Three games into the season, the stock of the Warhawks is “rising.”

It’s way too early to predict what will happen for the rest of the year. However, we can review the progress each part of the team has made.

Passing

Pete Thomas is still learning the ropes of the offense. He seemed a bit timid in his first game in a ULM uniform. He didn’t take many chances deep and missed on quite a few throws. However, it’s important to note that the Wake Forest is a tough defense that keyed in on the passing attack.

The passing attack had a fantastic game in the rain-soaked shootout with Idaho. Thomas had 384 yards, and the receivers looked fantastic. Ajalen Holley and Kenzee Jackson have really become big play wideouts.

Offensively, the whole team looked as if they struggled against LSU. That’s all we can really say about that.

Grade: B-

Rushing

Centarius Donald has led this rushing attack thus far this year, eating up most of the attempts.  He also racked up over 100 yards in the first two games with Wake Forest and Idaho. Donald is the guy for the first time in his collegiate career and seems to be making the most of his opportunities. 

Tyler Cain has been successful as well in his stints of game action, averaging over three yards a carry. 

These backs won’t beat anybody with big time plays, but they constantly keep the chains moving forward.

Grade: B

Defensive Line and Linebacking  Corps

Wow. 

This defense has been impressive. ULM was tied for sixth in the nation in sacks heading into this past weekend of college football. They are also ranked 21st in the nation in total defense.

Most of this is thanks to the front seven. They have kept pressure on the quarterback. The group has also proven capable of handling coverage duties, with linebackers Hunter Kissinger and Cody Robinson coming down with a couple of picks between the two of them.

Grade: A

Defensive Backs

Mitch Lane has proven to be a star in the defensive scheme this year. The secondary has helped the Warhawks to a top 30 passing defense. Three of the defensive backs are in the top five of the team’s tackles with Lane leading the team. Lane also has the game-changing interception returned for a touchdown in the team’s game against Wake Forest.

Grade: A

Special Teams

Justin Manton has only gotten three attempts on the season. He made two of them. Punting and kickoffs rank in the middle of the road on the season. They did have a punt blocked during the Wake Forest Game.

Grade: C

*All stats are current as of Wednesday, Sept. 17.