Last year’s dispiriting outcome against the ULM Warhawks represented the fourth consecutive loss for the Red Wolves, another effort marked by puzzling offensive anemia and shocking defensive breakdowns. Starting Warhawk’s quarterback Aiden Armenta, who had struggled with the pass all season, tossed a pair of touchdowns. The Red Wolves, who had opened the game with 10 first quarter points, put up a pair of field goals for the remainder of the game. The 28-16 loss was the first Warhawks win over the Red Wolves in fifteen years.
Legend has it that after the game, the team had a “come to Jesus” reckoning, which would trigger a turnaround that resulted in much improved defensive play and a berth in college football’s first and only XBox Bowl. But that musty feather taste in our mouths lingered. You simply do not lose to ULM – Arkansas State had enjoyed an unblemished record since 2009. To be dunked on by the Washington Generals was a humiliation difficult to overcome.
On Saturday, Butch Jones and the Red Wolves have an opportunity to exorcise its raptorial demon. Arkansas State has won its last two, enjoyed a restful bye, and receives the Warhawks in friendly confines. And yet, the unease remains. The one-win Warhawks bared their claws against Troy two weeks ago, giving the Trojans a full measure of the same indignity Red Wolves had endured a season earlier. Bryant Vincent’s team is not without its dangers.
ULM is Getting Trounced Off and On the Field
This September, a very helpful and totally unbiased Shreveport attorney and member of Louisiana’s Board of Regents recommended that all of the state’s Sun Belt affiliated schools take a dip into the FCS: “I don’t think much of the public would know the difference if they all play the same level,” said Wilbert Pryor, “(ULM, Louisiana and Louisiana Tech) just have to have a self-realization and put a humble cap on. They have to have a humble pie.”
It is worth mentioning that the athletics department for LSU, the school from which Mr. Pryor holds a degree, is currently operating $44 million in debt, which doesn’t seem very humble to me. But when you have voices like Pryor advocating for your demotion, you have problems.
Nobody will ever mistake ULM athletics for being a department buttressed by wealth. But the Warhawks have endured despite a current college athletics landscape that values cash over sportsmanship. ULM is what college sports was supposed to represent – the opportunity for student athletes to compete in the spirit of fair play. Too bad that Pryor, who played football for Vanderbilt, doesn’t see it that way.
ULM’s On Field Situation isn’t Much Better
When Bryant Vincent arrived to Monroe in 2024, he seemed to bring with him a fresh attitude of professionalism. He’d win five out of his first six games as head coach for the Warhawks – and then lose six straight. The next season started with similar promise, with ULM winning three of its first four – and then close out the season with eight straight losses.
For fans hoping that Vincent could sustain those fast starts a bit longer in 2026 are disappointed. Before picking up a wacky upset over Troy. the Warhawks lost its first six games, including in-state defeats to Southeast Louisiana (FCS), Louisiana and Louisiana Tech. ULM currently ranks 131st in Total Defense and 116th in Total Offense. In the Sun Belt, the team’s offensive ranks 10th in passing and 12th in rushing. No defense in the SBC has allowed more points. Only Old Dominion’s offense has scored fewer. It hasn’t helped that ULM lost one of its most experience offensive lineman, Roscoe Tucker, for the season.
There are bright spots. Quarterback Aidan Armenta has shown some ability to push the ball downfield with the pass, just recently throwing two TD passes in a loss to Southern Miss. Fourth-year linebacker Noah Flemmings is a legit tackle machine with 30 solos on the season. Even having missed four field goals on the season, kicker Abram Murray is an upgrade over last season. Basic football ingredients exist.
Red Wolves Are Beginning to Know Thyself
I asked head coach Butch Jones whether or not the Red Wolves had finally found their identity. “We’ll see after (the ULM game),” Okay then!
Since the defensive collapse against South Alabama, the Red Wolves have enjoyed a fine defensive performance in a victory over Southern Miss followed by an encouraging offensive performance in a win over Georgia State. In the latter, starting QB Trey Owens totaled four touchdowns (two passing, two running) and led the offense that was both balanced and effective. The defense is still breaking too often, but when the offense is humming, the defensive bend is enough for the win.
Jones is prone to saying that a team needs several games to truly know itself. Several games into the season, we’re beginning to see a team that doesn’t lack for reliable receivers, can run the ball using multiple running backs, and can force turnovers at critical moments.
Arkansas State Might See the Return of Linebacker Nigel Nelson
Butch Jones and his staff can be a little cheeky when promising the return of injured players, but the head coach has mentioned Nelson’s possible return to the gridiron more than once. Fans will remember Nelson limping off the field during the season opener with Memphis with initial reports of a season-ending broken ankle. Apparently, that report leaned extreme.
A healthy Nelson would represent an instant upgrade to the Red Wolves run defense. A match-up with the Warhawks would be an ideal situation for a re-introduction to the field. “I think he’ll be a game time decision,” said Coach Joness. “He’s a young man whose done everything to put himself in position to play.”
(On a negative note: Coach Jones confirmed that OL Sterling Wiggins is out for the season.)
The Final Analysis
The Red Wolves will want their pound of flesh. Coach Jones has discussed his concern about the bye interrupting momentum, but quite frankly, facing a Warhawks team coming off a bruising road loss to Southern Miss is an ideal situation following a week layoff.
That said, Arkansas State cannot afford to allow rust to shake confidence. If the Red Wolves execute in the manner Jones prefers best (sticking with the game plan), then Arkansas State should emerge from Week 10 with its third straight victory.
IMAGE: Mine