ULM Welcomes Nicholls to Malone Stadium Saturday for White Out

Football Sep 07

Game 2: Nicholls (0-1, 0-0 Southland) vs. ULM (0-1, 0-0 Sun Belt)
Saturday, Sept. 10 | 7:02 p.m. CT
Malone Stadium (30,000) | Monroe, La.
ESPN3 | KLIP 105.3 FM

2022 ULM Football Notes: Game 2 vs. Nicholls

Coach Bowden Weekly Press Conference

Link to Purchase Tickets Online

FIRST-AND-10 –
• ULM opens the home schedule Saturday night facing in-state foe Nicholls at Malone Stadium. Kickoff is scheduled for 7:02 p.m. The Warhawks are coming off a 52-10 loss at RV/No. 18 Texas last week, while Nicholls opened the season with a 48-7 loss at South Alabama.

• Saturday's game marks the 27th all-time meeting between ULM and Nicholls, with the Warhawks leading the series, 23-3. ULM has won the last nine meetings with the Colonels, dating back to a 38-10 win in the 1992 season. The two teams met in 17 consecutive seasons from 1977-93, and then again for six consecutive seasons from 1995-2000. Both schools were members of the Southland Conference in football from 1990-93. The only meeting since 2000 was the last meeting, on Sept. 12, 2015, a 47-0 ULM victory at Malone Stadium. Nicholls last defeated ULM, 15-10, in Monroe on Sept. 7, 1991.

• ULM was a football-playing member of the Southland Conference for 12 seasons from 1982-93. The Warhawks won four conference championships during the era, with two won by head coach Pat Collins and two more by head coach Dave Roberts. The era also includes Northeast Louisiana's NCAA I-AA National Championship season in 1987, in which the Indians went 13-2 overall, with a 6-0 mark in the SLC.

• ULM has compiled a 74-97-3 record against current football-playing members of the Southland Conference (9-6-1 vs. Lamar, 9-33-1 vs. McNeese, 23-3 vs. Nicholls, 19-28-1 vs. Northwestern State, 12-25 vs. Southeastern and 2-2 vs. Texas A&M-Commerce).

• ULM's 2022 roster features 37 players from the state of Louisiana, including two projected starters on offense and four on defense: Cat backer Keydrain Calligan (New Iberia/Westgate), left tackle Victor Cutler (West Monroe), wide receiver Will Derrick (Shreveport/Calvary Baptist), Star backer Jabari Johnson (Monroe/Ouachita), cornerback Lu Tillery (New Orleans/St. Augustine) and free safety Tavier Williams (Many).

• Sophomore running back Zack Martin made his ULM debut on Saturday, 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 Saturday in the 2022 season opener, marking his first game-action since his senior year of high school in 2018.

• Fifth-year senior wide receiver Jevin Frett matched his career high with four receptions on Saturday 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 21 games at ULM with 33 receptions for 563 yards (17.1 yards per catch) and two touchdowns.

• Sophomore Chandler Rogers made his eighth starting appearance of his career on Saturday 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.

Rogers won the starting quarterback job in fall camp after a battle with Jiya Wright. 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 placekicker Calum Sutherland 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. 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.

• Super senior linebacker Zack Woodard recorded three tackles (one solo, two assists) in the season-opening loss at Texas.

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.

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.

CLASS BREAKDOWN (STARTERS) –
ULM Offense: 2 graduates, 1 senior, 2 juniors, 5 sophomores, 1 freshman
ULM Defense: 2 graduates, 2 juniors, 7 sophomores
Nicholls Offense: 6 seniors, 3 juniors, 2 sophomores
Nicholls Defense: 2 seniors, 4 juniors, 5 sophomores

2022 RETURNING STAT LEADERS –
ULM (after one game)
Rushing – Zack Martin (4 carries for 39 yards, 9.8 avg., 1 TD)
Passing – Chandler Rogers (14 of 19, 73.7%, for 108 yards, 1 INT)
Receiving – Jevin Frett (4 catches for 61 yards, 15.3 avg.)
Tackles – Lu Tillery (6 tackles, 4 solos, 2 assists) and Jabari Johnson (6 tackles, 4 solos, 2 assists, TFL)

