ULM Warhawks

 
2023 ULM Football Notes: Game 5 vs. South Alabama
 
Terry Bowden Weekly Press Conference: Game 5 Preview vs. South Alabama
 
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FIRST-AND-10 –
• Following a walk-off loss to App State, 41-40, in the 2023 Sun Belt Conference opener, ULM (2-2, 0-1 SBC) looks to rebound against South Alabama (2-3, 0-1 SBC) on Saturday, Oct. 7 at 6 p.m. as the Warhawks complete a two-game homestand. ULM opens the season four of its first five games at home before closing out the regular season with five of the last seven contests on the road.
• Saturday's game marks the 10th meeting between ULM and South Alabama. The Warhawks lead the all-time series, 5-4, including a 4-0 record in Malone Stadium. ULM has won three of the last five meetings overall.
  Last season, Carter Bradley completed 25-of-33 passes for 420 yards and three touchdowns to lead South Alabama to a 41-34 win over ULM in Hancock Whitney Stadium. The Jaguars scored on four consecutive drives (three touchdowns and one field goal) to open the second half to turn a 20-17 halftime deficit into a 41-20 lead with 14:55 left in the game. The Warhawks put together TD drives of 90 and 72 yards in the fourth quarter to close the margin to 41-34. ULM's Tyrone Howell had nine receptions for a career-best 244 yards, with three resulting in TDs (75, 25 and 83 yards).
• ULM's offense produced season highs in points (40), passing yards (268), total offense (471) and first downs (22) in the Sun Belt opener against App State. In just his third career start at quarterback, Jiya Wright directed a balanced attack as the Warhawks gained 203 yards on the ground and 268 yards through the air.
• The ULM offense generated nine explosive plays (20 or more yards) against App State. The ground game produced three explosive runs for 77 yards, including a long gain of 32 yards by Isaiah Woullard, while the passing game delivered six big plays, which covered 188 yards including a pair of 45-yard completions by Jiya Wright, with one each to Dariyan Wiley and Bugs Mortimer. Those nine plays gained 265 yards (29.4 per play). Wiley (two receptions for 67 yards) and Mortimer (two for 65) each accounted for two explosive plays.
• ULM graduate quarterback Jiya Wright accounted for 342 yards total offense and five total touchdowns (four passing and one rushing) in a 41-40 loss to App State Saturday night in Malone Stadium. The 6-foot-1, 205-pound Wright completed 18-of-27 throws for 268 yards, including TD strikes of 14, 3 and 8 yards to Tyrone Howell and 22 yards to Dariyan Wiley. He also rushed 17 times for 74 yards and scored on a 1-yard sneak. Wright set career highs for pass completions, pass attempts, passing yards, TD passes, total offense and TDs responsible for. The Warhawks scored TDs on four consecutive drives during one stretch (not including a kneeldown to end the first half).
  Through four games, Wright has connected on 35-of-64 passes (.547) for 432 yards, four TDs and three interceptions. He also ranks third on the team in rushing with 33 carries for 143 yards (4.3 avg.) and one score.
• ULM ranks second in the Sun Belt Conference and No. 16 in the NCAA Football Bowl Subdivision in rushing offense, averaging 205.5 yards per game. The Warhawks recorded their third 200-yard rushing game of the season against App State, gaining 203 yards on 40 carries. ULM opened the 2023 campaign with back-to-back 200-yard rushing efforts against Army (32 attempts for 207) and Lamar (40 for 285). The Warhawks managed only one 200-yard game during the entire 2022 season (Week 4 in the Sun Belt Conference opener vs. the Ragin' Cajuns: 39 rushes for 227 yards).
• Running backs Hunter Smith and Isaiah Woullard have combined to rush for 505 yards and three touchdowns through the first four games. Smith (32 carries for 258 yards and two TDs) and Woullard (39 for 247 and one score) have accounted for 61 percent of ULM's production on the ground (822 yards). The duo combined for 214 of the team's 285 rushing yards against Lamar.
  The 5-foot-11, 181-pound Smith leads the team in rushing yards, rushing TDs, yards per carry (8.1 avg.) and gains of 15 or more yards (6). He has gained 95 of his 258 yards after contact (37 percent), including no negative plays, and has produced 11 first downs. Smith opened with season with consecutive 100-yard games in wins over Army (seven rushes for 103 yards, including a 62-yard TD run in the fourth quarter) and Lamar (13 for 101, including a 27-yard TD run to open the scoring).
  The 5-9, 215-pound Woullard has picked up an impressive 71 percent of his rushing yards after contact (176 of 247) while forcing nine missed tackles. He scored his first rushing TD as a Warhawk on a 7-yard burst up the middle in the first quarter against App State. Woullard posted his second career 100-yard rushing game against Lamar, finishing with a team-leading 113 yards on 14 attempts. It marked his first since 100-yard performance since 2018 as a true freshman at Ole Miss (107 at Vanderbilt).
• Biletnikoff Award candidate Tyrone Howell leads the Warhawks in receptions (23), receiving yards (234) and touchdown catches (four). The 6-foot-3, 204-pound Howell ranks among the Sun Belt leaders in TD receptions (third) and receptions per game (fifth at 5.8 per game). His 86 receiving yards after catch and 12 first-down receptions also lead the Warhawks. He has led the team in receptions in three of the first four games.
  A graduate student, Howell caught eight passes for 62 yards against App State and matched his career high with three TD receptions, including scoring plays of 14, 3 and 8 yards from Jiya Wright. He had nine receptions for 67 yards against Army in the season opener, including his one-handed, game-winning 9-yard grab from Hunter Herring with 2:48 left in the fourth quarter.
• The Warhawks lead the Sun Belt Conference and rank among the NCAA FBS leaders in both turnover margin (third at +1.75 per game) and takeaways (ninth with 11, including six interceptions and five fumble recoveries). With 11 takeaways in four games, the ULM defense already has surpassed its 2022 12-game total of eight (six interceptions and two fumble recoveries). By contrast in 2022, ULM finished 130th in takeaways and 114th in turnover margin (-0.58 pg.) in the NCAA FBS.
  The Warhawks have recorded multiple takeaways in each of their three home games (five vs. Army, two vs. Lamar and four vs. App State).
  Free safety AJ Watts and outside linebacker Ja'Terious Evans are tied for second in the Sun Belt with two interceptions each. AJ Watts also is tied for first in the league in passes defended with six (four pass break-ups and two INTs).
• Junior middle linebacker Michael Batton leads the team with 35 tackles (11 solos, 24 assists) and ranks fifth in the Sun Belt, averaging 8.8 tackles per game. The 6-foot-2, 215-pound Batton recorded double digit tackles for the second time this season, finishing with a team-high 10 stops (2 solos, 8 assists) against App State. He also collected 10 tackles against Lamar. Batton has produced double-figure stops in four of his last seven games, dating back to Nov. 12, 2022, at Georgia State (career-best 16 tackles). 
 
