULM in scoring with 75 points in 2021 – tied for the ninth-highest single-season total in program history. The Keller, Texas, product 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 in 2021. 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.

2022 STAT LEADERS –
ULM
Rushing – Malik Jackson (21 carries for 74 yards, 3.5 avg., 1 TD)
Passing – Chandler Rogers (34 of 44, 77.3%, for 361 yards, 2 TDs, 1 INT)
Receiving – Jevin Frett (10 catches for 132 yards, 13.2 avg., 1 TD)
Tackles – Tristan Driggers (11 tackles, seven solos, four assists, 1 TFL, 2 INT)

ALABAMA
Rushing – Bryce Young (12 carries for 138 yards, 11.5 avg., 1 TD)
Passing – Bryce Young (45 of 67, 67.2%, for 408 yards, 6 TDs)
Receiving – Traeshon Holden (9 catches for 109 yards, 12.1 avg., 2 TDs)
Tackles – Jaylen Moody (16 tackles, eight solos, eight assists, 2 TFLs, 1 sack, 1 QB hurry)

ULM/ALABAMA SERIES NOTES –
Saturday's game marks the fourth all-time meeting between ULM and Alabama. The Crimson Tide leads the series, 2-1. Alabama shut out ULM in the last meeting, 34-0, on Sept. 26, 2015.

ULM's 21-14 win over Alabama on Nov. 17, 2007, in Tuscaloosa is one of the biggest victories in program history. Warhawk cornerback Quintez Secka intercepted Crimson Tide quarterback John Parker Wilson twice, while running back Calvin Dawson ran for 91 yards on 33 carries and Kinsmon Lancaster threw a touchdown pass. The ULM defense shut out the Alabama offense in the second half.

THE LAST MEETING –
Alabama 34, ULM 0 (Sept. 26, 2015 in Tuscaloosa, Alabama): Alabama limited ULM to just 92 yards of total offense while the Crimson Tide pulled away in the second half to pick up the 34-0 win at Bryant-Denny Stadium.

Alabama opened the scoring late in the first quarter when Derrick Henry capped an 11-play, 55-yard drive with a 3-yard touchdown run, putting the Crimson Tide up, 7-0.

A bad snap on a punt set up the Tide at the ULM 15-yard line early in the second quarter. Alabama added to its lead on the next play, as Jake Coker hit Calvin Ridley for a 15-yard TD pass, doubling Alabama's lead to 14-0.

The Warhawk defense kept the Crimson Tide in check for the rest of the half. Tre' Hunter intercepted a pass to quickly end Alabama's next drive at midfield, but the Warhawk offense was stifled again.

ULM crossed midfield for the first time late in the first half, thanks to a personal foul penalty on a 4-yard pass from Garrett Smith to Kaylon Watson. However, the Warhawks never progressed past Alabama's 40-yard line, turning the ball over on downs. Alabama led 14-0 at halftime.
Alabama added to its lead early in the third quarter when Adam Griffith connected on a 40-yard field-goal attempt, extending the lead to 17-0.

On the next Crimson Tide possession, Coker found Michael Nysewander for a 19-yard TD pass, pushing the Alabama lead to 24-0.

The Tide added another Griffith field goal, this time from 35 yards out, to take a 27-0 lead early in the fourth quarter.

On the next ULM possession, Smith's pass was intercepted by Ronnie Harrison and returned to the Warhawk 19-yard line. Two plays later, Coker hit Ardarius Stewart for a 16-yard TD pass, completing the final margin at 34-0.

Coker threw for 158 yards and three TDs, while Kenyan Drake led Alabama's rushing attack with 10 carries for 65 yards.

Smith was 17-of-37 passing for 74 yards and two interceptions for ULM. Ajalen Holley caught nine passes for 38 yards in the loss.

ULM STUNS TIDE IN 2007 –
ULM 21, Alabama 14 (Nov. 17, 2007, in Tuscaloosa, Alabama) Courtesy Paul Letlow and The News-Star: ULM coach Charlie Weatherbie beat Alabama's Nick Saban head-to-head at Bryant-Denny Stadium Saturday in a shocking 21-14 upset by the Warhawks.

"That's the biggest win of my head coaching career," Weatherbie said. "To beat Alabama in their back yard is great for our program, great for ULM, the whole city and the whole conference."

ULM held Alabama scoreless in the second half and made three huge plays in the final five minutes.

