Warhawk Inside Slant
After starting off the 2012 season with an upset
of #8 Arkansas, the Warhawks have
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but have yet to build on their record.
This week they roll into the Big Easy to face a
winless Tulane team. The Green
Wave may not be very talented but are playing on
emotional highs for injured teammate Devon
Walker.
NOTES, QUOTES
• The Warhawks will wear #18 stickers
on their helmets in honor of Devon Walker of
Tulane.
• The series meeting is 0-2 in
Tulane's favor. The two teams last squared
off in 2008 with the Green Wave winning 24-10.
• For the third straight week, ULM
scored on its opening possession. The Warhawks
marched 44 yards in 4 plays after forcing Baylor
to punt. The opening score was the result
of a 22 yard
Kolton Browning to
Tavarese Maye pass.
Keep An Eye On: Defense - Last week
against Baylor, ULM surrendered six down
offsides penalties, three coming on third down.
"I think they used a hard count," coach Todd
Berry said of the Bears, who are led by a senior
quarterback, Nick Florence. "Their quarterback
does a nice job of shaking his whole body. We
were too focused on him rather than the ball.
Additionally the Warhawk secondary surrendered
377 yards and four scores. "We didn't play
very well back there, especially with post
routes," said Berry, whose team fell to 1-2.
"That's something you should never give up when
you're playing man coverage."
Looking Good: ULM's running game has
been inconsistent the last couple of years, but
was solid against Baylor. With
Jyruss Edwards (120 yards on 21 carries) and
Monterrell Washington (7-86) leading the
way, the Warhawks rushed for 262 yards, the most
yards they have had on the ground in coach Todd
Berry's three seasons. With RB
Centarius Donald ailing, Washington could
play a vital role in the running game
alternating with starter Edwards.
Still Needs Work: The secondary
obviously is a concern. When the defensive front
couldn't get to Baylor QB Nick Florence, the
senior picked apart the Warhawks, throwing for
four touchdowns. The Warhawks gave up touchdown
passes of 43, 48, 46, and 22 yards with
receivers blowing by ULM defenders.
Quote To Note:
""The margin of victory is so small, isn't
it? Just a few inches here or a few inches
there."
-Coach Todd
Berry, whose team came up short
of first downs in a couple of
critical situations in the loss
to Baylor.
STRATEGY AND PERSONNEL
Player Notes:
• Senior LB
R.J. Young, in his second season after
transferring from Arizona, led ULM in tackles
with 14 stops, one of them for a loss.
• Junior RB Jyruss Edwards went into
the game with only 112 yards rushing in ULM's
first two outings but exceeded that with 120
yards on 21 carries. His 58-yard touchdown run
in the third quarter was his second TD of the
season and 17th of his career.
• Junior QB Kolton Browning had a
solid night overall, going 25-of-39 for 272
yards and a pair of touchdowns. But his
interception, only his second of the season, led
to Baylor's third-quarter field goal and a 34-28
lead.
Roster Report:
• Sophomore PK
Justin Manton continues to be listed as the
top kicker and punter for the Warhawks.
• Senior
Cameron Blakes is out with a leg injury.
• Junior RB
Centarius Donald will remain out this week because of
an injury.
• S
Khari Usher will remain out, look for him to return just in time for
Sun Belt Conference action.