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Louisiana-Monroe vs. Southern prediction and game preview for the season-opener between the Warhawks and Jaguars. Louisiana-Monroe vs. Southern
September 1, 2016Louisiana-Monroe vs. Southern prediction and game preview for the season-opener between the Warhawks and Jaguars.
Date: Saturday, Sept. 3
Kickoff: 6:00 p.m. ET
Venue: James L. Malone Stadium, Monroe, La.
Broadcast: ESPN3
ULM’s new-look defense vs. Lenard Tillery
Garrett Smith started as a true freshman last season and still managed to throw 17 touchdowns in 10 games despite being sacked 24 times, tied for second-most in the Sun Belt. ULM’s running game, which ranked near the bottom of the FBS with seven rushing touchdowns, looks to take a step forward with the return of senior Tyler Cain after he missed all of last season with a torn ACL.
Southern was great against the run last year, holding five opponents to fewer than 100 yards. It’ll also have defensive back Bryan Anderson ready for the opener, marking his first game since 2013 because of knee issues.
ULM brought in Missouri transfer Dayton Balvanz to be its new punter. Southern coach Dawson Odums said he won’t make a decision on his kicker until game time.
Matt Viator enters his first season in the FBS after leading McNeese State to five FCS playoff appearances in 10 seasons, including a 10-1 mark and a Southland Conference championship last year.
Spread: Louisiana-Monroe -16.5
Over/Under: No line
ULM might have some trouble with Tillery, but they’ll have enough offensively to overcome it.
Final Score Prediction For Louisiana-Monroe vs. Southern: ULM 38, Southern 24