Week 4: Louisiana-Monroe at Tulane

Neither team deserves its poor record heading into this one, but at least one team will improve its mark with a win. Louisiana-Monroe had a near-miss 28-27 loss at Arkansas and a 34-0 defeat at Auburn. Likewise, Tulane lost at Alabama and at home to mid-major darling East Carolina 28-24. ULM and Tulane have one win combined, but both are better than their record.

Surprisingly, the Louisiana schools separated by about 250 miles are meeting for only the second time. ULM coach Charlie Weatherbie said he likes the matchup, but added that Tulane (a Conference USA member) is not a step up from ULM. “Tulane is an in-state opponent, and we do recruit some of the same players,” Weatherbie said. “Both teams want to win, and we’ve got a lot of players from south Louisiana. So this is a big game for everybody. These out-of-conference games are really emphasized, but I don’t consider Conference USA or the WAC any different than we are (in the Sun Belt).”

A big key to the game will be Tulane’s ability to rattle ULM dual-threat quarterback Kinsmon Lancaster, who has shown considerable poise this season. Lancaster, ULM’s leading rusher and passer, had interception troubles early in his career, but he hasn’t thrown a pick in 162 attempts dating back to last season. Tulane leads the nation in sacks per game (4.5) and must pressure Lancaster into returning to his past tendency of poor decision-making.

Notes:

Safety James Truxillo tore his ACL and probably won’t return this season, and defensive lineman Alaric Coleman may be lost for the year with a back injury.

ULM’s defense has not allowed a point in the first quarter this season and only two touchdowns in the first half through three games.

Tulane’s defense has only allowed 114 total yards in the first half of its two games (38 by Alabama, 76 by East Carolina).

Tulane has an 11-game winning streak versus in-state teams other than LSU.

Key Player (Warhawks) — Chance Payne, SS

The senior inherited a starting spot when James Truxillo went down with a knee injury. The part-time QB, punter and running back has filled holes before. Last week, he was one of ULM’s best defenders in his starting safety debut.

Key Player (Green Wave) — Kevin Moore, QB

The sophomore has set a career-high in passing yards in both games this season, but he only has one touchdown toss and two interceptions. Moore must lead Tulane to points, and not just yards.

ULM by 3