2011 Louisiana-Monroe Football Predictions

Written by Steve Janus

The Louisiana-Monroe Warhawks finished 5-7 in the first year under head coach Todd Berry. Overall it was a pretty successful season when you take into the fact that Berry had just nine returning starters coming back last year. The Warhawks finished tied for fourth with a 4-4 record in conference play, which included a disappointing 35-42 overtime loss at FIU. This year ULM has 17 starters back, and should really show some improvements in Berry’s second season. Here is a look at what the Warhawks will send to the field on both sides of the ball, plus my prediction on where they will finish in the Sun Belt.

Offense:

In Berry’s first season the Warhawks started freshman Kolton Browning at quarterback, and overall I think they have to be excited about his potential moving forward. Browning completed nearly 62% of his passes for 2,552 yards with 18 touchdowns. He did throw 12 interceptions, but you have to expect that when you throw a freshman out there. I look for big improvements from Browning in 2011.

ULM wasn’t nearly as effective in the running game as they have been in years past. They averaged just 120 yards a game, and totaled just 13 rushing touchdowns on the season. They lose starter Frank Goodin, but it won’t be difficult to top his team-leading 438 yards in 2010. Sophomore Jyruss Edwards finished third on the team with 375 yards on just 84 attempts as a freshman, and will be asked to take over the lead role this season. Last year Browning finished second on the team with 385 yards and four touchdowns, and should continue to be a factor in the running game.

At wide receiver the Warhawks have two of the top talents in the Sun Belt in seniors Luther Ambrose and Anthony McCall. Ambrose led the team with 65 receptions for 752 yards and six touchdowns, while McCall added 43 catches for 505 yards and three scores. Also back are sophomore wide out Tavarese Maye and junior tight end Keavon Milton.

The offensive line didn’t produce at a very high level in 2010, and that was a big reason why the Warhawks struggled to move the ball in the running game. This year they should really see some big improvements up front, as all five starters are back.

Defense:

The Warhawks run a 3-4 scheme on the defensive side of the ball, and the front three really look like they will be strong in 2011. ULM returns star defensive end Ken Dorsey, who racked up five sacks and seven tackles for loss last year. They also return senior Troy Evans at the other defensive end spot, but will have to find a new starter at nose tackle.

At linebacker ULM will bring back its three leading tackles from last season, and this unit really figures to make life hard on opposing offenses. The best of the bunch is junior Cameron Blakes, who finished with 74 tackles and six sacks as a sophomore, but seniors Jason Edwards and Darius Prelow are both more than capable of holding their own in the middle of the field.

The unit that will draw the most concern is the secondary. The Warhawks return sophomore corner Otis Peterson and sophomore free safety Isaiah Newsome, while adding in senior strong safety Nate Brown and sophomore corner Vincent Eddie. With three sophomores expected to start, you can expect opposing offenses to really test this unit and make them prove they can stop the pass.

2011 Prediction: 3rd Sun Belt – I really expect big things out of the Warhawks in 2011. While I have them pegged slightly behind both FIU and Troy, I wouldn’t be surprised at all if they ended up winning the Sun Belt this season. ULM beat Troy by two touchdowns in 2010 and nearly knocked off FIU on the road.

Sun Belt Football Predictions by Team
Troy Football Predictions	Florida International Football Predictions
Arkansas State Football Predictions	Louisiana Monroe Football Predictions
Middle Tennessee State Football Predictions	North Texas Football Predictions
Western Kentucky Football Predictions	Louisiana Lafayette Football Predictions
Florida Atlantic Football Predictions

College Football Predictions
ACC Football Predictions	Big 12 Football Predictions
Conference USA Football Predictions	Independents Football Predictions
PAC 12 Football Predictions	SEC Football Predictions
Big East Football Predictions	Big Ten Football Predictions
MAC Football Predictions	Mountain West Football Predictions
Sun Belt Football Predictions	WAC Football Predictions

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