CLASS BREAKDOWN (STARTERS) –
USA Offense: 6 seniors, 3 juniors, 2 sophomores
USA Defense: 4 seniors, 6 juniors, 1 sophomore
ULM Offense: 4 graduates, 4 juniors, 3 sophomores
ULM Defense: 2 graduates, 2 seniors, 5 juniors, 2 sophomores
 
2023 STAT LEADERS –
ULM (4 games):
Rushing – Hunter Smith (32 carries for 258 yards, 8.1 avg., 2 TDs)
Passing – Jiya Wright (35 of 64, 55%, for 432 yards, 4 TDs)
Receiving – Tyrone Howell (23 catches for 234 yards, 10.2 avg., 4 TDs)
Tackles – Michael Batton (35 tackles, 11 solos, 24 assists, 1.5 TFL, 0.5 sack, 1 QBH)
 
South Alabama (5 games):
Rushing – La'Damian Webb (64 carries for 376 yards, 5.9 avg., 7 TDs)
Passing – Carter Bradley (97 of 149, 65%, for 1,153 yards, 8 TDs, 5 INTs)
Receiving – Caullin Lacy (32 catches for 567 yards, 17.7 avg., 5 TDs)
Tackles – James Miller (12 tackles, 19 solos, 31 assists, 1.5 TFL, 1 QBH, 1 FR)
 
ULM/SOUTH ALABAMA SERIES NOTES –
Saturday's game marks the 10th meeting between ULM and South Alabama. The Warhawks lead the all-time series, 5-4, including a 4-0 record in Malone Stadium. ULM has won three of the last five meetings overall.
 
Last season, Carter Bradley completed 25-of-33 passes for 420 yards and three touchdowns to lead South Alabama to a 41-34 win over ULM in Hancock Whitney Stadium. The Jaguars scored on four consecutive drives (three touchdowns and one field goal) to open the second half to turn a 20-17 halftime deficit into a 41-20 lead with 14:55 left in the game. The Warhawks put together TD drives of 90 and 72 yards in the fourth quarter to close the margin to 41-34. ULM's Tyrone Howell had nine receptions for a career-best 244 yards, with three resulting in TDs (75, 25 and 83 yards).
 
THE LAST MEETING –
South Alabama 41, ULM 34 (Oct. 15, 2022, in Mobile, Ala.): ULM brought the firepower but not the finishing touch.
 
A second-half stumble contributed to ULM's 41-34 loss to South Alabama Saturday night at Hancock Whitney Stadium.
 
The Warhawks led 20-17 at halftime, but the Jaguars scored 24 unanswered points after the break to squash the upset bid and overshadow a monster performance by ULM receiver Tyrone Howell.
 
Howell posted a career-best receiving 244 yards and three touchdowns on nine catches. It was the second-highest total in school history and first 200-yard receiving performance for a ULM player since Marty Booker did it in 1996 against UCF.
The ULM record for receiving yards was set by L Club Hall of Famer Stepfret Williams, who caught 10 passes for 264 yards against Nevada in 1995.
 
Howell's three receiving touchdowns (75, 25 and 83 yards) were the most since Brent Leonard scored four against South Alabama in 2012. It was also Howell's second 100-yard receiving game as a Warhawk and the third in the Kansas State transfer's career.
 
Quarterback Chandler Rogers completed 20-of-27 passes for a career-high 371 yards and four touchdowns, continuing his good fortune against the Jaguars. In 2021, Rogers passed for 368 yards and four scores in a 41-31 win over USA.
 
After falling behind by 21 points, Rogers rallied the Warhawks within seven points in the fourth quarter but the hole was too deep. After ULM cut the deficit to a touchdown with five minutes to go, USA played keep away for the remainder of the game.
 
ULM (2-5, 1-3 Sun Belt) tallied 438 total yards of offense while allowing 615 to South Alabama (5-1, 2-0 Sun Belt).
 
The Warhawks enjoyed a solid start on the road.
 
After holding ULM to a three-and-out on the game's opening series, the Jaguars claimed a 3-0 lead on Diego Guajardo's 34-yard field goal following a 10-play, 57-yard drive.
 
Howell provided a lightning response with a 75-yard touchdown catch from Rogers on ULM's next offensive play. Howell caught the slant pass, spun out of an attempted tackle at the ULM 30 and raced down the right sideline to give ULM a 7-3 lead with 8:36 remaining in the first quarter.
 
South Alabama took a 10-7 lead with 7:54 left in the first quarter as Jalen Wayne hauled in a 64-yard touchdown reception from quarterback Carter Bradley. USA needed just three plays to wrap up a 75-yard drive.
 
Driving as the first quarter ended, ULM tied the game at 10-10 on Calum Sutherland's 24-yard field goal. The Warhawks covered 42 yards in 12 plays for the score with 12:57 left in the first half.
 
Howell's incredible night continued with a 25-yard touchdown reception from Rogers with 6:16 left in the first half. ULM led 17-10 after nine-play, 80-yard march. Key to keeping the scoring drive alive, ULM converted on fourth-and-1 from the USA 49 on a direct snap to Andrew Henry, who ran for 6 yards to collect the first down at the Jags' 43.
 
The Jaguars knotted the score again at 17-17 on Marco Lee's 4-yard touchdown run with 4:01 to go before halftime. South Alabama's 79-yard drive took six plays.
 
