ULM Warhawks 2023 College Football Preview
July 2, 2023
2022 Recap
Record – 4-8
ATS – 5-7
“Here we go again. Again.” <Tugg Speedman> <Scorcher VI – Global Meltdown>
The Warhawks felt pretty good about themselves after taking down Louisiana to even their record at 2-2. However, they couldn’t hold it together and proceeded to go on a four-game losing streak. They played well in losses to Coastal Carolina and South Alabama (both seven-point defeats) but just couldn’t seal the deal. Once again, ULM ended the campaign with a record of 4-8.
ULM Warhawks 2023 Outlook
OFFENSE
The Warhawks struggled (yup, again) on offense LY and couldn’t do much on the ground (121 YPG, #104 FBS) or thru the air (#101). There’s bad news to report as their promising young QB Chandler Rogers left the program and he was the star of the show in 2022. It’s unclear what to expect from the QB position as the battle for the starting gig will be between a pair of virtual unknowns, backup Jiya Wright and Louisiana transfer Hunter Herring. The Warhawks also lose their top-two RBs from LY’s squad and hope to replace that production with a pair of Power 5 (!) transfers, including one from YOUR Miami Hurricanes (Thad Franklin). The best development to report is the return of 2nd Team Sun Belt honoree WR Tyrone Howell who did an excellent job in 2022 (852, 17.0, 6 TD). It’s unclear what the Warhawks have behind him on the depth chart, so stay tuned. Three starters with good size return up front but they’ll definitely miss LT Victor Cutler.
DEFENSE
ULM has been somewhat of a TRASH HEAP on defense for a while, and the last time they allowed fewer than 30 PPG was way back in 2014 (26.3). They ranked #122 in scoring defense LY (34.4) and #110 in total defense (428 YPG). Five starters return on this side of the football and the DL could be a problem area as they’re a relatively small group that lacks experience. Hopefully, Kent St transfer DT Adin Huntington can make the impact that coaches are expecting to see. The LB group retains just one starter but at least it’s a good one in #2 tackler Tristan Driggers. The secondary appears to be the strength of the defense as it features an experienced CB duo and a fine addition from the transfer portal in safety AJ Watts (Akron). This still appears to be a weak defense overall and it’s unclear where the PENETRATION is gonna come from up front.
SPECIAL TEAMS
RUH ROH. The Warhawks need to find a new punter as well as a replacement for their reliable PK Calum Sutherland (10-11 FG LY). They could also use a lot more spice in the return units.
Schedule Analysis
Overall – Two of their non-conference dates are winnable (Army, Lamar; both at home) but their heads will be served up on a platter when they travel to Texas A&M and Ole Miss. The draw from the East is nasty as they must face Appalachian St and Troy, but at least both of those tests are in Monroe.
Potential ATS Trouble Spot – at Ole Miss (Nov 18)
This could be a letdown spot for the Rebels, but note that ULM has their biggest game of the year on deck (rival Louisiana), and Ole Miss never stops trying to SCORE the FOOTBALL. This is probably a game to avoid from a betting standpoint.
Season Win Total
Market consensus July 2
Over 3.5 +130
Under 3.5 -150
MEGALOCKS says:
Lean: Under
There’ an excellent chance that they go 1-3 in non-conference play. Can they book three conference wins to hit the ‘over’? That won’t be easy. If you want to roll with the ‘over’ you should be able to find a flat ‘3’ out there.
MEGAmazing Tidbits
The Warhawks first and only winning season came back in 2012 when they went 8-5 behind the golden arm of ULM legend Kolton Browning.
For those visiting the Monroe area, we recommend booking your stay in June so you can check out the HOTTIES in the Miss Louisiana Pageant. Monroe has been the host of the event for the last 60 years, but you never know when Karen may get the event canceled, so check it out.
MEGALOCKS Forecast:
It figures to be a long season in Monroe. There’s just no way of knowing how the QB situation is gonna play out and the defense still appears to be lacking in playmakers. The schedule isn’t going to do them any favors but hopefully they can get off to a good start and go from there. The coaching won’t be a problem tho and you know these guys will jump up and SHOCK the WORLD at some point. We don’t see them making a bowl game but will be cheering for them nonetheless!