The Warhawks (5-6) recovered an Alabama fumble with 4:41 to go at the ULM 14-yard line to dodge one threat. Then on fourth-and-1 with 2:01 remaining, ULM's Darrius Battles made the stop to force a turnover on downs. Finally with 34 seconds to go, James Truxillo broke up a fourth-down pass to clinch the historic win.

ULM running back Calvin Dawson ran for 91 yards on 33 attempts to key the effort in front of 92,000 stunned fans. A smattering of boos rained down at the end.

ULM warned the Alabama crowd by playing the Crimson Tide to a 14-14 halftime tie. Alabama (6-5) made three first-half turnovers including two interceptions by ULM cornerback Quintez Secka. The Warhawks didn't have a first-half turnover.

Alabama's dismay reached another level with 3:05 left in the third quarter when Kinsmon Lancaster flipped an 11-yard touchdown pass to Marty Humphrey, giving ULM a 21-14 lead.

LaGregory Sapp blocked a field goal attempt by Alabama to end the third quarter.

Alabama drove 80 yards in seven plays on its opening series. John Parker Wilson tossed a 17-yard touchdown pass to Keith Brown for the 7-0 lead.

Secka picked off two passes in the first quarter. His second came with a 38-yard return to the Alabama 1-yard line. One play later to open the second quarter, Dawson punched in a 1-yard touchdown run.

With Alabama leading 14-7, ULM answered with a 10-play, 80-yard drive to tie the score on a tackle-shucking 13-yard, run by Frank Goodin with 5:05 left in the first half. Goodin, broke four tackles on his drive for the end zone.

WARHAWKS vs. SOUTHEASTERN CONFERENCE TEAMS –
The Warhawks have compiled a 4-49-1 record (.083) 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, 0-4 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 vs. ASSOCIATED PRESS TOP 25 TEAMS –
ULM has lost its last 10 games played against opponents ranked in The Associated Press Top 25. Since 1994, the Warhawks are 1-32 all-time against AP Top 25 teams, with its only win coming in overtime against No. 8 Arkansas, 34-31, on Sept. 8, 2012, in Little Rock.

Warhawk quarterback Kolton Browning accounted for 481 total yards and four touchdowns against No. 8 Arkansas, including a 16-yard TD run in overtime, in the 2012 season opener for both teams.
In addition to being ULM's first win over an NCAA Football Bowl Subdivision ranked opponent in school history, it also marked the first time a Sun Belt Conference member had defeated a Top-10 team.

2012 ULM/ARKANSAS FLASHBACK (ULM's last win over an SEC opponent and only win over an AP Top 25 team) – ULM 34, No. 8 Arkansas 31 (Sept. 8, 2012; Little Rock, Ark.): Quarterback Kolton Browning accounted for 481 total yards and four touchdowns, including a 16-yard TD run in overtime, to lead ULM to a 34-31 victory over No. 8 Arkansas in the 2012 season opener for both teams.

It marked ULM's first win over an NCAA Football Bowl Subdivision ranked opponent in school history. It also marked the first time a Sun Belt Conference member had defeated a Top-10 team.

The Warhawks trailed 28-7 in the third quarter before Browning led a furious comeback. The ULM defense also played a key role in the rally, holding the Razorbacks to 10 points and 108 total yards in the second half.

Jyruss Edwards finished off a nine-play, 75-yard drive with a 3-yard TD run, as ULM pulled to within 28-14 with 5:41 left in the third quarter. The drive featured a 19-yard run by Browning on a fourth-down play.

The Warhawk defense forced Arkansas to go three-and-out on its next possession, thanks to an 18-yard sack by Ray Stovall.

On the second play of the fourth quarter, Browning tossed a 1-yard TD pass to tight end Kevin Steed on fourth down, as ULM cut its deficit to 28-21 with just under 15 minutes to play.

ULM started its game-tying TD drive from its own 10-yard line with 2:59 remaining in regulation. On fourth-and-10, Browning hooked up with Brent Leonard for a 23-yard scoring play as the Warhawks tied the game at 28 with 55 seconds remaining on the clock.

Arkansas' opening possession of overtime resulted in a 37-yard field goal and a 31-28 lead.

Faced with fourth-and-1 from the Razorback 16, ULM elected to forego a potential game-tying field-goal attempt. Browning scrambled 16 yards for the game-winning TD, diving head-first into the end zone.

Browning completed 42-of-67 passes for 412 yards and three TDs. He added 69 yards rushing and another score. His favorite target was Leonard, who had 11 receptions for 112 yards.