Sutherland's season-long 40-yard field goal put ULM ahead 20-17 with 1:45 left in the second quarter. Jevin Frett's 35-yard reception to the USA 29 was instrumental in making the seven-play, 52-yard march a success.
 
ULM carried the three-point advantage into halftime after the Jaguars drove into scoring position but came up empty as time expired. Bradley fired incomplete on fourth down from the ULM 11 on the final play of the quarter.
 
The teams combined for 531 yards of total offense in the first half, with ULM gaining 245 with 214 through the air. Rogers completed 12-of-15 passes and tossed a pair of touchdowns to Howell, who caught six balls for 140 yards.
 
The third quarter saw the Jaguars make their move on ULM with 17 unanswered points.
 
South Alabama took the second-half kickoff and drove 75 yards in five plays to reclaim the lead at 24-20. Wayne scored his second touchdown of the game on a 20-yard pass from Bradley at the 12:49 mark.
 
A pivotal turnover with 10:58 remaining in the third quarter led to a two-score lead for the Jaguars. Yam Banks intercepted Rogers on a tipped pass and returned the ball to the ULM 41. Two plays later, Bradley fired a 24-yard touchdown pass to Caullin Lacy and suddenly, USA led 31-20.
 
With 3:51 left in the third, USA extended the lead to 34-20 on Guajardo's 29-yard field goal to finish a 10-play, 67-yard drive.
 
South Alabama continued the second-half onslaught as Lee scored his second touchdown on a 5-yard run with 14:55 left in the game. The Jaguars used seven plays to move 55 yards and go ahead 41-20.
 
After going without a target or a catch in the third quarter, Howell emerged again with an 83-yard touchdown catch from Rogers with 9:52 remaining, narrowing the deficit to 41-27.
 
ULM cut the score to 41-34 on a 7-yard touchdown pass from Rogers to Zach Rasmussen with 5:00 to go in the game. The Warhawks needed six plays to move 72 yards in just 2:41.
 
The Warhawks needed a stop to have a chance, but South Alabama held the ball the rest of the game, driving to the ULM 12 as time expired.
 
THE LAST MEETING AT MALONE STADIUM –
ULM 41, South Alabama 31 (Oct. 23, 2021, in Monroe, La.): Suddenly, ULM is armed and dangerous.
 
Freshman quarterback Chandler Rogers celebrated his 20th birthday by passing for 368 yards and four touchdowns to lead ULM to a 41-31 Homecoming win over South Alabama at Malone Stadium.
 
A week after stunning Liberty on the same field, ULM kept the momentum going while improving to 4-3 overall and 2-1 in the Sun Belt Conference.
 
Making his fourth ULM start, Rogers set career highs across the box score passing as he completed 25-of-35 passes without a turnover or a sack.
 
Will Derrick made five catches for 135 yards, including an 81-yard touchdown catch in the fourth quarter that gave ULM the lead for good.
 
Overall, ULM gained 555 yards on 73 plays, with running back Andrew Henry contributing 88 rushing yards and a score on 18 attempts.
 
The defense did its part again with two interceptions, one fumble recovery and four sacks. Zack Woodard collected 13 tackles and ULM forced three punts, all in the second half.
 
ULM's opening drive was an impressive seven-play, 75-yard march finished off on Henry's 20-yard touchdown run. Henry gained 31 yards on three carries and Boogie Knight hauled in a 19-yard pass from Rogers during the series.
 
South Alabama's first offensive series ended with a ULM takeaway as cornerback Mark Williams raked loose a fumble after a catch by Jalen Tolbert and recovered at the Jaguars' 44.
 
But ULM would give the ball right back as Derrick fumbled at the USA 12 after a catch deep in enemy territory. Keith Gallmon Jr. recovered and returned the turnover to the Jaguars' 38.
 
On the series after the turnover, USA faced fourth-and-3 from the ULM 10 when Jake Bentley rolled out under heavy pressure and tossed a touchdown pass to Jalen Wayne in the back of the end zone. The eight-play, 62-yard drive tied the game at 7-7 with 4:18 left in the first quarter.
 
Safety Keilos Swinney intercepted Bentley and set up ULM's offense at the USA 49 with 14:18 left in the second quarter. The Warhawks needed six plays to reach the end zone as Rogers hit Jared Sparks for a 12-yard touchdown.
 
South Alabama settled for a 28-yard field goal with 9:13 left in the second quarter after driving 55 yards on seven plays to pull within 14-10. ULM's Sir'Darrius Ellis sacked Bentley on third down to force Diego Guarjardo's field-goal attempt.
 
The Warhawks recouped the three points on their next possession as Calum Sutherland's 39-yard field goal extended ULM's lead to 17-10 with 5:23 to go before halftime. ULM's 10-play drive gained 53 yards.
 
South Alabama tied the game at 17-17 with 1:24 remaining before halftime as Bentley found tight end Luke Sefcik on a 12-yard touchdown connection. The Jaguars moved 65 yards on nine plays for the score.
 
ULM's offense responded again to finish the half on a positive note as Rogers directed a masterful 11-play, 75-yard touchdown drive. Rogers completed six passes for 69 yards, including a 9-yard touchdown pass to Knight to give ULM a 24-17 lead with four seconds remaining. The touchdown was the first of Knight's ULM career.
 
The Warhawks gained 295 yards of total offense in the half while collecting 17 first downs. Henry rushed for 54 first-half yards, Rogers completed 16-of-23 attempts for 191 yards and two scores and Knight had six catches for 75 yards. ULM's defense made two takeaways.
 
South Alabama opened the third quarter with a 10-play, 75-yard march to tie the game at 24-24. Bentley's third touchdown of the game was an 8-yard strike to Tolbert with 10:17 to go in the quarter.
 
After ULM turned the ball over on downs at USA 34, the Jaguars unleashed their big-play offense to take their first lead at 31-24. Bentley's fourth touchdown pass was a 40-yard rainbow to Tolbert to cap a quick four-play, 66-yard drive with 6:28.
 
