Dec 2016 mag

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CONTENTS

12.1.16 2016 / VOLUME 2 / NO. 12

3 Common Pain Myths and Facts 6 Louisiana Tech 7 Northwestern State 8 Louisiana College 10 LSU 14 Nicholls State 16 ULM 18 McNeese State 20 Southeastern 22 Interview with Julius Maracalin 28 Southern 32 Grambling State 36 University of Louisiana

38 Tulane www.LouisianaGridironFootball.com

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Andrew Bryson, Owner/Publisher LGF

STAFF Andy Bryson- Owner/Publisher

Laura Norsworthy– Senior Editor

Kristen Bryson– Editor

Phil Blanchard– Intern

Jason Saucier– Photographer

Alec Miller– Intern

Dylan Barbier - Photographer

Bradley Abadie– Intern

Christian Moore– High School FB

Patrick Mchaffey– Writer

Terry Biggs– NFL Writer

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By: John Paul Guidry DPT CSCS

The International Association for the study of pain defines pain as an unpleasant sensory and emotional experience associated with actual or potential tissue damage. While some may argue that this definition needs to be tweaked I think it is a good starting point in understanding what pain is. Pain is our body’s alarm system and although it can be unpleasant it is 100% necessary for survival. In this article we will address some common pain myths that I hear from both the general public and in the medical community. Most patients that I see do not have an accurate understanding of what pain really is so hopefully today we can clear up some of these misunderstandings.

Myth 1: Pain is associated with damage Pain is 100% of the time an output of the brain. Your brain can magnify or reduce pain based on the perceived threat of the situation you are in at that moment in time. It may or may not be associated with damage to tissue in the body and the level of pain is not well correlated with the level of tissue damage.

Most injuries heal within 3 months’ time so pain that lasts beyond this time frame is unlikely coming just from the tissues. Medical imaging can be a good tool these days to quickly discover a serious condition or injury. The downfall of these great tools is that it does show everything even if those results may not have anything to do with the pain a person experiences. There are multiple studies out there demonstrating MRI results of various parts of the body with things such as disc bulges, arthritis, spinal stenosis, meniscal tears, and rotator cuff tears in 4060% of people with no history of pain in those areas. Another good example of this is phantom limb pain, which is pain experienced in a limb that has been amputated. Not only is there no damage to be associated with the pain there is no physical body part there as well, yet the person still feels pain in that amputated limb. These are both good examples that illustrate you can have damage without pain and pain without damage Myth 2: Pain is all in your head If we go back to the statement that pain is 100% an output of the brain, this is not to be confused with saying that pain is in your head. Pain is a very real experience 100% of the time and each person’s pain is a very individual experience, which is why it can be hard to understand what a person in pain is feeling.

Although psychological variables such as anxiety, depression, your social environment, anger or fear can affect your pain levels the pain that you feel is still very real.

Myth 3: You need specific exercises in order to get out of pain for a certain area of the body A common misconception is that people with back pain need to do core strengthening exercises. Studies have shown that general exercise such as walking is just as effective as low back specific exercises for decreasing back pain. In reality, the best treatment to help you get control of your pain and restore function is education, movement based exercise, graded return to activity and manual therapy. A proper dose of each differs from person to person, so it is important to find the right medical practitioner to help guide you along and eventually progress you to having full control of your own treatment. These are just a few of the many common pain myths out there.

For more information on what we have to offer or for more information on pain and recovery please visit my website at www.guidrypt.com

www.guidrypt.com John Paul Guidry DPT, CSCS

JohnPaul@guidrypt.com

61700 Hwy 434 Unit D

Phone (985) 882-8427

Lacombe, La 70445

Fax (985) 882-8429

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Louisiana Tech receivers Trent Taylor and Carlos Henderson have been selected as two of 10 semifinalists for the 2016 Biletnikoff Award. The Tallahassee Quarterback Club (TQC) Foundation, Inc., the Florida-based creator and sponsor of the Biletnikoff Award, announced Monday, Nov. 14 their list of semifinalist. The Biletnikoff Award recognizes the college football season's outstanding receiver regardless of position. Any player who catches a forward pass is eligible. It is a season, not a career, award. Actual performance on the field, not potential performance, is the basis for inclusion on the watch list and for determination of semifinalists, finalists, and the winner. The award’s semifinalists are selected by vote of the distinguished members of the Biletnikoff Award National Selection Committee. In his senior season, Trent Taylor continues to impress on a national level as he leads the Bulldogs with 1,462 receiving yards, a mark that ranks fourth in the nation, while the Shreveport native has hauled in 10 touchdown catches this season. LA Tech’s other threat, Carlos Henderson, is ranked second in the nation with 16 receiving touchdowns on the season, while the redshirt junior is 11th in the country with 1,204 receiving yards.