THE LAST TIME OUT –
ULM 35, Nicholls 7 (Sept. 10, 2022, in Monroe, Louisiana): ULM players and coaches were dancing in the locker room after a 35-7 win over Nicholls Saturday night but only after weathering some anxious moments early on.

After falling behind by a touchdown to open the contest, ULM erupted for 35 unanswered points to seize control and roll at Malone Stadium. The Warhawks (1-1) scored on four of five possessions to flip the game and claim a win in their home opener.

Quarterback Chandler Rogers shook off a handful of deflating drops by receivers to finish 20-of-25 passing for 253 yards with two touchdowns. Rogers added 55 yards rushing with another score on eight attempts.

Jevin Frett led all receivers with a career-high six catches for 71 yards and one touchdown. Eleven different players made catches and 10 different players registered carries as ULM tallied 424 yards of total offense.

ULM's defense pitched a shutout over the final three quarters while holding Nicholls to 306 total yards. Linebacker Tristan Driggers led the Warhawks with eight tackles and a pivotal interception to help reverse ULM's fortunes.

The locals were restless early as ULM's offense sputtered through of the first quarter, gaining just 44 yards on 15 plays and punting twice.

Adding to the anxiety for the 13,536 in attendance, Nicholls (0-2) drew first blood with an 86-yard, 10-play drive, culminated on a 7-yard touchdown pass from quarterback Kohen Granier to receiver K.J. Franklin with 2:18 left in the first quarter.

The Warhawks finally found their spark when red-shirt freshman receiver Alred Luke, a former walk-on from Warren Easton, caught a third-and-6 pass from Rogers and bolted 68 yards to the Nicholls 2.

One play later, running back Andrew Henry burrowed into the end zone for a game-tying touchdown with 11:10 left in the second quarter. The scoring drive took four plays and covered 74 yards.

The ULM defense delivered another uplifting play when Driggers intercepted Granier with 3:45 left in the first half. ULM picked up an additional 15 yards on a Nicholls facemask and took over at the Colonels' 18.

Three plays later, Malik Jackson skipped through the Nicholls defense and dove into the end zone for an 8-yard TD run and ULM led 14-7 with 2:53 to go before the break.

A couple of key plays occurred inside the final two minutes that further boosted ULM's odds for success.

First, cornerback Car'lin Vigers stuffed receiver Al'Dontre Davis for a 4-yard loss on a completed pass. Forced to punt with 1:33 left in the half, Nicholls punter Kyle Dupre shanked a 14-yard punt out of bounds to set up ULM at the Colonels 40.

Seven plays later, Rogers found tight end Zach Rasmussen for a 4-yard touchdown that gave ULM a 21-7 lead 15 seconds before the break.

The second half had a much more palatable start for the home team. After a three-and-out by Nicholls against ULM defenders, the Warhawks took command with an aggressive eight-play, 87-yard drive to the end zone.

Rogers was 3-for-3 passing for 48 yards and rushed twice for 13 yards on the march, capped by his 18-yard touchdown toss to Frett. ULM led 28-7 with 9:45 remaining in the third quarter.

Rogers stamped an exclamation point on his night with a 9-yard touchdown run to finish off a seven-play, 85-yard drive with 11:21 to go in the game. A 46-yard completion to Fred Lloyd during the series positioned ULM to score.

SEASON-OPENING STARTING LINEUP FEATURED FIVE FIRST-TIME STARTERS –
ULM's starting lineup for the 2022 season opener at Texas featured five first-time starters, including three on the offensive side of the football and two more on defense.

The first-time starters on offense were left tackle center Zarian McGill (6-1, 315, So.), right guard Tellek Lockette (6-4, 331, Fr.) and right tackle Stacey Wilkins (6-7, 321, So.). The first-time starters on defense included Will linebacker Tristan Driggers (6-2, 204, So.) and Cat safety Keydrain Calligan (6-0, 195, So.).

By comparison, ULM's 2021 opening-game lineup Kentucky included 14 first-time starters.

WARHAWKS FROM THE YELLOWHAMMER STATE –
ULM's 2022 roster features four players from the state of Alabama: junior linebacker Quae Drake (Wadley), junior running back Malik Jackson (Opelika/Lufkin (Texas) HS), red-shirt freshman safety Jalen Vinson (Red Bay) and super senior linebacker Zack Woodard (Thomasville).