Malik Jackson's 38-yard run to the USA 37 started ULM's next offensive opportunity off on the right foot. Receiver Fred Lloyd leaped high to score his first ULM touchdown on a 21-yard pass from Rogers to pull even again at 31-31 after a six-play, 75-yard drive.
 
ULM's defense forced a three-and-out and the offense pounced two plays later with an 81-yard touchdown pass from Rogers to Derrick, who caught the ball in stride and raced for his first career score. ULM led 38-31 with 1:07 remaining in the third.
 
South Alabama didn't punt until the third quarter, but ULM's defense produced three-straight three-and-outs to help maintain control into the final period.
 
Sutherland's 40-yard field goal with 6:28 left in the game extended the lead to 41-31. ULM covered 51 yards in 10 plays while chewing 5:32 off the clock.
 
Needing two scores, USA opted for a 39-yard field-goal attempt by Guajardo with 1:22 remaining but the kicker was wide left.
 
An interception by ULM's Nick Roberts with 18 seconds sealed the win for ULM, which improved to 4-1 at home.
 
ULM/SOUTH ALABAMA CONNECTIONS –
• ULM back-up quarterback and holder Brian Garcia began his collegiate career at South Alabama in 2020 where he received a COVID-19 season of competition waiver.
 
• South Alabama kickoff specialist Jacob Meeks earned two letters at ULM in 2018-19 before transferring to Texas Tech (2020-21). As a true freshman in 2018, Meeks averaged 60.2 yards on 61 kickoffs, including 27 touchbacks, and in 2019, he scored 15 points, hitting 2-of-3 field-goal attempts and 9-of-10 extra-point tries, while averaging 62.3 yards on 69 kickoffs, with 38 resulting in touchbacks (55 percent).
 
WARHAWKS FROM THE YELLOWHAMMER STATE –
ULM's 2023 roster features six players from the state of Alabama, including freshman cornerback Evan Blalock (Mobile / Mobile Christian School), sophomore wide receiver NyNy Davis (Attalla / Etowah High School), sophomore linebacker Max Harris (Montgomery), sophomore tight end Quad Harrison (Birmingham / John Carroll Catholic HS), freshman outside linebacker La'Garrius Sims (Mobile / Mobile Christian School) and sophomore linebacker Jalen Vinson (Red Bay).
 
THE LAST TIME OUT  –
App State 41, ULM 40 (Sept. 30, 2023, in Monroe, La.): ULM suffered a cruel turn Saturday night at Malone Stadium.
 
Michael Hughes kicked a 54-yard field goal as time expired and Appalachian State escaped with a 41-40 win in the Sun Belt Conference opener for both teams.
 
The Warhawks (2-2, 0-1 Sun Belt) did almost everything they needed to win.
 
Almost.
 
Quarterback Jiya Wright completed 18-of-27 passes for 268 yards and four touchdowns and ULM's defense made four takeaways.
 
A two-touchdown underdog on its home field, ULM rolled up 471 yards total offense while winning the turnover battle. In addition to Wright's career night passing, he also rushed 74 yards and a touchdown on 17 attempts.
 
Tyrone Howell caught eight passes for 62 yards and three touchdowns. But it wasn't quite enough.
 
Clinging to a two-point lead late in the fourth quarter, ULM held on fourth-and-9 with 1:26 left in the game. Lu Tillery stopped Joey Aguilar 1-yard short of the marker and it appeared ULM was on the verge of a big upset.
 
But ULM would punt with 1:07 remaining, setting up the Mountaineers (3-2, 1-0) at their own 20. In six plays, App State gained 43 yards, moved to ULM's 37 and Hughes kicked a 54-yard field goal as time expired to win it.
 
Nate Noel rushed for 109 yards on 18 carries and Aguilar completed 27-of-39 passes for 335 yards and three scores for an App State offense that gained 536 yards.
 
App State shaved the lead to 40-38 with 10:58 left in the game on Hughes' 28-yard field goal. The Mountaineers needed a six-play, 34-yard drive to score.
 
ULM's second turnover, a Dariyan Wiley fumble after a catch from Wright, gave App State the ball at the 50. But AJ Watts returned the favor on the next play by intercepting Aguilar and returning the ball to the App 40.
 
On the ensuing drive, the Warhawks faced fourth-and-goal from the 1 but elected to go for it instead of kicking a field goal. App sacked Wright on the play for a turnover on downs with 5:12 left in the game.
 
From the beginning, it was clear ULM was ready to go toe to toe with the Mountaineers.
 
Early in the game, the Warhawks earned their eighth takeaway of the season when Max Harris forced a fumble recovered by AJ Watts at the ULM 30.
 
The turnover led to points as Wright and Wiley made two big connections on ULM's ensuing scoring drive. On third-and-8, Wright found Wiley for a 45-yard completion to the App St. 23. Two plays later, Wiley caught a 22-yard touchdown pass from Wright with 11:03 left in the first quarter for a 7-0 ULM lead.
 
The Warhawks went up 14-0 on Isaiah Woullard's 7-yard touchdown run to cap a seven-play, 70-yard drive with 6:10 left in the first. Wright completed four passes for 35 yards on the march.
 
App State struck quickly on its next series to pull within 14-7 as Aguilar hit Christan Horn on a 52-yard touchdown pass at the 5:40 mark of the first quarter.
 
The Mountaineers tied the game at 14-14 five seconds later as cornerback Tyrek Funderburk picked off Wright's first pass on ULM's next drive and returned the interception 23 yards for a touchdown with 5:35 to go.
 
App State took its first lead of the game with 10:59 to go in the second on Aguilar's 6-yard touchdown pass to Kaedin Robinson. The Mountaineers drove 63 yards in 10 plays to go ahead 21-14.
 
The Warhawks answered with a confident 7-play, 75-yard drive concluded on Wright's 14-yard strike to Tyrone Howell. The Warhawks used a 20-yard pass to Howell and a 23-yard run by Thad Franklin Jr. to move into scoring position with 8:15 left before the half and tie the game at 21-21.
 
App State regained the lead 28-21 on a 10-yard run by Kanye Roberts with 3:14 showing in the second quarter. The Mountaineers used a 12-play, 75-yard drive, making three third-down conversions along the way.
 