Both Taylor and Henderson are ranked third in the country with 176 combined receptions between the dynamic duo this season. With both Taylor and Henderson named semifinalists, it marks the first time since the 2012 season that two players from the same team have been named semifinalists for the Biletnikoff Award. That same year, LA Tech legend Quinton Patton was also named a semifinalist for the prestigious award.

Former Bulldog Troy Edwards won the award in 1998 after registering 1,996 receiving yards and 27 touchdowns on 140 receptions (166.3 yards per game). The 2016 Biletnikoff Award winner will be presented live on December 8, 2016, on The Home Depot College Football Awards Show to be broadcast 7-9 p.m. (EST) on ESPN.

Ryan Higgins has been selected as one of 10 midseason additions to the 2016 Manning Award Watch List, it was announced by the organization on Oct. 12. The Manning Award was created by the Allstate Sugar Bowl in honor of the college football accomplishments of Archie, Peyton and Eli Manning.

It is the only quarterback award that includes the candidates’ bowl performances in its balloting. The winner will be announced after the bowls in January and will be honored at a ceremony in New Orleans. Through 12 games, Higgins is averaging 336.9 passing yards per game, a mark that ranks fourth in the nation. Higgins and the Bulldogs are putting up some of the best offensive numbers in school history this season as LA Tech enters the second half of the season ranked seventh in the nation in total offense and fourth in passing offense.

Louisiana Tech kicker Jonathan Barnes has been named one of 20 semifinalists for the 2016 Lou Groza National Collegiate Place -Kicker Award for the second consecutive season, the Palm Beach County Sports Commission announced Thursday, Nov. 3.

The annual award, which is presented by the Orange Bowl, goes to the top kicker in college football. After being named a semifinalist in 2015, Barnes continues to shine as a junior for the Bulldogs, having connected on 17 of 22 field goals this season for an 77.3 make percentage, which ranks in the top 50 in the nation entering Week 14 of the season. Barnes is currently ranked 10th in the nation with 117 total points scored this season. At one point this season, the junior kicker had made 14 straight field goals for the Bulldogs this season, which was tied for the longest streak in the nation among active kickers. Barnes is currently ranked second in Louisiana Tech history with 165 extra points made, while he is also ranked fourth in school history with 51 field goals made in his career with the Bulldogs. Barnes’ career percentage on field goals made (78.5 pct.) and extra points made (97.6 pct.) currently ranks first in Louisiana Tech history.

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The NSU senior class has been rock-solid in the face of a frustrating season. In many ways, coach Jay Thomas says these seniors are his favorite all-time class because they’ve been such good leaders from January through today. Five already have undergraduate degrees: DE Okezie Adim-Madumere, DB Jahvez Barnes, DE JeMarcus Marshall, WR Tuff McClain, and QB Brooks Haack (from UL Lafayette). Nearly everybody else will graduate either in December or May. Nine are starters (or have been) this year, five on offense: WR Tuff McClain, WR Shakeir Ryan, injured OL Terrance Boyd, C. Cameron Hussey, RB De’Mard Llorens, QB Brooks Haack, DE JeMarcus Marshall, DB Adam Jones, DB Darius Poullard. Offensively, Boyd had 30 career starts, McClain and Ryan will get their 27th Saturday, Hussey goes for the 16th game in his two years at NSU, and Llorens gets his 11th (although he has 431 career carries, near the Demons’ top 10). Defensively, Jones will start for the 41st time, while Marshall gets his 21st, and Poullard has 14 and may start Saturday if able. Six are fouryear lettermen: OL Terrance Boyd, DB Adam Jones, WR Tuff McClain, DE JeMarcus Marshall, DB Darius Poullard, WR Shakeir Ryan.