NICHOLLS (after one game)
Rushing – Julien Gums (9 carries for 33 yards, 3.7 avg., 1 TD)
Passing – Kohen Granier (15 of 27, 55.6%, for 106 yards, 1 INT)
Receiving – Neno Lemay (3 catches for 40 yards, 13.3 avg.)
Tackles – Tyler Morton (7 tackles, 3 solos, 4 assists, TFL, SK)

ULM/NICHOLLS SERIES NOTES –
Saturday's game marks the 27th all-time meeting between ULM and Nicholls, with the Warhawks leading the series, 23-3. ULM has won the last nine meetings with the Colonels, dating back to a 38-10 win in the 1992 season. The two teams met in 17 consecutive seasons from 1977-93, and then again for six consecutive seasons from 1995-2000. Both schools were members of the Southland Conference in football from 1990-93. The only meeting since 2000 was the last meeting, on Sept. 12, 2015, a 47-0 ULM victory at Malone Stadium. Nicholls last defeated ULM, 15-10, in Monroe on Sept. 7, 1991.

THE LAST MEETING –
ULM 47, Nicholls 0 (Sept. 12, 2015 in Monroe, Louisiana): Garrett Smith accounted for 416 yards total offense and four scores to lead ULM to a 47-0 victory over Nicholls before a crowd of 20,397 at Malone Stadium. Smith completed 26-of-33 throws for a career-high 370 yards and three touchdowns, including scoring strikes of 13 and 47 yards to Ajalen Holley and 17 yards to Harley Scioneaux, and added a 10-yard TD run. The loss spoiled the debut of first-year Nicholls head coach Tim Rebowe.

The Warhawks scored on six of their seven first-half possessions and rolled to a 40-0 halftime lead, with 30 of those points coming in the second quarter.

Early in the fourth quarter, Ben Luckett capped off a nine-play, 51-yard drive with a 12-yard TD run to close out the scoring.

Holley finished with eight receptions for 155 yards and two TDs.

ULM outgained Nicholls in total yards, 593-260, with the Warhawks' ground game accounting for 202 yards while the passing attack amassed 391 yards.

The ULM defense forced two fumbles that the offense converted into 14 points.

ULM/NICHOLLS CONNECTION –
Two former ULM Warhawks are on the 2022 Nicholls football roster: defensive back Chancellor Hitchens and linebacker Lance Rockwood. Hitchens redshirted the 2019 season at ULM before playing in six contests in 2020. Hitchens had seven tackles, six solos, including four against the Ragin' Cajuns and added a pass break-up against Georgia State. Rockwood redshirted the 2019 season and did not play in the 2020 season.

THE LAST TIME OUT –
RV/No. 18 Texas 52, ULM 10 (Sept. 3, 2022 in Austin, Texas): ULM didn't put its best foot forward in a season-opening 52-10 loss to Texas Saturday night at Darrell K Royal-Texas Memorial Stadium.

The Warhawks (0-1) surrendered touchdowns on a blocked punt and an interception return, committed seven penalties for 73 yards, and were outgained, 383-259 total yards, in a lopsided affair.

Opening-day starting quarterback Chandler Rogers completed 14-of-19 passes for 108 yards with one interception and three sacks. Unable to run the ball effectively, ULM rushed for 92 yards on 41 attempts, averaging 2.2 yards per carry.

Third-team quarterback Garrett Hable hit a 46-yard pass to Jevin Frett and Zack Martin ran for a 23-yard score with 3:39 remaining to highlight ULM's lone touchdown drive. In his collegiate debut, Martin ran four times for 39 yards to lead ULM on the ground.

The Warhawks found trouble early.

After a stalled first offensive series, D'Shawn Jamison surged up the middle for Texas to block Devyn McCormick's punt. Keilan Robinson scooped and scored from 12 yards out and the Longhorns led 7-0 with 13:12 showing in the first quarter.

ULM linebacker Tristan Driggers interrupted Texas quarterback Quinn Ewers' debut with an interception with 9:35 to go in the opening period. Linebacker Quae Drake provided pressure to force the errant throw.

ULM turned the takeaway into points after starting at the Texas 42. The Warhawks moved 34 yards in 10 plays and Calum Sutherland kicked a 25-yard field goal to cut the score to 7-3.

Ewers threw his first career touchdown on the ensuing drive, finding Ja'Tavion Sanders for a 19-yard score to extend the Texas lead to 14-3. The Longhorns covered 64 yards in seven plays.

