ULM Grounded In Final Non-Conference Game Against Northwestern
ULM had a long four quarters as Northwestern welcomed them into town for the Wildcats’ Homecoming weekend. ULM has had a burst of momentum as of late, but things came to a halt on Saturday.
Offensively, ULM started out quickly. They took an early 7-0 lead after wide receiver Nic Trujillo hauled in a 34-yard touchdown reception from Aidan Armenta on the opening drive of the game. Northwestern responded with a 13-play 61-yard drive that resulted in a three-yard rushing touchdown by running back Caleb Komolafe. On ULM’s second drive, they were able to move the ball well again. The 7-play 45-yard drive ended up not being productive after kicker Luke stagg missed a 45-yard field goal. Northwestern then began their second drive from their own 27-yard line as the first quarter came to an end.
Northwestern quarterback Preston Stone was able to find wide receiver Hayden Eligon II for a 37-yard passing touchdown, and Lawson Albright answered with the 2-point conversion. This proved to be enough to secure Northwestern the game. On ULM’s next drive, they were again, for the third time able to move the ball, but the drive ended on the Northwestern 23-yard line after Hunter Herring was stopped short on 4th and 2. Northwestern responded with a 14-play 62-yard drive that took seven minutes and forty-two seconds off of the clock that resulted in a 34-yard field goal for the Wildcats. Following a punt for ULM that pinned Northwestern on their own 13-yard line, Northwestern ran out the clock as they headed to half time with an 18-7 lead.
In the first half, the missed field goal for ULM was very costly, as it seemed as if the coaching staff lost its confidence in the special team’s unit. Realistically, ULM could have gone to the half trailing 15-13. another area of concern was the fact that the running game just never got going. ULM had to rely on the arm of Aidan Armenta and while his play was fine, it just was not enough.
The second half was tough to watch, because while ULM was down 18-7 at the half, things did not feel quite out of reach and the hopes for a half time adjustment remained. Unfortunately, that was not the case here.
Northwestern opened the second half with the ball and that drive ended with running back Caleb Komolafe breaking free for a 39-yard touchdown run. ULM on the other hand responded with a punt by Makenzie Ryan for 45-yards that was returned for five yards, having Northwestern to start on it’s own 9-yard line. This proved to not be an issue as quarterback Preston Stone finds wide receiver Griffin Wilde for a 49-yard touchdown strike. The next ULM drive was their first really unproductive drive as they had a three-and-out that resulted in -7 yards. Northwestern responded with a six-yard touchdown pass from Preston Stone to Drew Wagner.
The fourth quarter was unfortunately not the best for ULM. They open the quarter with a punt after only gaining two yards on the drive. Northwestern responded with a 33-yard field goal from kick Jack Olsen. The field goal by Olsen with 8:43 remaining in the game proved to be the final points scored as Northwestern really pulled away in the second half and won by a score of 42-7.
Final pic.twitter.com/03fqxK1PcY
— ULM Football (@ULM_FB) October 4, 2025
While the result was not what ULM wanted, there were some positive takeaways from the game. ULM had zero turnovers. Taking care of the ball is key. The reason ULM lost was the lack of execution in key moments. Missed opportunities lined up for ULM in the first half and Northwestern made some adjustments at the half to really set the game out of reach.
Quarterback Aidan Armenta ended his night 10-19 passing with 129 yards and a touchdown. Braylon McReynolds had just 8-carries for 49 yards. Nic Trujillo had 2-receptions for 61-yards and a touchdown, while big play threat Jake Godfrey had just 2-receptions for 26-yards.
Defensively it was a rough outing. Noah Flemmings led the way with 8-total tackles, while Kamrin Canterbury had two tackles including a tackle for loss. D’Arco Perkins-McAllister did not hear his name called much as he was not targeted much and finished the night with just two tackles.
ULM returns to action Saturday, October 11th at 7:00 p.m. ET on the road at Coastal Carolina on ESPN+ in a Sun Belt matchup between two teams that really need to forget about the past a secure a big victory.
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