It wasn’t perfect, but the Warhawks will take it.

ULM used a strong first half to secure a 31-17 win over Middle Tennessee State on Saturday in its Sun Belt Conference opener.

The Warhawks (3-2) jumped out to a 17-3 lead before MTSU regrouped in the second half. The Blue Raiders (3-2) hung around in the fourth quarter, but a chance to pull within a touchdown ended when MTSU quarterback Logan Kilgore was intercepted in the end zone by Isaiah Newsome. ULM took over on Offense—and despite being grounded for most of the second half—put together a 16 play, 70-yard drive that took the final 8:25 off the clock and salted the game away.

The Warhawks came into the game as the least penalized team in the Sun Belt, but were uncharacteristically sloppy against MTSU. ULM was flagged eight times for 80 yards, including two face mask penalties–one of which lead to a MTSU touchdown.

Offensively, ULM put up 500 total yards for the third time in five games this season. Kolton Browning threw for 285 yards on 26 completions, making him ULM’s fourth all-time leading passer. Jyruss Edwards and Centarius Donald contributed on the ground with a combined 158 yards and three touchdowns. It was also an historic day for Edwards, who moved to fourth place all-time at ULM in rushing touchdowns.

The defense was stout for the second week in a row, holding MTSU to under 100 yards rushing and forcing three turnovers.

Safety Cordero Smith led the team with six tackles. Unfortunately, the game was not as kind on the injury front. Nose tackle Kentarius Caldwell left the game in the second quarter with a lower leg injury and is likely out for the season. Caldwell joins Cameron Blakes as the second defensive starter lost for the rest of the year.

“Berry Ball” also made an appearance, as ULM converted twice on fourth down, including a fake punt pass from Justin Manton to Keavon Milton inside the ULM 35.

Manton also got off the schneid by making his first field goal of the year—a 32 yard kick.