This game proved the Warhawks can’t get it done without a great performance from their offense. In this game, the offense looked lost and out of sync. Their lone first half touchdown came from special teams. In the first half, the defense looked defeated on every play. They were on the field too long, leaving them vulnerable for big plays. The ULM defense gave up 622 yards of offense through 3 quarters.

The ULM secondary and run defense was exposed throughout the game. This wasn’t the time for the offense to stall, but they put up some points to keep it interesting. The defense couldn’t stop the fast-paced offense from Georgia State. They gave up a Panther school record for total yards with 662. The secondary was in position to make plays but failed to capitalize. This is a young secondary for the Warhawks. They will learn and grow the rest of the season.

Clearly, the Warhawks had a terrible game that oddly came on homecoming. There was a feeling that ULM would have a slip-up game, and it showed in this offensive performance by the Panthers. ULM gave up the most points scored by Georgia State in a single game against an FBS team with 47. The Warhawks looked defeated on the field and lacked the energy and emotion to get back into the game. Down 23 in the fourth quarter, the Warhawks had no chance for a comeback.

The offense had a tough outing overall. Sophomore quarterback Caleb Evans was replaced by junior quarterback Garrett Smith in the third quarter. This move came in part on Evans’ inability to move the ball down the field, and all the credit goes to the Panther defense. The offense lacked the aggressiveness to have a great game. Garrett was put in the game to light a fire in the offense and put some points on the board.

The offense should go back to the basics and utilize its run-pass option. They didn’t run the ball enough to keep a steady balance on offense to make it a competitive game. If they continue to throw the ball more than relying on the run, the Warhawks will falter and lose stride in the Sun Belt.

ULM is still in a good position to battle for the Sun Belt title. The Warhawks dropped to 3-1 on the season in conference, but there is a lot of football to be played.