MISTER ROGERS' OFFENSE –
Sophomore quarterback Chandler Rogers accounted for 308 yards total offense and three touchdowns in leading ULM to a 35-7 win over Nicholls in the Warhawks' home opener. Rogers recorded his first 200-yard passing game of the season and fifth of his career, completing 20-of-25 throws for 253 yards and two scores. He completed passes to 10 different receivers, including TD strikes of 4 yards to Zach Rasmussen and 18 yards to Jevin Frett. Rogers added 55 rushing yards on eight carries, including a 9-yard TD run around left end early in the fourth quarter.

He made his eighth starting appearance of his career in the season opener on Sept. 3 at Texas. He completed 14-of-19 passes for 108 yards and an interception. He was sacked three times. He hit eight different receivers with his 14 completions.

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.

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.

On Saturday against Nicholls, Rogers and Jackson tied for the lead on the ground. Rogers tallied eight carries for 55 yards and a TD, while Jackson had 12 totes for 55 yards and a score. Henry added 25 yards on five carries and a TD.

In the season opener at Texas, Jackson led the trio with 19 yards on nine carries, while Henry picked up 17 yards on 10 carries and Rogers had 12 carries for eight yards.

Henry led ULM in rushing (485 yards) and rushing touchdowns (4) in 2021. 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.

MARTIN MAKES MOST OF FIRST OPPORTUNITY AT ULM –
Sophomore running back Zack Martin made his ULM debut in the season opener at Texas, rushing for a team-high 39 yards on four carries (9.8 yards per carry) with a 23-yard touchdown run at Texas. Martin joined the ULM roster in 2019 but redshirted the season. The Woodville, Texas, native missed the 2020 season with a knee injury and the 2021 season with a quad injury before making his playing debut in the 2022 season opener, marking his first game-action since his senior year of high school in 2018.

He had four carries for 16 yards in Saturday's win over Nicholls, giving him eight carries for 55 yards (6.9 yards per carry) on the season.

DON'T FRET(T) –
Fifth-year senior wide receiver Jevin Frett set career highs with six receptions and 71 receiving yards in Saturday's 35-7 win over Nicholls. He had a long reception of 23 yards and caught an 18-yard TD pass from Chandler Rogers in the third quarter to extend ULM's lead to 28-7. He leads the team with 10 catches for 132 yards and one TD through two weeks.

He matched his previous career high with four receptions in the 2022 season opener at Texas. He led the Warhawks with 61 receiving yards, and his 46-yard reception from junior quarterback Garrett Hable set up ULM's lone touchdown of the game in the fourth quarter.

The Manchester, Connecticut, native has played in 22 games at ULM with 39 receptions for 634 yards (16.3 yards per catch) and three TDs.

BOOGIE ON THE BAYOU –
Super senior Boogie Knight opened his 2022 season with a combined five catches for 41 yards in games at Texas and vs. Nicholls. A Preseason All-Sun Belt Conference Second-Team selection by the league's head coaches and media panel, Knight 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 Rodriguez in the second quarter, 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, at Texas State.
For the third time on the season, Knight matched his career high with six receptions 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, 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.
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.

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). Cutler made a season-opening start at left tackle on Saturday. Left guard Elijah Fisher made his second career start. Center Zarian McGill, right guard Tellek Lockette and right tackle Stacey Wilkins each made their first career starts in a Warhawk uniform against Texas. Dunn and Lewis returned to the starting lineup on Saturday vs. Nicholls.

DRIGGERS MAKES HIS PRESENCE KNOWN –
Sophomore linebacker Tristan Driggers recorded a team-high eight tackles, including one for a 5-yard loss, and intercepted a pass in ULM's 35-7 victory over Nicholls in the Warhawks' home opener.

On a third-and-3 play late in the second quarter, Driggers intercepted Kohen Granier's pass attempt and returned it 10 yards to the Nicholls' 33-yard line. His pick set up ULM's go-ahead score as Malik Jackson scored three plays later on an 8-yard run for a 14-7 lead. It marked Driggers' second-straight game with an interception as he also came up with one in the first half in the season opener at Texas.

The Warhawk defense pitched a shutout over the last three quarters and allowed only 198 total yards during that stretch.

Driggers played three seasons at Kilgore College, redshirting the 2019 season before playing in the spring and fall of 2021. He was ranked among the nation's Top 10 JUCO safeties by ESPN (No. 8).

THOMAS RETURNS TO ANCHOR DEFENSIVE FRONT –
Super senior nose guard Caleb Thomas had a solo tackle in the season opener at Texas and two more tackles on Saturday vs. Nicholls. He ranked second among ULM defensive linemen and 10th on the team overall with a career-high 37 tackles (12 solos, 25 assists) in 2021. 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 recorded three tackles (one solo, two assists) in each of the first two games of the 2022 season. He also picked up a tackle for loss against Nicholls.

