Warhawk magic struck again on Saturday, as ULM stunned Western Kentucky 43-42 in overtime in Bowling Green, Ky.
The Warhawks (5-2, 3-0) clawed their way back from a 28-7 deficit, putting together a seven-play, 90 yard drive to tie the game late in the fourth quarter. The Hilltoppers (5-2, 2-1) scored first in the overtime, but ULM responded with a four yard touchdown run by Kolton Browning,
Worried his team would have a tough time stopping WKU, head coach Todd Berry decided to go for two and the win sealing the deal on a pass from Browning to Rashon Ceaser.
“I felt great about the call. We had a lot of confidence in the two-point conversion.” Berry said. “As soon as I saw the defense, I knew we had it.”
The win gives ULM their first 3-0 start in conference play since 2009, and sole possession of first place in the Sun Belt. The Warhawks’ 5-2 record is their best since the 1993 season.
Browning shook off a slow start to pass for 308 yards and two touchdowns. He also led the team in rushing for the second straight week with 17 carries for 69 yards and two more scores. Je’Ron Hamm hauled in a team-leading six receptions, but the story of the day was Ceaser. The junior receiver caught three passes for 36 yards, including the touchdown to force overtime and the game winning two point conversion.
Early on, ULM’s defense struggled with the Hilltopper offense. Anticipating a punishing ground attack, the Warhawks were caught off guard when WKU came out throwing, allowing 308 passing yards. The defense gave up 28 first half points, but Troy Reffett’s unit adjusted, surrendering just seven points for the rest of regulation.
Vincent Eddie recorded 14 tackles to lead the team, while Malcolm Edmund chipped in with 12 stops. Nose tackle Gerrand Johnson played his best game as a Warhawk, picking up 10 tackles and two sacks.
It was also a record-setting day for the kicking game. Justin Manton set a new single-season school record with 33 consecutive PAT’s made. He also boomed a 58-yard punt that flipped the field position early in the game.
ULM returns to Malone Stadium next Saturday to face South Alabama on Homecoming weekend. Kickoff is set for 6 p.m.
