Not everything can be left in the past. Just like last season, ULM gave up over 50 points in their second-straight loss to the Georgia State Panthers in a game that ended 55-21. Georgia State (2-4, 1-1), who only put up 16 points against Appalachian State the previous week, broke their season high in points scored as they annihilated the ULM Warhawks (2-3, 1-2) last Saturday night giving the Warhawks their first home loss of the season.  

ULM allowed 326 yards rushing, four rushing touchdowns as well as four passing touchdowns. Panthers QB Darren Grainger recorded 230 yards passing as he completed 18-25 of his passes with four passing touchdowns and one rushing touchdown.

“Everybody gets a little bit of blame for that one, offensively, defensively and the kicking game,” head coach Terry Bowden said. “As the head coach, I have to assume responsibility for our guys being ready to play and having things they can do successfully. We weren’t very good on offense, or defense or the kicking game.”

Both teams had their touchdown scores on their second possession. Chandler Rogers gave himself credence with solid early runs and by throwing his first collegiate touchdown pass to Zach Rasmussen for 25 yards to take a 7-0 lead. Rogers completed another touchdown pass to Zach Jackson in the third quarter. Backup QBs Colby Suits and Jiya Wright saw action late in the game. Wright thre a 6-yard touchdown pass to  Coby Cavil in the fourh quarter.

ULM had a difficult time holding onto the football. ULM fumbled three times in the first half. One play would cost them 14 yards which made it second-and-39. Another fumble fell into the hands of a Panthers defender. 

The Warhawks were able to get back into field goal range in the second quarter with a 28-yard catch by wide receiver Boogie Knight on third-and-33. However, kicker Calum Sutherland missed just his third kick on 12 attempts this season.

Costly penalties hurt the Warhawks’ chances to build any momentum. While trailing by seven, the Panthers converted on fourth down off of a Warhawks’ penalty. In the third quarter the Warhawks created a turnover with an interception by Josh Newton that was called back due to a targeting call. Another Warhawk was also ejected for targeting in the third quarter.

Both quarterbacks led their teams in rushing with Rogers having 76 yards rushing and Grainger with 81 yards rushing. 

Georgia State won their first Sun Belt Conference game of the season while ULM lost their second straight game.

ULM will be back on the bayou at Malone Stadium this Saturday at 6 p.m. to face the Liberty Flames (5-1) who soundly defeated Middle Tennessee State 42-13.