As seniors depart, a lot should return. The Demons will lose 21 seniors, but the bulk of the NSU squad is expected back in 2017. The Demons will return an amazing 59 lettermen, including 36 who have started at least one game (16 on offense, 20 on defense). Llorens enters career rushing top 10 Senior running back De’Mard Llorens has moved into the Demons’ career top 10 in rushing yards, supplanting Donald Johnson (1969-72) for 10th. The Natchitoches Central product, who will graduate in December, has 2,287 yards on 431 carries (5.3 yards per carry) with 24 career rushing TDs, adding 4 more TDs receiving. He’s averaging 121.2 ypg in the last 5 games, and 105.7 ypg in the last 6 outings since missing nearly all of the UCA game and the entire SLU contest with a bruised shoulder. Llorens is 147 yards away from 9th on the Demons’ career rushing list. Donald Johnson had 2,434 from 1969-72. He is tied for fifth all-time at 24 rushing TDs, matching Clarence Matthews (1992-95). Fourth is 25 by Sidney Thornton (1973-76). The record is 34 (Derrick Johnese, 200205). Llorens shares the single-game rushing TDs record (4, at Nicholls last year). At Lamar, his 211 yards on 25 carries were both career highs. His rushing yardage was the best for a Demon since Byron

Lawrence went for 231 in the 2007 season finale victory over Stephen F. Austin. Nobody since Lawrence ended his remarkable career in 2008 had carried it 25 times in a game for NSU. Llorens had 24 totes last year at Nicholls, one of four 20-carry games he posted as a junior. He has two more this year, six total in his career. Not too shabby for a walk-on who was not wanted by the previous coaching staff. In his season (2012) at Missouri Southern, Jay Thomas tried to get Llorens to head to Joplin, then became his head coach in spring 2013 here.

Ryan, McClain rank among career receptions leaders He’s done it low key, while Ed Eagan was piling up pass receptions at NSU, but senior WR Shakeir Ryan ranks second only to Ed among the most productive receivers in Demon history. He caught three balls against McNeese to climb past Derrick Doyle for the No. 2 spot. At ACU, he threatened his career best (8 vs. UAB as a freshman) with 7 receptions.

Senior WR Tuff McClain, a former walk-on, has dislodged from the career receptions top 10 two members of the Demons’ Top 100 Players of All-Time roster chosen in the 2007 NSU football centennial celebration.

Llorens leads Southland in rushing Senior De’Mard Llorens tops all conference backs with an 84.3 overall rushing average, and also leads in conference play only at 99.3 rushing average per game. His 7.3 average per carry in Southland games shares the league lead with teammate Ronald Green.

Green ranks 7th in rush yards per game (54.5) in conference play. Overall, Green ranks 9th overall (55.7 ypg).

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As the season closes for Louisiana College, there are a number of stand out players who deserve some special attention. One of these players is certainly Shedrick Davis. Most recently he broke the single game receiving touchdown record with four scores in one game. Also against McMurry he had his sixth 100 plus yard game of the season. Throughout this season Shedrick has been one of the Wildcats’ best and most consistent offensive weapons. No matter how good the receiver is, no team can function without a lot of talent at the quarterback position.

Eason Melancon has done an amazing job getting the ball to his receivers. In fact, Louisiana College has four players with at least 300 or more receiving yards this year. Shedrick Davis (1,002 yds), Lamar Carroway (633 yds), Lawrence Williams (481 yds), and Farron Jones (378 yds). While some might assume that Melancon only throws to these players, nothing could be further from the truth. Twelve different players have caught passes this season, and eight different players have recorded receiving touchdowns.

Another player worthy of special praise is Aurren Cooksey who is the second player in Louisiana College modern history to have back to back 1,000 yard rushing seasons with 1074. The only other player to accomplish the feat in back to back seasons in 2012 was Ryan Montague. Earlier this year, Cooksey also broke the 2,000 yard career rushing mark. He is the third in Louisiana College history to do so.

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On the defensive side of the ball, the most notable players include: Willie Smith, Lecorey Demease, Doriel Yeager, and Anthony Hargrave. All of these players have picked off three passes this season. Louisiana is one of only two schools in the ASC with the distinction of having more than two players that have three interceptions or more.

