Troy hits the road to play ULM

After three straight key victories for Troy, the team now travels to Monroe, Louisiana, to take on the ULM Warhawks this Saturday at 2 p.m. 

The Trojans enter with a 4-2 record and sit at 2-0 in Sun Belt Conference play. ULM is just a game behind them at 3-3 and 1-1 in the conference. The Warhawks are coming off a 23-8 loss on the road to Coastal Carolina. 

When Troy and ULM clashed a year ago, it was a defensive battle that finished in a 13-9 win for the Warhawks at Veterans Memorial Stadium. Defense will once again likely be a key factor. In all three of the Warhawks’ victories, their opponents have been held to 25 points or less, including a shutout against Saint Francis. 

That defense is led by its secondary. Linebacker Noah Flemings has a team-high of 34 tackles, with defensive backs Carl Fauntroy and Kamrin Canterbury not far behind with 28 and 25, respectively. The defense also has forced six turnovers and 19 pass deflections. 

The Warhawks have faced offensive struggles. Against Northwestern and Coastal Carolina, the team had a combined 15 points. The passing game has not been kind, as starting quarterback Aiden Armenta has yet to amount for more than 200 passing yards in a game. 

The run game is the bright spot for the offense with running back Braylon McReynolds. The Mobile, Alabama, native averages 6.2 yards per carry but has only found the endzone twice so far. Against the Chanticleers, McReynolds put together 78 yards on 14 carries. 

Troy leads the all-time series 12-9, with the Trojans winning four of the last six matchups.

The Trojans have faced tough times in Malone Stadium; when traveling to Monroe, Troy is just 4-6-1 all-time. 

The key for both teams will rely on offensive production. ULM has struggled to find its rhythm over the previous two games and may look towards a more focused ground attack.

Troy has shown plenty of ability offensively, but only after slow starts have forced the team to dig themselves out of holes.  

A quick start from Troy has the potential to establish the outcome of the matchup early on. 

Troy and ULM will kick off at 2 p.m. at Malone Stadium in Monroe, Louisiana. The game will be broadcast on ESPN+ and the Troy Sports Media Network.