From the other side: ULM

By Drew Champlin

Published: October 29, 2009

A big thanks to Tabby Soignier of The News-Star in Monroe for her help.

1. What’s your feel on the QB situation for this weekend?

I think that back up Cody Wells will start and will play until he gets in trouble but that’s an if and when situation. Trey should be limited just because his throwing hand is still very sore so I don’t expect to see much of him unless ULM digs a hole very early on.

2. How are Trey Revell and Cody Wells different from last year’s starter Kinsmon Lancaster?

Trey is a more well rounded quarterback. Kinsmon could run very well and throw somewhat OK. Trey can do both. He was an option QB in high school and so he can tuck it and run when needed, but also has the arm strength to throw very long passes and has the receivers to do it. Wells cannot run very well and usually stretches the field when he’s in the game because his arm, like Revell’s, is also very legit.

3. Many thought ULM would be at the bottom of the league this year, but that’s obviously not the case. Why?

Seniors and leadership. ULM has 19 seniors on this team and 20 returning starters. They always talk about the pain of losing those close games and there were 5 of them last season. They now know what it takes to win the close ones and the talent level does not hurt. The new hires in the offseason have also been a tremendous boost. Defensive coordinator Troy Reffett really has sold his new defensive scheme to some guys that have been starting for 3 or 4 years. The offensive line coach Vance Vice has also turned a big question mark in the offseason to a pretty dependable unit.

4. What have been the strengths and weaknesses of the ULM defense so far?

The strengths have been the playmakers at every position. On the line, you’ve got defensive end Aaron Morgan, who is leading the conference in sacks. Then at linebacker is two longtime starters in Josh Thomas and Cardia Jackson, a preseason all conference selection. The secondary is led by James Truxillo, who is in a Hawk position. Though he missed all but two games last season with a torn ACL, he seems to be making up for lost time. He also missed last week against Kentucky with an injury he sustained against Arkansas State, so he’ll be even more antsy to go come Saturday.

This new formation really helps stop running offenses. The pass oriented teams can sometimes use the 3-3-5 to their advantage to get off a big play. The pass protection must be perfected to go against Troy, a team that some of the defensive players have compared to Texas.

5. How do you see the game going?

I think Troy will jump ahead early and ULM will have to play catch up in the second half to make it a very close ball game that can go either way.