Woodard, who led the Warhawks in tackles for loss (8.5 for 27 yards) and finished second in sacks (3.5 for 18 yards) in 2021, was selected Team MVP and Defensive MVP by the coaching staff following last season. The Thomasville, Alabama, native 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.

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 remained perfect on the season, knocking through all five of his extra points in Saturday's win over Nicholls. He opened his 2022 season by hitting his only field-goal attempt of the night, a 25-yard attempt, in the first quarter to cut the deficit to 7-3 at Texas on Sept. 3. He also connected on his only PAT attempt, which came in the fourth quarter.

A Preseason All-Sun Belt Conference Second-Team selection, Sutherland led ULM in scoring with 75 points in 2021 – tied for the ninth-highest single-season total in program history. The Keller, Texas, product 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 against 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.

He 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.

McCORMICK NAMED LSWA SPECIAL TEAMS PLAYER OF THE WEEK –
Fifth-year senior Devyn McCormick was named Louisiana Sports Writers Association Special Teams Player of the Week on Monday. He averaged 44.0 yards on five punts, including three kicks down inside the opponent's 20-yard line, in ULM's 35-7 win over Nicholls. McCormick launched a season-long 55-yard punt in the first quarter.

In 2021, McCormick averaged 40.7 yards per punt on 68 attempts, placing 17 inside the opponent's 20-yard line. Four punts went for touchbacks and eight punts traveled farther than 50 yards.

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

WARHAWKS LEAST PENALIZED TEAM IN FBS IN 2021 –
Since taking over the ULM program, second-year 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.

ULM had an uncharacteristic start to the season with seven penalties for 63 yards in the season opener at Texas. The Warhawks committed four penalties for 40 yards vs. Nicholls.

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.

BOWDEN RANKS AMONG NCAA FBS WINNINGEST ACTIVE HEAD COACHES –
ULM's Terry Bowden ranks sixth among NCAA FBS winningest active head coaches with 180 career victories, trailing only Alabama's Nick Saban (271), North Carolina's Mack Brown (268), LSU's Brian Kelly (264), Iowa's Kirk Ferentz (191) and Tulane's Willie Fritz (187).

BOWDEN: WINNINGEST FAMILY IN NCAA DIVISION I FOOTBALL HISTORY –
The late Bobby Bowden (377 career victories) and his sons, Terry (180) and Tommy (90), have combined for 647 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).

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

Individual Statistics (Top 50)
Completion Percentage: Chandler Rogers (eighth at 77.3%)
Passing Efficiency: Chandler Rogers (38th at 156.6)
Yards per Pass Attempt: Chandler Rogers (45th at 8.20)
Interceptions Per Game: Tristan Driggers (second at 1.0)
Total Interceptions: Tristan Driggers (second at 2)
Punting: Devyn McCormick (50th at 42.1)

WARHAWK TRENDS UNDER BOWDEN –
Here's how ULM has fared under second-year head coach Terry Bowden (2021-current: 14 games):

2022 / OVERALL
Games played in Malone Stadium: 1-0 / 5-2
Games played on the road/neutral site: 0-1 / 0-7

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

When leading at halftime: 1-0 / 2-0
When trailing at halftime: 0-1 / 3-9
When tied at halftime: 0-0 / 0-0

When scoring first: 0-0 / 3-2
When opponent scores first: 1-1 / 2-7

When leading after first quarter: 0-0 / 2-0
When trailing after first quarter: 1-1 / 1-8
When tied after first quarter: 0-0 / 2-1

When leading after three quarters: 1-0 / 4-1
When trailing after three quarters: 0-1 / 1-8
When tied after three quarters: 0-0 / 0-0

Overtime games: 0-0 / 0-0

When gaining more first downs than opponent: 1-0 / 3-3
When gaining fewer first downs than opponent: 0-1 / 1-6
When gaining same number of first downs as opponent: 0-0 / 1-0

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

When outrushing opponent: 1-0 / 4-2
When being outrushed by opponent: 0-1 / 1-7

When gaining 200+ yards passing: 1-0 / 3-2
When opponent gains 200+ yards passing: 1-1 / 5-8

When gaining more total yards than opponent: 1-0 / 2-0
When gaining fewer total yards than opponent: 0-1 / 3-9

When leading in time of possession: 1-1 / 2-3
When trailing in time of possession: 0-0 / 3-6

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