The ULM Warhawks took the Arkansas Razorbacks to the wire but came up short losing 28-27 in front of 55,048 fans in War Memorial Stadium Saturday night.
Things didn't start out good for the Warhawks as they found out that starting running back Frank Goodin was unable to go with an uspecified injury. Juco RB Rodney Lovett filled in nicely carring the ball 17 times for 66 yards with a long of 14.
ULM took another big defensive hit early as starting bandit James Truxillo went down with a leg injury and did not return.
ULM took a 24-6 lead in the 3rd quarter with 6:11 on a Gary Frazier 1 yard touchdown run. The Warhawks extended their 10-6 halftime lead early in the third quarter when Kinsmon Lancaster found Anthony McCall on a perfectly thrown 33 yard touchdown pass.
In the second quarter McCall scored the Warhawks first offensive touchdown of the season when he hauled in a one yard pass from Lancaster. McCall ended the night with 6 catches for 125 yards and 2 touchdowns.
The play of the game came with 1:33 left and Arkansas facing a fourth and 1. Coach Bobby Petrino rolled the dice and came up aces two times during the play. Quarterback Casey Dick was hit by Aaron Morgan as he released but still got enough on the ball to get it downfield. Razorback receiver Chris Gragg out jumped 2 ULM defenders and pulled down the pass for the first down.
Two plays later Dick found D.J. Williams for the 8 yard touchdown pass to give Arkansas the 28-27 lead. Williams was a thorn in the Warhawks side all night catching 5 passes for 124 yards and 2 touchdowns. Michael Smith returned to the lineup for Arkansas and rushed the ball 22 times for 157 yards and 2 touchdowns.
ULM quarterback Kinsmon Lancaster turned in a terrific night throwing the ball completing 23/39 for 270 yards, 2 touchdowns and zero interceptions.
Defensivley ULM was led by Redshirt Freshman Nate Brown as he recorded 12 tackles (11 solo) and one sack. DE Aaron Morgan registered 7 tackles and picked up 2 sacks on the night.
The Warhawks still had a chance to win the ball game and quickly moved the ball deep into Arkansas territory. The drive stalled with a shoved pass to Lovett was dropped setting up a 45 yard field goal attempt by juco kicker transfer Jeremy Gent. Gent's kick sailed well right and the Razorbacks were able to take a knee and run out the clock.
The Warhawks will return to action next week as they host Alabama A&M in Malone stadium.<.p>