This week, we got in touch with Dusty Thibodeaux of Warhawk Report as the Flames prepare to take on Louisiana-Monroe on Saturday at 7 p.m. EST. You can follow Dusty @warhawk_report on Twitter.
ASOR: What are some of ULM’s biggest strengths?
Dusty Thibodeaux: The strength is special teams play, in particular the kicking game by Calum Sutherland. This is something the Warhawks have not had in seasons past – flashback to the Florida State loss in 2019 due to a missed PAT in OT. At times, this year’s defense has been good. But others, the secondary has been torched for big play after big play.
ASOR: What are some of ULM’s biggest weaknesses?
DT: The offensive line has kept everyone from knowing what this ULM offense can or cannot do and are without a doubt the biggest weakness. QB Chandler Rogers has the potential to be a solid Sun Belt QB but is forced into too many bad situations due to bad o-line play. At times though, Andrew Henry has been able to break free for huge rushing plays.
ASOR: What is the biggest change, good or bad, from ULM’s 2020 team?
DT: The good, ULM finally has some hope with the addition of Terry Bowden as head coach to show how an FBS program should be operated. This finally lays the foundation for the program to be successfully rebuilt, however the bad of just how far down this program was is shining through. The bad is with the recent blowout losses, the locker room is on the cusp of being lost just like it was in 2020, when the Warhawks were non-competitive in a winless season.
ASOR: Who are some players to watch?
DT: ULM has college football’s best named player in Boogie Knight. Boogie is also a potential game changer at the receiver position and as a kick returner.
Linebacker Traveion Webster and DB Adam Sparks are standouts that anchor the defense
ASOR: What matchup are you most excited to see?
DT: After back-to-back blowout losses to Coastal Carolina and Georgia State, I’m just anxious to see how the Warhawks come out for this game. Will they compete and make this a game, or is hope lost on the season and it’s another huge spread covered by an opponent?