Big plays were pivotal for ULM down the stretch in the first half. Bugs Mortimer caught passes of 20 and 45 yards as the Warhawks maneuvered into the red zone. Wright then found Howell again on a 3-yard touchdown toss to knot the score at 28-28 with 1:17 remaining in the half.
 
Wright was 13-of-19 passing for 215 yards with three touchdown passes in the half. Howell caught two scores on five receptions for 48 yards.
 
The opening series of the third quarter saw App State regain a 35-28 lead with 12:14 remaining as Horn scored on a 22-yard touchdown pass from Aguilar. The Mountaineers used seven plays to cover 75 yards and converted a fourth down on the drive.
 
Wright's 1-yard fourth-down plunge with 8:24 left in the third narrowed the margin to 35-34 and capped a seven-play, 87-yard drive. Woullard's 32-yard run and a 36-yard reception by Alred Luke were pivotal plays on the ULM scoring drive. However, the Warhawks lost left tackle Stacey Wilkins to a lower leg injury on the goal-line play, then had the extra-point attempt blocked.
 
ULM's defense registered its third takeaway as Kenard Snyder sacked Aguilar and Norman Massey recovered the fumble at the App 46 with 5:50 remaining in the third. The Warhawks turned the turnover into points 10 plays later when Wright found Howell for an 8-yard touchdown – their third scoring connection of the game. ULM led 40-35 after an unsuccessful 2-point conversion pass.
 
INSIDE THE NUMBERS –
• Through four games, ULM continues to value the football. The Warhawks lead the Sun Belt Conference and rank 18th in the NCAA Football Bowl Subdivision with just four turnovers lost. As a result, ULM leads the league and ranks third nationally in turnover margin at +1.75 per game.
• In addition to valuing the football, ULM continues to play disciplined football. The Warhawks lead the Sun Belt Conference in fewest penalties (19) and fewest penalty yards (177). In addition, ULM is listed among the NCAA FBS Top 25 in fewest penalties (10th), fewest penalty yards (17th) and fewest penalties per game (25th at 4.76 pg.).
 
SMITH, WOULLARD PROVIDE BIG PLAYS WITH RUSHING ATTACK –
Running backs Hunter Smith and Isaiah Woullard have combined to rush for 505 yards and three touchdowns through the first four games. Smith (32 carries for 258 yards and two TDs) and Woullard (39 for 247 and one score) have accounted for 61 percent of ULM's production on the ground (822 yards). The duo combined for 214 of the team's 285 rushing yards against Lamar.
 
The 5-foot-11, 181-pound Smith leads the team in rushing yards, rushing TDs, yards per carry (8.1 avg.) and gains of 15 or more yards (6). He has gained 95 of his 258 yards after contact (37 percent), including no negative plays, and has produced 11 first downs. Smith opened with season with consecutive 100-yard games in wins over Army (seven rushes for 103 yards, including a 62-yard TD run in the fourth quarter) and Lamar (13 for 101, including a 27-yard TD run to open the scoring).
 
The 5-9, 215-pound Woullard has picked up an impressive 71 percent of his rushing yards after contact (176 of 247) while forcing nine missed tackles. He scored his first rushing TD as a Warhawk on a 7-yard burst up the middle in the first quarter against App State. Woullard posted his second career 100-yard rushing game against Lamar, finishing with a team-leading 113 yards on 14 attempts. It marked his first since 100-yard performance since 2018 as a true freshman at Ole Miss (107 at Vanderbilt).
 
Woullard totaled 10 carries for 56 yards in the season opener against Army, including a critical 33-yard run in the fourth quarter that helped set up the go-ahead touchdown pass from Hunter Herring to Tyrone Howell.
 
ULM lost 87 percent of its ground production (1,258 of 1,448 rushing yards). Gone are the top three rushers from a year ago, who combined for 1,183 yards and 15 rushing touchdowns.
 
HOWELL AIMS TO BUILD OFF BREAKOUT 2022 CAMPAIGN –
Biletnikoff Award candidate Tyrone Howell leads the Warhawks in receptions (23), receiving yards (234) and touchdown catches (four). The 6-foot-3, 204-pound Howell ranks among the Sun Belt leaders in TD receptions (third) and receptions per game (fifth at 5.8 per game). His 86 receiving yards after catch and 12 first-down receptions also lead the Warhawks. He has led the team in receptions in three of the first four games.  
 
A graduate student, Howell caught eight passes for 62 yards against App State and matched his career high with three TD receptions, including scoring plays of 14, 3 and 8 yards from Jiya Wright. He had nine receptions for 67 yards against Army in the season opener, including his one-handed, game-winning 9-yard grab from Hunter Herring with 2:48 left in the fourth quarter.
 
 
LEWIS EARNS WEEK ONE COLLEGE FOOTBALL NETWORK NATIONAL TEAM OF THE WEEK HONOR –
Junior right tackle Keydrell Lewis was named to the College Football Network National Team of the Week following his performance in the Sept. 2 season opening win over Army. Lewis graded out at 84% over 64 offensive snaps in the win. He was part of an offensive line that paved way for ULM to rush for 207 yards on 32 carries (6.5 yards per rush) against Army and 285 yards on 40 carries (7.1 yards per rush) last Saturday against Lamar.
 
FIVE WARHAWKS WITH STARTING EXPERIENCE ON OFFENSIVE LINE  –
ULM will rebuild its offensive line around three veterans, in right tackle Keydrell Lewis (24 career starts), center Zarian McGill (16) and left guard (moving from right guard) Elijah Fisher (14), who have combined for 54 career starts. In addition, left tackle Stacey Wilkins (7) and right guard Tellek Lockette (7) also have starting experience.
 
The Warhawks added depth by going to the Mississippi junior college ranks in recruiting, bringing in left guard Jay Mickle, center Matt Williams and right guard Markell Smith. Mickle and Williams were teammates at Northwest Mississippi Community College, where Mickle was a Second-Team NJCAA Division I All-American in 2022 and Williams was honorable mention All-Conference as NWMCC ranked fourth in NJCAA with 2,096 rush yards. Smith is a transfer from Jones College, where he was an NJCAA All-Region 23 selection in 2022.
 
