In what was a very evenly-matched game, ULM knocked off the Jaguars of Alabama in Overtime 42-35.
ULM has struggled at the beginning of the last two games, falling behind big at New Mexico and Arkansas State. That was not a problem in this game. The Warhawks received the ball to start the game and scored very quickly. True Freshman Caleb Evans earned the start at quarterback, and he connected on a slant to RJ Turner. Turner threw off several South Alabama defenders and took a 5 yard slant 52 yards for a touchdown. This was the first of several highlight touchdowns by the Warhawk receiving corps.
After ULM got on the board, South Alabama responded with two touchdowns on their own to take a 14-7 lead with 11:34 left in the 2nd quarter. The Warhawks ended the half with a touchdown on a 1 yard run by Ben Luckett with 34 seconds left in the half to go into halftime tied at 14.
Part of the reason the Warhawks have struggled the last two games is the inability to get the run game going. That changed tonight as there was a 3-headed monster at the Running Back position. Thomas Koufie had his best overall game as a Warhawk. Koufie led the rushing attack with 16 rushes for 70 yards and 2 touchdowns, both in the 4th quarter.
After South Alabama started the 3rd quarter with a 4 yard touchdown run after a questionable pass interference call on the ULM defense on 3rd down, the Warhawks went on a 12 play 66 yard scoring drive ended with a 10 yard highlight reel touchdown catch by Xavier Brown.
This game was a battle from beginning to end. After ULM took the lead on Koufie's second touchdown run with 4:27 left, South Alabama threw a pass that was intercepted by CB Juwann Offray. The Warhawks were unfortunately unable to ice the game and punted the ball back to South Alabama with 2 minutes left. The Jaguars drove 80 yards in 6 plays to tie the game at 35 with 50 seconds left. While the Warhawks were driving to score, Evans made his biggest mistake of the night throwing an interception by all-conference CB Chris Henderson. Henderson returned the pass the the ULM 33. South Alabama's 50 yard field goal attempt to win the game was blocked by Cortez Sisco, sending the game to overtime.
South Alabama won the toss to start overtime and elected to go on defense. On ULM's 3rd play of OT, Evans threw a fade route to RJ Turner that was originally ruled a touchdown, but was overturned by review. 3 plays later, Marcus Green shook his CB and popped open in the middle of the endzone for the go-ahead TD.
The defense stood up on South Alabama's possession in overtime, not allowing the Jaguars to get a first down. Sisco ended the game with a sack on 4th down.
Coach Viator on the Win
"The games where we've been able to be successful we've been able to hold onto the ball. That's just something you have to do to win. We did that well tonight and have to continue to do well going forward."
On Handling Success:
"We just have to keep going to work. Every game should be a celebration on what you've done during the week. But it sure is a lot easier to come in to work with a smile on your face."
Caleb Evans on His First Start
"I trust in my offensive line, running backs, and our defense. I knew that if I did my job we would get the win."
On The Performance of the Receiver Corps
"We have the best receiving corps in the Sun Belt. All I have to do is get them the ball. They made me look better than I am.
Tre' Hunter on Returning After Being Injured
"I was a little rusty mentally and physically at the beginning, but I got better as the game went on. It felt good to be back out there tonight."
Hunter to Monroe:
"Don't give up on this staff. They haven't given up on ULM. They come in to work every day, so keep supporting them and support us."
