ULM looks to play spoiler for Northwestern Homecoming game
ULM has a bit of a chip on their shoulders. Two wins in a row, including their first win over Arkansas State since 2009. Northwestern on the other hand has struggled to start the season, but they do show potential to get things going in the right direction.
For ULM it is their final game outside of conference play, as well as one of their five remaining road games. A challenging test awaits them as they enter their journey to be Sun Belt West Champions.
ULM
It isn’t how many times you get knocked down, it is how many time you stand back up. The Warhawks have lived up to that saying quite well this season. After a 73-0 defeat to Alabama, it seemed as if this was going to turn into a long season. Instead, ULM never gave up belief in themselves and simply played to their strengths.
ULM came out hot against UTEP, a team that many felt could be contenders in their final season playing in Conference USA. The Warhawks took a 24-7 lead to halftime and even extended their lead to 31-7 in the third quarter. UTEP attempted a comeback, but ULM was able to handle business and get the job done.
Against Arkansas State, ULM had a rough first quarter. On the opening drive, quarterback Aidan Armenta threw an interception that was returned for a touchdown, and the Warhawks were down 10-0 quickly. After that, ULM put the pedal to the metal and never looked back. The defense was electric, and the offense was unstoppable.
On the offensive side of the ball, running back Braylon McReynolds has been that guy for ULM. Zach Palmer-Smith had an exceptional performance against Arkansas State and looks to get more touches moving forward.
Defense is an area that deserves a ton of praise for ULM. In three of their first four games, they have held opponents to under 100 yards rushing. In two of those games, they have held their opponent to under 40 yards rushing.
Right now, ULM is at a point where the key to victory for them is to continue to play their style of football and execute their game plan. This is a very talented roster and through their first four games they’ve seen the highs and the lows of the season and have responded perfectly.
Northwestern
Northwestern is in a tough position. Playing in a conference with 18 teams is nearly impossible to win. Their schedule does them no favors, and there are no guaranteed victories remaining.
Through four games, the Northwestern offense has not performed the way that they would like. They currently have six interceptions and six fumbles on the year, with two of the fumbles lost.
The main strength of the offense is their rushing attack, which is led by running back Caleb Komolafe. Komolafe has 63 carries for 269 yards and two touchdowns. For Northwestern to be successful the rushing attack must succeed.
Defensively, Northwestern has not been bad. They have allowed just 19.5 points per game. As a unit they have six sacks, two interceptions and a forced fumble on the year.
One area to monitor heading into this game is their special teams. They have made four out of their five field goal attempts, and all eight of their PAT’s, but their longest field goal is just 35 yards and they have not attempted anything beyond that.
Northwestern really needs a “get it together” game, and quarterback Preston Stone has to take care of the ball better. A big contributing factor to that is offensive line play. The offensive line has allowed Stone to be sacked eight times on the season.
As a whole, this match-up is very interesting. ULM is looking to increase its chances of making a bowl game, while Northwestern is looking for a motivational boost as it heads into its Big Ten gauntlet to close the season. Run defense is key for both teams in this match-up. While ULM has thrived in this department, Northwestern has not, and ULM has one of the best running back rooms in the Group of Five.
ULM has a legitimate chance to do something special this weekend. Moving to 4-1 on the season would have them in a very good spot as they move towards the back half of their schedule. This game is a must-watch.
This will be Northwestern’s Homecoming game, and ULM looks to play the spoiler.
ULM at Northwestern
Kickoff: Saturday, October 4th at 3:30 p.m. ET
TV: BTN (Big Ten Network)
Radio: The Varsity Network
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