Arkansas State Red Wolves vs ULM Warhawks Preview

Date: Saturday October 29th, 2016

At: Centennial Bank Stadium (30,964) Jonesboro, Ark.

Kickoff: 6 PM

Radio: EAB Red Wolves Sports Network (107.9 FM flagship)

Television: ESPN3 / watchESPN

Live Stats: astatestats / astateredwolves.com

Live Game Notes: twitter.com/astategameday

Vegas Line: Ark St. - 20 O/U 55

Series Record: Ark St leads 23-14

Records: Ark St 2-4 (2-0 conf) ULM 2-5 (1-2 conf)

Matt Viator leads his ULM Warhawks into Jonesboro Saturday night in a Sun Belt showdown that appears to be a tale of two programs going in different directions this season. ULM is coming off a 59-17 drubbing at New Mexico and trying to figure out a way to get a second conference win while trying to settle on one of his young quarterbacks to lead the offense. While a rejuvenated rushing game and stout defensive efforts have led the Red Wolves to 2 consecutive conference victories and back on the path to the Sun Belt championship.

ULM OFFENSE

The Warhawk offense comes into the game ranked 83rd in passing offense averaging 214 yards per game. ULM lost QB starter Garrett Smith against Texas St and last week facing New Mexico, gave RS freshman Will Collins his first start. The result: 0-7 with a pick 6 thrown on the first pass and given the hook late in the second quarter. Enter true freshman Caleb Evans who goes onto the game and finishes 12-15 for 120 yards and 1 TD. Coach Viator insists that Collins will get the start Saturday night against ASU but don't be surprised if things go wrong early that Evans makes another appearance.

The rushing offense is ranked 63rd in the NCAA and averaging 173 yards per game. The rushing game is led by sophomore Ben Luckett who most Red Wolves fans will remember as being responsible for ripping off an 85 yard touchdown run in last years game. Luckett has had two 100 yard rushing games this season and is averaging just 52 yards a contest.

ULM DEFENSE

Opponents are passing for less than 200 yards a game on the defense which makes them an impressive 30th in the country in pass defense. The bad news is that opponents are feasting on the porous Warhawk rushing D to the tune of 298 yards per game placing them at 128 in the country. ULM is giving up 41 points a game and doesn't seem to be able to stop anyone.

LAST WEEK

ULM 17 New Mexico 59

Ark St OFF

USA TODAY NCAA FOOTBALL COACHES SALARIES

Arkansas State-Blake Anderson $700,000 annual - #2 Sunbelt—#119 Overall

La Monroe- Matt Viator $390,000 annual - #10 Sunbelt —#127 Overall