The Warhawks showed their dominance early and often racking up 589 total yards on their way to a 45-27 win against the Texas State Bobcats in San Marcos, Texas. ULM is now 3-2 overall and a whopping 3-0 in the Sun Belt.

“Overall, a team win,” said Head Coach Matt Viator. “We made a couple of plays on defense, we made a couple of plays on special teams and offense to secure a win.”

The Warhawks got off to a fast start as sophomore quarterback Caleb Evans led a seven play 75- yard opening drive to put them up 7-0. Texas State quickly answered with an impressive seven play 73-yard touchdown drive. On the ensuing extra point, the Bobcats had a mishap and threw an interception to senior linebacker Caleb Tucker, who rumbled down the sideline for two points, putting the Warhawks up 9-6. ULM looked to build off momentum from their two-point interception return, the Warhawks put together a two play 65-yard drive after junior running back Ben Luckett scored on a one- yard touchdown run to take the lead 16-6.

The back and forth affair continued as the Bobcats scored a touchdown to cut the ULM lead to three with six minutes left in the first quarter. The Warhawks quickly answered with a Craig Ford field goal, but the Texas State  offense was giving the Warhawk defense trouble.

In the blink of an eye the Bobcats took the lead 20-19 with 30 seconds left in the first quarter.The first quarter was filled with  dominant offenses and lack luster defenses from both teams.

In the second quarter, the Warhawk defense began to settle down by forcing a turnover on downs and a punt. ULM capitalized on their defensive success with a nine play 69-yard drive. Evans completed a pass on the sideline to sophomore wide receiver RJ Turner who broke the initial tackle and stiff armed his way to pay dirt. “Big plays are intense,” Turner said. “They get you going. It excites everybody.”

The Warhawks led at halftime 26-20 with momentum on their side.

Evans finished the first half 14-22, 270 yards and two touchdowns.

“We’re getting more comfortable with each other and more confident in each another,” Evans said. “It’s only up from here.”

The ULM defense came out and forced a 3 and out on the opening drive of the second half,which gavethe Warhawk offense great field position. Both teams stalled on offense as the defenses buckled down and made key stops. 

The turning point of the game was when junior wide receiver Marcus Green broke two tackles on his way to a key 67-yard touchdown catch and run. This catch brought Green to 100 yards receiving for the game. The Warhawks gained a comfrtable  42-27 lead . Texas State came out looking for any form of points to stay in the game as the lead got out of hand. ULM added a late insurance field goal from  Ford to cap off a great all-around game.

The Warhawks will be back in action for the homecoming game against Georgia State this Saturday. Kick off is set for 4 p.m. at Malone Stadium.