Week 11: Louisiana-Monroe at MTSU

Neither team has a conference championship or bowl berth in its immediate future, but both are eager for some late season momentum. Louisiana-Monroe is accustomed to such a late surge. The Warhawks have posted a winning record in their final five games the last four seasons, including a 4-1 mark to end last season with their lone loss coming to MTSU. ULM has won two of its last three games and is coming off a win over previous Sun Belt front-runner Troy.

MTSU has posted a four-game winning streak in each of coach Rick Stockstill’s two seasons, but time is running out for another one with only four games remaining this season. The Blue Raiders have played well even in defeat in non-conference games, but have mostly struggled in their Sun Belt schedule. Both teams have dropped out of the title chase, but their season’s direction is still uncertain. ULM has three straight road games remaining to end the season, and it can still finish 6-6. MTSU can do likewise, or at least salvage the season for one of the nation’s youngest teams.

There’s some intrigue surrounding the quarterback position. ULM senior starter Kinsmon Lancaster is amid a career year, but he suffered a knee injury last week and was replaced by sophomore Trey Revell, who led the team on a game-winning TD drive. Lancaster is a lightning-quick runner who has given MTSU trouble in the past, and ULM coach Charlie Weatherbie says he should be OK to start, but Revell may also play. MTSU has split time between senior Joe Craddock and sophomore Dwight Dasher. Craddock has been a more consistent QB, but some think Dasher’s snaps should increase to prepare him for the starting role next season.

Though little is on the line in terms of the conference race, last year’s meeting suggests this game could carry drama. MTSU beat ULM 43-40 in Monroe last November in a game that featured 10 lead changes, including two touchdowns in the final 57 seconds.

Notes:

MTSU’s offensive line was already depleted by preseason injuries. Now starting guard Colin Boss (shoulder) and freshman tackle Alex Stuart (hip) are both out this week.

Over the last three years, ULM is 7-2 over the final four games of the season. Its only losses in that period were 42-40 to Kentucky and 43-40 to MTSU.

Despite a couple of recent sub-par outings, MTSU quarterback Joe Craddock is only a few yards off the pace to break the school’s single-season passing yardage record.

Key Player (Warhawks) — Greg James, S

The junior needs one more interception to tie former MTSU standout Bradley Robinson for the Sun Belt career interceptions record.

Key Player (Blue Raiders) — Malcolm Beyah, WR

The freshman broke out with 400-plus receiving yards and four TDs in his first five collegiate games, but he has only 49 yards in the last three games. Beyah’s only a freshman, but MTSU needs his spark.

ULM by 6