Ty Simpson (left) and the Tide host ULM and D'Arco Perkins-McAllister (right)
On November 17th, 2007 Nick Saban returned to College Football and the Alabama Crimson Tide welcomed the ULM Warhawks as a filler game before their rivalry match-up with the Auburn Tigers. Little did the Crimson Tide know that this date would be a day that would be remembered for many years, as the Warhawks went into Bryant-Denny Stadium and defeated the Crimson Tide 21-14.
18 years later, the two teams meet again in similar circumstances. In 2007, Alabama had gone 6-4 in their previous 10 games, while now in 2025 Alabama has gone 5-5. Kalen DeBoer is in his second season as the head coach of the Crimson Tide— and while the roster is loaded with talent, things have just not gone in favor of DeBoer.
ULM
In Week 1, ULM faced off against St. Francis PA University, winning the game 29-0.
Defensively, the Warhawks were dominant. They held the Red Flash to 131 total yards, with 50 of those coming through the air.
South Alabama transfer Braylon McReynolds was the star of the offense, as he had 11 carries for 113 yards to go along with two receptions for 20 yards with a touchdown.
The Warhawks had six running backs record a carry in the game, but McReynolds stood out amongst them all— especially with his 74-yard carry on their first possession that put them on the SFU 1 yard line.
Arkansas transfer Tyrell Reed Jr. added seven carries for 47 yards.
D’Arco Perkins-McAllister earned Defensive Player of the Week honors (from both the conference and Sun Belt Syndicate) after recording eight total tackles, two sacks and two tackles for loss. The former four-star prospect came into the season as Phil Steele Preseason All-Sun Belt Third Team and really lived up to that honor Saturday night.
“[The defense] had eight months to prepare,” said Perkins-McAllister. “Tonight was a night, it’s as simple as that.”
“Obviously, we’re going to celebrate all victories,” said head coach Bryant Vincent. “Victories are hard to come by in Division I football… I’m proud of our defense.”
It was a good victory to kick off the season for the Warhawks as they now face the toughest opponent on their schedule— the Alabama Crimson Tide.
Alabama
Week 1 did not go as planned for the Alabama Crimson Tide.
The Crimson Tide ranked second nationally in the Team Talent Composite rankings, according the 247Sports. Florida State has a new look offense in the 2025 season and they truly showcased their abilities, exposing some serious flaws in this Alabama team.
While this Alabama team is extremely talented, their previous performance draws many red flags. Lack of hustle, lack of discipline, reports of late-night Door Dash orders, and sneaking people into their hotel rooms— things just feel off in Tuscaloosa.
Alabama was unable to stop the run against Florida State, which is an area that ULM thrives at with their offense.
Quarterback Ty Simpson made his debut as the starter for the Crimson Tide and overall he did not disappoint. His connection with wide receiver Germie Bernard is strong as the senior wide receiver had eight receptions for 146 yards. Sophomore sensation Ryan Williams had five catches for 30 yards before exiting the game and entering concussion protocol.
Head coach Kalen DeBoer said Williams is “coming along, day-to-day. He’s been on the practice field, going through — he’s doing the normal protocol. Coming along nicely. That’s probably the best way to explain it.”
ULM at Alabama
Kickoff: 7:45 p.m. ET
TV: SEC Network
Radio: WJOX 94.5FM (also on Varsity Network app)
Tickets for this game are sold out. Click here for information on secondary market tickets.
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