ULM crashed South Alabama’s homecoming party en route to bowl eligibility.
The team looked the best it has all season in a dominating performance. After a rough 2-4 start, the Warhawks have righted the ship. ULM is now bowl eligible for the first time since 2012, and they have full control in the race for the Sun Belt West division.
The Warhawks punished the Jaguars 38-10, with the home team’s only score coming early in the game. Marcus Green fumbled the opening kickoff, but that was the only blemish on the day. ULM had major performances from some unknown heroes. After a blocked field goal gave ULM the ball in striking range before half, D’Marius Gillespie put the game away. The wide out caught a five-yard TD right before half, his first of the season, and one of many highlights. Gillespie finished with an amazing 159 yards catching all seven of his targets.
Quarterback and leader Caleb Evans continued his impressive campaign as well. Evans completed 27 of his 32 passes for 367 yards and two touchdowns, while also gaining two more TDs on the ground. Marcus Green also continued his blazing trail with 139 all-purpose yards and a ten-yard rushing touchdown in the third. Jonathan Hodoh had his first receiving touchdown of the year on a 29-yard catch in the second quarter. Hodoh and Gillespie were forced to step up with Xavier Brown missing and RJ Turner getting injured early on.
ULM’s defense played a great game giving up only ten points and 218 yards to South Alabama. Tra Minter, the all-purpose-yard leader of the Sun Belt, was shut down all game finishing with only 79 yards.
The defense earned four sacks; two came from sophomore defensive end Kerry Starks. Starks also lead the team with three tackles for loss, while David Griffith was second with two. Griffith also had eight tackles, tying for the lead with Collin Turner. The defense, ravaged by injuries, was still able to put on a highlight-filled performance.
It’s safe to say the Warhawks have had an impressive turnaround this season, but there is still work to be done. While bowl eligibility was reached with this win, ULM now faces a first place clash on the road next week. ULM will travel to Arkansas State to take on the Red Wolves. Both teams took care of conference opponents in dominating fashion on Saturday and sit on the same record (6-4). The game takes place Nov. 17, kicking off at 2 p.m.