Eagles high-power offense downs Warhawks

photo+by+Siddharth+Gaulee

photo by Siddharth Gaulee

The ULM football team fought hard, but some early miscues limited the Warhawks as they fell to Southern Miss 28-17.

Junior quarterback Garrett Smith got the nod as starter, but he did not impact the game. Sophomore quarterback Caleb Evans had the play of the game as he scampered 67 yards for a touchdown on the first play of the third quarter. Evans finished the game completing 7 of 18 passes for 52 yards. He also added 102 yards rushing with a touchdown.

Senior running back Derrick Gore also had a great game, rushing for 96 yards on 18 carries.

The Warhawks got off to a slow start in the first quarter, stalling on their first three drives. After failing to move the ball on offense, Southern Miss capped off a nine-play 68-yard drive to lead 7-0. Evans as the new quarterback, lead the Warhawks on a 76-yard drive to even the score. His one-yard run completed the drive.

Momentum was on the Warhawks’ side as they showed some dominance on the touchdown drive.

Southern Miss came back with a vengeance by using the run game to their advantage. With about 12 minutes left in the second quarter, the Golden Eagles scored on a 27-yard run to take the lead 14-7.

The Warhawks led a great 59-yard drive that was aided by a 31-yard run from junior receiver Marcus Green on an end around play.

The Warhawks were forced to settle for a field goal to cut the lead to four.

The Golden Eagles were looking to stretch their lead as they ran down the Warhawks’ throat, resulting in a 20-yard touchdown run. Southern Miss took a 21-10 advantage into halftime.

In the second half, the Warhawk defense forced a punt on the first possession.

On the first ULM possession, Evans shot out of a cannon as he broke off a 67-yard run to make the score 21-17.

“I’m getting more comfortable in the offense,” Evans said. “I am learning to use my legs more. I know I can run, and I just need to trust my reads.”

The energy from the score brought life to Malone Stadium as fans began to cheer a comeback effort. 

Their celebration was short lived as Southern Miss made a statement drive, completing a 42-yard pass to go up 28-17.

The Warhawks made an effort to get back into the game, but Southern Miss stopped their offense on a fourth and 14 to take over.

The Golden Eagles ran out the clock and closed out a great rushing performance from their offense.

Its frustrating I think we’re right there as a football team, besides the run from (Caleb) Evans, we didn’t make any plays, but we had a lot of opportunities. It was a great interception he went up and high pointed it and I like their energy in practice Marbles and Straughter they compete. said head coach Matt Viator.

The Warhawks are back in action Saturday against bitter rival ULL, kickoff is slated for 4:05 p.m.