Kyle Segler takes over as the offensive line coach in 2023, sliding over from his previous spot with the tight ends.
 
WARHAWK DEFENSE RANKS AMONG NCAA FBS LEADERS IN TAKEAWAYS –
ULM's newfound athleticism and speed on the defensive side of the ball has been on display in the first four weeks of the season.
 
The Warhawks lead the Sun Belt Conference and rank among the NCAA FBS leaders in both turnover margin (third at +1.75 per game) and takeaways (ninth with 11, including six interceptions and five fumble recoveries). With 11 takeaways in four games, the ULM defense already has surpassed its 2022 12-game total of eight (six interceptions and two fumble recoveries). The Warhawks have recorded multiple takeaways in each of their three home games (five vs. Army, two vs. Lamar and four vs. App State).
 
In the 24-14 win over Lamar on Sept. 9, ULM limited the Cardinals to 311 yards of total offense on 62 plays. Lamar rushed for 121 yards on 36 carries (3.4 yards per carry) and threw for 190 yards on 26 pass attempts (7.3 yards per attempt). The Warhawks registered seven tackles for loss for 34 yards and four sacks for 25 yards, led by defensive lineman James Smith's 3.5 tackles for loss for 20 yards and 2.5 sacks for 16 yards. Defensive lineman Adin Huntington tallied 14 tackles (2 solos, 12 assists) with one tackle for loss for 3 yards and half a sack for 4 yards. Defensive backs Austin Goffney and Max Harris recorded interceptions in the win.
 
In ULM's 17-13 win over Army on Sept. 2, the new-look Warhawk defense made a statement. ULM limited an opponent without an offensive touchdown for the first time since a 47-0 win over Nicholls in 2015. The Warhawks recorded five takeaways (three fumbles, two interceptions) in the contest after forcing just eight turnovers for the entire 2022 season. It was the highest single-game turnover total since picking up five takeaways against Nicholls in 2015. Ja'Terious Evans and AJ Watts came up with interceptions for ULM, Carl Glass, Norman Massey and Car'lin Vigers forced fumbles and Lu Tillery, Vigers and Jaylan Ware each recovered fumbles.
 
ULM limited Army to 2-of-8 on third-down conversions in the second half, including an 0-of-3 clip in the fourth quarter. The Black Knights went three-and-out on each of its last four possessions. In the fourth quarter, ULM's defense held Army without a first down, allowed 15 total yards on 14 plays and tallied three takeaways (two fumbles and one interception).
 
"BATMAN" FLIES INTO 2023 –
Junior middle linebacker Michael Batton leads the team with 35 tackles (11 solos, 24 assists) and ranks fifth in the Sun Belt, averaging 8.8 tackles per game. The 6-foot-2, 215-pound Batton recorded double digit tackles for the second time this season, finishing with a team-high 10 stops (2 solos, 8 assists) against App State. He also collected 10 tackles against Lamar. Batton has produced double-figure stops in four of his last seven games, dating back to Nov. 12, 2022, at Georgia State (career-best 16 tackles).
 
Prior to ULM, Batton played quarterback at Nassau Community College in Garden City, New York. He was 6-3 in nine starts in 2021, accounting for 1,110 yards of total offense and 12 touchdowns while leading his team to an appearance in the NJCAA Division III Championship Game.
 
HUNTINGTON TURNS INTO TACKLING MACHINE VS. LAMAR –
Defensive lineman Adin Huntington is tied for third on the team with 22 tackles (4 solos, 18 assists) while adding one tackle for loss for 4 yards and half a sack for 3 yards.
 
Huntington recorded a career-best 14 tackles (2 solos, 12 assists), with one resulting in a loss (4 yards) including a half sack for 3 yards, as ULM improved to 2-0 for the first time since 2018 with a 24-14 win over Lamar on Sept. 9. For his effot, Huntington was named Louisiana Sports Writers Association Defensive Player of the Week. The Warhawk defense produced seven tackles for loss (34 yards), including four sacks (25 yards), and forced two turnovers (both interceptions).
 
Huntington, a junior transfer from Kent State, emerged from spring practice as the top candidate to replace two-year starter Caleb Thomas at defensive tackle. He was a preseason All-Sun Belt Fourth-Team selection by Phil Steele. His explosiveness and athleticism were on full display during ULM's summer conditioning program, posting personal bests of 665 pounds in the squat, 435 on the bench, 4.72 in the 40 as well as a 38-inch vertical jump. He recorded 45 tackles (24 solos, 21 assists) over the last three seasons at Kent State (22 career games), with eight resulting in losses (42 yards) including three sacks (27 yards).
 
SMITH MAKES PRESENCE KNOWN IN OPPONENTS' BACKFIELD –
Red-shirt freshman defensive lineman James Smith had his breakout game against Lamar on Sept. 9. The Virginia Beach, Virginia, native had a career-high six tackles (3 solos, 3 assists), including 3.5 tackles for loss for 20 yards and 2.5 sacks for 16 yards, against the Cardinals. He added a quarterback hurry at Texas A&M on Sept. 16. He entered the game with two tackles, including one sack for five yards, in five career games.
 
WARE DISRUPTIVE UP FRONT AGAINST ARMY –
Defensive lineman Jaylan Ware has totaled 22 tackles (6 solos, 16 assists) with 3.0 tackles for loss for 5 yards and one fumble recovery through the first four games of the season. The 6-foot-0, 285-pound Ware made seven stops (1 solo, 6 assists) against App State, including a half tackle for loss.
 
He picked up nine tackles (3 solos, 6 assists), 1.5 tackles for loss and one forced fumble in his first career start for ULM on Sept. 2 against Army. His fumble recovery in the first quarter ended Army's first trip into the Warhawk red zone.
 
Ware was rated among Mississippi's Top 50 JUCO prospects by 247Sports (No. 46) at Hinds Community College in Raymond, Mississippi, in 2022. He was a three-time All-MACCC South First-Team selection and a two-time NJCAA All-Region 23 pick. His JUCO career totals included 86 tackles, with 19.5 for losses including 4.5 sacks. He ranked second on the Eagles in tackles (37: 14 solos, 23 assists) and tackles for loss (11.5 for 49 yards) as a third-year sophomore in 2022.
 