A 43-yard pass from Ewers to Casey Cain set up a third Texas touchdown. One play later, Roschon Johnson rushed up the middle for a 16-yard score for a 21-3 Longhorns lead with 10:50 left in the half. Texas needed just 1:49 to cover 73 yards in five plays.

Bert Auburn's 41-yard field goal with 3:14 left before the half put Texas ahead 24-3. The Longhorns moved 25 yards in seven plays to collect the points.

The 21-point margin held until halftime, as Auburn missed a 38-yard field goal as time expired.

Texas outgained ULM. 215-102 in total yards, in the first half while averaging 7.9 yards per play. The Warhawks were limited to 3.0 yards per play in the half and flagged five times for 43 yards.
Rogers completed 7-of-10 passes for 64 yards and was sacked once. Dariyan Wiley's 23-yard reception was ULM's longest play of the half.

The Longhorns scored 21 points in the third quarter to run away from the visitors.

Texas opened the third quarter with a six-play, 52-yard scoring drive capped by Bijan Robinson's 16-yard touchdown catch from Ewers. The Longhorns needed just 1:46 to extend the lead to 31-3.

After another stop by the Texas defense, Bijan Robinson punctuated a five-play, 50-yard march with a 9-yard touchdown run to put Texas up 38-3 with 9:41 left in the third.

Robinson, who blocked the punt in the early going, intercepted a tipped pass from Rogers and returned the interception 69 yards for a score with 7:13 left in the third quarter as Texas now led 45-3.

With reserves in the game late, Texas quarterback Jonathon Banks ran in a 19-yard touchdown for a 52-3 fourth-quarter lead.

Martin's 23-yard scoring run, the first of his career, made it a 52-10 game with 3:39 to play. The Warhawks moved 83 yards in five plays for their lone touchdown.

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 TOUGH IN HOME OPENERS –
In its 71-year football history (as a four-year college), ULM is 48-21-2 (.690) in home openers, including an impressive 34-10 record (.773) since taking up residency in Malone Stadium in 1978. The Warhawks won 13-consecutive home openers from 1978-90 and produced wins in 22 of their first 23 home openers in Malone Stadium (1978-2000). Saturday's game with Nicholls marks the second time ULM has hosted Nicholls in a home opener in the last 10 years, with the Warhawks defeating the Colonels, 47-0, on Sept. 12, 2015.

ULM is 7-3 in its last 10 home openers.

MARTIN MAKES MOST OF FIRST OPPORTUNITY AT ULM –
Sophomore running back Zack Martin made his ULM debut on Saturday, 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 Saturday in the 2022 season opener, marking his first game-action since his senior year of high school in 2018.

DON'T FRETT, JEVIN MAKES BIG PLAY TO SET UP SCORE AT TEXAS –
Fifth-year senior wide receiver Jevin Frett matched his career high with four receptions on Saturday 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 21 games at ULM with 33 receptions for 563 yards (17.1 yards per catch) and two touchdowns.

MISTER ROGERS' OFFENSE –
Sophomore Chandler Rogers made his eighth starting appearance of his career on Saturday 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.

BOOGIE ON THE BAYOU –
Super senior Boogie Knight opened his 2022 season with four catches for 26 yards at Texas. 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.

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.

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 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). 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.

THOMAS RETURNS TO ANCHOR DEFENSIVE FRONT –
Super senior nose guard Caleb Thomas had a solo tackle in the season opener at Texas Saturday. 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, 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 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. 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.

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.

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 179 career victories, trailing only Alabama's Nick Saban (270), North Carolina's Mack Brown (267), LSU's Brian Kelly (267), Iowa's Kirk Ferentz (191) and Tulane's Willie Fritz (186).

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 has fared under second-year head coach Terry Bowden (2021-current: 13 games):

2022 / OVERALL
Games played in Malone Stadium: 0-0 / 4-2
Games played on the road/neutral site: 0-1 / 0-7

Games played in August: 0-0 / 0-0
Games played in September: 0-1 / 2-2
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: 0-0 / 1-0
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: 0-1 / 1-7

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

When leading after three quarters: 0-0 / 3-1
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: 0-0 / 2-3
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: 0-0 / 3-2
When being outrushed by opponent: 0-1 / 1-7

When gaining 200+ yards passing: 0-0 / 2-2
When opponent gains 200+ yards passing: 0-1 / 4-8

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

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

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