ULM Athletic Communications; featured photo by Luke Richard
MONROE — ULM handed James Madison its first loss of the season Saturday night with a dramatic 21-19 victory at Malone Stadium. The win marks the first time ULM has started 4-1 in the FBS era and is the best start since 1993.
The Warhawks improved to 4-1 overall and 2-0 in the Sun Belt Conference. JMU dropped to 4-1 and 0-1.
“We’re starting to learn how to win,” said ULM Head Coach Bryant Vincent. “It’s personal to us that we bring back the pride to ULM. When we unite as a town, we can build something special here. I’m just proud of this town.”
ULM grinded out the win after getting scores on a 38-yard Ahmad Hardy rushing touchdown, a scoop and score forced by Seidrion Langston that was picked up by Daniel Knudsenand a 12-yard touchdown pass from Aidan Armenta to Jake Godfrey.
The Warhawks won despite being outgained 399-257 in total offense. ULM’s defense forced four turnovers on downs, including two in the final two minutes of the game, to seal the win.
Individually, Hardy led ULM’s rushing attack with 82 yards. Armenta completed 17-of-30 passes for 147 yards. Godfrey was the Warhawks’ leading receiver with seven catches for 60 yards. Artis Cole added two catches for 46 yards, including a 30-yard completion from Armenta.
Defensively, Wydett Williams Jr. was ULM’s leading tackler with nine total tackles and a pass breakup. Carl Glass Jr. had a 13-yard sack and seven total tackles. Langston forced the key fumble, which was scooped up by Knudsen for one of ULM’s scores.
ULM will look to keep things rolling at home next Saturday versus Southern Miss in the team’s homecoming game on Oct. 12 at 4 p.m. from Malone Stadium.
“We’re proud, and we’ve got to get ready to defend [Malone Stadium] next week,” said Vincent.