SNYDER EMERGES AS PLAYMAKER ON D-LINE IN 2022 – 
Defensive end Kenard Snyder, who led ULM in tackles for loss (10 for 22 yards) and ranked third overall in tackles with 61 (36 solos, 25 assists), was selected honorable mention Freshman All-American by College Football News in 2022. The 6-1, 257-pound Snyder averaged 6.3 tackles over the last eight games since entering the starting lineup. He received preseason All-Sun Belt honors from Lindy's (second team) and Phil Steel (fourth team).
 
Snyder has 18 tackles (3 solos and 15 assists) with 1.5 for losses through the first four games in 2023. He produced a season-high eight stops (1 solo, 7 assists), including a 3-yard sack, against App State. Snyder had five tackles (1 solo, 4 assists) and a quarterback hurry against Army.
 
EVANS SHOWCASES REVAMPED WARHAWK DEFENSE –
Graduate student Ja'Terious Evans has been active early for ULM, totaling 22 tackles (8 solos, 14 assists) with 3.0 tackles for loss for 6 yards and two interceptions through the first four games of the 2023 season.
 
The 6-foot-1, 215-pound Evans made three solo stops and added an interception against App State. He totaled three tackles (2 solos, 1 assist) at Texas A&M and tallied five assists, with half a tackle for loss for 2 yards against Lamar.
 
In his first career start for ULM at outside linebacker, Evans recorded a career-high 11 tackles (8 solos, 8 assists), including a career-best 1.5 tackles for loss (3 yards), and an interception as the Warhawks rallied from a 13-3 fourth-quarter deficit for a 17-13 victory over Army in the 2023 season opener. His interception early in the second quarter set up Derek McCormick's 24-yard field goal for the game's first score. 
 
In the second half, the Warhawk defense limited Army to 2-of-8 on third down, including 0-of-3 in the decisive fourth quarter. The Black Knights went three-and-out on their last four possessions. ULM held Army without a first down in the fourth quarter, permitted 15 total yards on 14 plays and had three takeaways (two fumbles and an interception).
 
A graduate transfer from Stephen F. Austin, Evans recorded 110 tackles, four interceptions and seven pass break-ups in 41 career games for the Lumberjacks. He started all 11 games at cornerback in 2022 and ranked fourth on the team with a career-best 40 tackles (26 solos, 14 assists), with 3.5 resulting in losses (13 yards) including 1.5 sacks (10 yards). He recorded two interceptions (21 yards) and three pass break-ups. He also was credited with three quarterback hurries.
 
GLASS COMING UP BIG AT LINEBACKER –
Linebacker Carl Glass is tied for third on the team with 22 tackles (10 solos, 12 assists) while adding 1.5 sacks for 9 yards, a quarterback hurry and leads the team with two forced fumbles in 2023.
 
The 5-foot-11, 220-pound Glass contributed six stops (1 solo, 5 assists) against App State. He posted 1.5 sacks for 9 yards among his seven tackles (6 solos, 1 assist) at Texas A&M. Glass forced a fumble on his first sack of the day, but the Aggies recovered the football. He combined with Tristan Driggers for the second sack during the second half.
 
Glass, a Monroe native who played at Ouachita Parish High School, played his freshman season at Harding before transferring to ULM as a walk-on in 2022. He earned a scholarship during fall camp, and Coach Terry Bowden called Glass "the biggest surprise" during spring practice in 2022. He had 23 tackles (11 solos, 12 assists) while playing in all 12 games in 2022.
 
BIG PLAY VIGERS STRIKES AGAIN –
Car'lin Vigers continues to make big plays for ULM on defense and special teams. On Sept. 9 against Lamar, the senior defensive back had six tackles, all assists, and blocked a Cardinal punt in the second quarter, which was recovered by Tristan Driggers for a touchdown, extending ULM's lead to two scores.
 
He made one of the biggest plays of opening night when he forced and recovered the fumble by Army's Ay'juan Marshall at the Black Knight 45-yard line with 4:48 remaining, setting up ULM's go-ahead touchdown drive on Sept. 2. He had one tackle to go with his forced fumble and recovery.
 
Vigers, who started the last three games of the 2022 season at free safety, ranked eighth on the team in tackles with 39 (25 solos, 14 assists). The 6-2, 198-pound Vigers displayed a knack for delivering big plays when the game was on the line. He dropped Jamari Thrash 2 yards shy of a first down on a fourth-and-12 play in the closing seconds to secure ULM's 31-28 win at Georgia State that ended a 19-game road losing streak and came up with a fourth-quarter interception in the Warhawks' 21-17 victory over the Ragin' Cajuns in the Sun Belt Conference opener. Vigers, who is expected to transition back to his normal position of cornerback, was named to preseason All-Sun Belt Third Team by Pro Football Focus.
 
TILLERY RETURNS AT CORNER –
Cornerback Lu Tillery accounted for two tackles (1 solo, 1 assist) and recovered a fumble in the Sept. 2 season opener against Army. Tillery (44 total tackles: 29 solos, 15 assists) was sixth on the team in tackles in 2022. The 5-10, 180-pound Tillery contributed four sacks for 34 yards, with three of those coming in back-to-back road games at Georgia State (2 for 18 yards) and Troy (1 for 12).
 
HARRIS COMES UP WITH FIRST TURNOVER AT ULM –
Sophomore linebacker Max Harris has totaled 18 tackles (7 solos, 11 assists) over four games. The 5-foot-11, 221-pound linebacker recorded five stops (1 solo, 4 assists) and forced a fumble against App State. His forced fumble, recovered by AJ Watts, helped set up ULM's first touchdown against the Mountaineers.
 
He posted his first interception at ULM in the 24-14 win over Lamar. Harris ranged back and took the ball out of the hands of Lamar tight end Ja'Corey Hyder at the ULM 39-yard line. His interception set up a touchdown drive to put the Warhawks up 21-0 in the second quarter. He added four tackles (1 solo, 3 assists) against the Cardinals.
 
