The ULM Warhawks (3-1, 1-0 Sun Belt) are flying high as they prepare to defend Malone Stadium against the undefeated James Madison Dukes (4-0) this Saturday at 6 p.m. in a nationally televised Sun Belt Conference clash. Both teams bring momentum into what promises to be a fierce battle, making this a must-watch game on ESPNU.
A New Era for the Warhawks
Under the guidance of first-year head coach Bryant Vincent, ULM has started its 2024 campaign with an impressive 3-1 record, the team’s best start since 2014. Last week, ULM pulled off a gritty 13-9 victory over Troy, snapping a 10-game Sun Belt losing streak in a battle of defenses. Freshman running back Ahmad Hardy has been the star of the show, rushing for over 100 yards twice this season, including a 106-yard performance against Troy that secured the only touchdown of the game.
This season marks the start of a new chapter for the Warhawks, who underwent a complete roster overhaul, adding 73 new players after losing a significant portion of their 2023 squad. Coach Vincent’s approach has been all about toughness and resiliency—qualities that shone through in their victory over the back-to-back Sun Belt champions last week. Vincent has made it clear: this team is ready to compete at the highest level.
“The character and toughness of this team are incredible,” Vincent said after the Troy game. “We’re building something special here, and this game against James Madison is a big step in that process.”
Key Players to Watch
- Ahmad Hardy: The freshman sensation has been a revelation for ULM. Hardy ranks fourth in the Sun Belt with three rushing touchdowns and fifth in rushing yards per game (74.3). His ability to wear down defenses late in games has been a crucial factor in the Warhawks’ success.
- General Booty: ULM’s redshirt junior quarterback has provided stability under center, completing 28 of 53 passes for 241 yards and a touchdown. He will be crucial in keeping James Madison’s high-powered offense off the field.
- Wydett Williams Jr. and Carl Glass Jr.: These two defensive standouts have been the backbone of ULM’s defense. Both have registered 34 total tackles and have been key in shutting down opponents’ passing attacks. Williams Jr., who has two interceptions this season, will be tasked with containing James Madison’s explosive receiving corps.
The Dukes: An Offensive Powerhouse
James Madison enters this game as one of the hottest teams in the Sun Belt. With a perfect 4-0 record, including a dominant 63-7 win over Ball State last week, the Dukes have established themselves as a formidable force. Quarterback Alonza Barnett III has been electric, throwing for 1,022 yards and 12 touchdowns while rushing for an additional 247 yards. Barnett leads a balanced offense that ranks second in the conference in total yards per game (453.8) and scoring offense (44.0 points per game).
The Dukes’ ability to strike quickly and efficiently will test ULM’s defense, which has held opponents to just 20 points per game—the second-best in the Sun Belt. The Warhawks will need to slow down Barnett and limit the explosive plays that have been a hallmark of James Madison’s success.
The Battle in the Trenches
ULM’s offensive line, anchored by veterans like Elijah Fisher and Jay Mickle, will have their hands full against a James Madison defensive front that allows only 114.5 rushing yards per game. Controlling the line of scrimmage and opening up lanes for Hardy will be critical if ULM hopes to keep pace with the Dukes’ offense.
On the other side of the ball, ULM’s defensive line, led by edge rusher Billy Pullen, will look to disrupt Barnett’s rhythm. Pullen, who ranks fourth in the conference in sacks per game, will need to bring pressure consistently to force mistakes from the James Madison quarterback.
Home-Field Advantage
Saturday’s game is ULM’s biggest home game in recent memory, and Coach Vincent is calling on Warhawk Nation to pack Malone Stadium.
“This is the time for Monroe to unite,” Vincent said. “We’ve got an incredible opportunity in front of us, and we need every fan to show up and make this a true home-field advantage.”
With the game being nationally televised on ESPNU, the Warhawks have a chance to show the country just how far they’ve come in Vincent’s first season at the helm. A win against an undefeated James Madison would not only give ULM its best start since 1993 but also send a message to the rest of the Sun Belt that the Warhawks are a force to be reckoned with.
Prediction
Expect this to be a hard-fought battle, with ULM’s defense and run game being key to their success. If Hardy can continue his strong season and the defense can contain Barnett, the Warhawks have a real chance to pull off the upset and improve to 4-1.
Final Score Prediction: ULM 20, James Madison 17