Harris opened the season with six tackles (3 solo, 3 assists) against Army West Point.
 
A transfer from Incarnate Word, he appeared in nine games for UIW in 2022, picking up 26 tackles (16 solos, 10 assists) including 2.5 for losses (14 yards).
 
GOFFNEY HAS BIG GAME AGAINST FORMER TEAM –
Playing against his former team, graduate student Austin Goffney intercepted a pass at the goal line and returned it 30 yards, off a fake field-goal attempt by Lamar in the first quarter, and recorded four tackles. Thanks to his interception, Goffney was named Louisiana Sports Writers Association Special Teams Player of the Week. Goffney played for the Cardinals in 2021-22, and previously played at Abilene Christian.
 
Goffney has recorded 13 tackles (3 solos, 10 assists) over the first four contests in 2023.
 
He played two seasons at Lamar after transfering from Abilene Christian. Goffney recorded 47 total tackles (27 solos, 20 assists) in 23 career games for the Cardinals and Wildcats, including 2.5 for losses, two interceptions and two pass break-ups.
 
WARHAWKS ADD FOUR NEW ASSISTANT COACHES IN 2023 –
ULM's coaching staff features four new faces in 2023, including assistant head coach/running backs coach Broderick Fobbs, special teams coordinator Jason Rollins, defensive line coach Cody Grice and tight ends coach Davis Lewandowski. Both Fobbs (Grambling, 2014-21) and Rollins (Southern University, interim 2021) previously served as HBCU head coaches.
 
2023 ULM SCHEDULE FEATURES SIX HOME GAMES –
ULM's 12-game football schedule features six home games for the third time in the last five seasons (previously in 2019 and 2021). Overall, it marks just the sixth time that the Warhawks have played a six-game home schedule in Malone Stadium since joining the NCAA Football Bowl Subdivision (formerly known as Division I-A).
 
The Warhawks' 2023 opponents went a combined 74-76 (.493) last season, with six opponents posting .500 or better records, including two teams that posted double-digit win totals, in South Alabama (10-3) and Troy (12-2). In addition, six foes also participated in postseason bowl games a year ago, South Alabama (New Orleans Bowl), Georgia Southern (Camellia Bowl), Southern Miss (LendingTree Bowl), Troy (Cure Bowl), Ole Miss (Texas Bowl) and the Ragin' Cajuns (Independence Bowl).
 
A closer look at the schedule reveals that ULM will play four of its first five games in Malone Stadium before hitting the road for five of its last seven contests.
 
Terry Bowden says "November is for contenders," and ULM closes out the 2023 regular season by facing four consecutive bowl participants, in Southern Miss, Troy, Ole Miss and the Ragin' Cajuns. The Warhawks' November opponents produced a combined worksheet of 33-20 (.622) in 2022.
 
BOWDEN CELEBRATES TEAM ACADEMIC ACHIEVEMENTS –
The ULM football team completed the 2023 spring semester with a cumulative grade-point average of 2.881 – its highest total since at least 2015. 
 
In addition, 54 members of the Warhawk football team posted at least a 3.0 GPA during the spring semester, with 11 student-athletes featured on the President's List (3.9-4.0 semester GPA) and another 12 named to the Dean's List (3.5-3.89 semester GPA). Ten of the 23 student-athletes mentioned on the President's and Dean's Lists graduated from Ouachita Parish high schools. The ULM football team finished the spring semester with a combined 2.79 GPA, an improvement of +0.04 from the fall semester.
 
Seven football student-athletes participated in ULM's 2023 spring commencement ceremonies, including Tyrese Black (bachelor's degree in general studies), Seth Mason (bachelor's degree in secondary education & teaching), Garrett Kahmann (bachelor's degree in finance), Zack Martin (bachelor's degree in business administration), Sam Plants (bachelor's degree in computer information systems), Tralon Thomas (master's degree in business administration) and Jabari Johnson (master's degree in exercise science).
 
"Our student-athletes compete in a sport where success is defined by wins and losses," ULM head football coach Terry Bowden said. "These academic successes are wins too — wins in the playbook of life — and should be celebrated just like the triumphs on fall Saturdays. I congratulate our student-athletes, who have embraced the Warhawk Way and committed themselves to pursuing excellence in the classroom and the community just like they do on the practice field and in the stadium."
 
Bowden also acknowledged the work of Director of Student-Athlete Success Carmen Wright and her staff, especially senior athletic academic counselor Oliver Jackson and athletic academic counselor Karlin Walmsley.
 
"Carmen, OJ and Karlin deserve a great deal of credit for the performance of our student-athletes in the classroom," Bowden said. "Not all student-athletes learn in the same way and at the same pace, and our academic support staff does an incredible job of developing plans tailored to meet their individual needs. Our student-athletes are more than just student ID numbers to Carmen, OJ and Karlin. Our academic support staff is truly invested in each of our student-athletes, and I salute them for their commitment to encouraging our student-athletes to pursue excellence in the classroom. 
 
"A degree from ULM sets up our student-athletes for success long after their competitive careers are over. Our Warhawk Way motto is to develop 'first-class men and world-class leaders,' and as ULM President Dr. Ron Berry professes, we're all here to 'change lives on the bayou.'" 
 
In April, graduate linebacker Zack Woodard was named to the 2023 National Football Foundation Hampshire Honor Society. Woodard, who earned All-Sun Belt honorable mention after leading the team in tackles with 77 last season, received his Master in Business Administration from ULM in December 2022 while posting a 3.8 GPA as a graduate student. NFF Hampshire Honor Society members must be in their final year of eligibility, have attained a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.2 (4.0 scale) and be a starter or significant contributor throughout the 2022 season.
 
BOWDEN: WINNINGEST FAMILY IN NCAA DIVISION I FOOTBALL HISTORY –  
The late Bobby Bowden (377 career victories) and his sons, Terry (185) and Tommy (90), have combined for 652 wins – the most by any family in NCAA Division I football history. With ULM's 31-28 win at Georgia State on Nov. 12, 2022, the Bowden coaching family reached another milestone with 650 combined career victories. 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).