For next season we can look forward to the depth of this Wildcat team due to the high number of young and talented players. I only look to see more great things from this talented young team.

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LSU brings one of the nation’s top defenses into the game as the Tigers have allowed just 11 touchdowns all season, the fewest in the FBS. Overall, LSU ranks No. 2 in the SEC in rush defense (115.2), No. 3 in scoring defense (14.1) and total defense (308.1) and No. 5 in pass defense (192.9). Offensively, LSU is averaging 25.7 points and 406.1 total yards (220.2 rushing, 174.0 passing) per game. RB Derrius Guice leads LSU and ranks No. 4 in the SEC with 96.4 yards rushing per game (964 yards, 10 TDs).

He’s followed by Leonard Fournette (843 yards, 8 TDs). QB Danny Etling is 5-3 as the starter for the Tigers and has completed 124- of-212 passes for 1,582 yards, seven touchdowns and four interceptions. His top targets are Malachi Dupre (30 rec., 404 yards, 2 TDs), Travin Dural (28 rec., 280 yards, 1 TD), and D.J. Chark (21 rec., 360 yards, 3 TDs). Defensively, LB Kendell Beckwith, one of five finalists for the Butkus Award as the nation’s top linebacker, leads the Tigers and ranks No. 2 in the SEC in tackles with 91 (9.1 per Derrius Guice set the new single game rushing record for LSU at Texas A&M with 285 yards

LSU Bowl-Eligible For Record 17th Straight Season By virtue of their 38-10 win over the Arkansas Razorbacks, the LSU Tigers have become bowl-eligible for a school record 17th consecutive season. LSU has played in a bowl game each year since 2000.

LSU’s current streak of 17 straight bowl appearances ranks No. 5 nationally, trailing only Florida State (34), Virginia Tech (23), Georgia (20), and Oklahoma (17).

LSU’s Defense Has Allowed Just 11 TDs In 10 Games LSU’s defense has given up just 11 touchdowns in the first 10 games of the season. The 11 TDs leads the SEC and the nation, and the Tigers are the only team in the country that hasn’t allowed an opponent to score more than 21 points in any game this season.

The Tigers are No. 6 in the FBS in scoring defense, allowing just 14.1 points per game, and have given up just 141 points total which is fourth nationally.

Tiger Defense Ranks Among Top 3 in SEC in Scoring, Rushing and Total Defense The LSU defense has been one of the best in both the SEC and nation as the Tigers have allowed just 11 touchdonws all season.

Overall, LSU ranks No. 3 in the SEC in scoring defense (14.1 points per game), No. 2 in rushing defense (115.2 yards per game) and No. 3 in the SEC in total defense (308.1 yards per game). Opposing teams are averaging 4.7 yards per play, with 3.2 yards per carry average on the ground. Under head coach Ed Orgeron and associate head coach/defensive coordinator Dave Aranda LSU has held teams scoreless in 13 of a possible 24 quarters.

LSU Dynamic Backfield LSU features the only backfield in the nation with 2 players who have rushed for 250 yards or more in a game this season (Leonard Fournette 284 vs. Ole Miss; Derrius Guice 252 vs. Arkansas). Overall, LSU has three backs (other Darrel Williams) who have rushed for 100 yards or more in a game this year.

game). Other defensive leaders for LSU include LB Duke Riley (81 tackles, 8.0 tackles for loss, 1.5 sacks, 1 Int.), S Jamal Adams (65 tackles, 4.5 tackles for loss, 1 Int.), DT Davon Godchaux (52 tackles, 6.5 tackles for loss, 4.5 sacks) and OLB/DE Arden Key (50 tackles, 12.5 tackles for loss, 10.0 sacks, 10 QB hurries, 3 forced fumbles). Cornerback Tre’Davious White ranks No. 2 in the SEC with 10 pass breakups to go along with 28 tackles, 3.0 tackles for loss and two interceptions. White has returned an interception and a punt for a TD this year.

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Seven LSU Players Earn SEC Weekly Honors This Season

Fournette Reaches 40th Career Touchdown Milestone

LSU senior Tre’Davious White, sophomore Arden Key, freshman Josh Growden, sophomore Derrius Guice, senior Ethan Pocic, junior Leonard Fournette and senior Lewis Neal have all earned SEC honors this season. White was named the SEC Co-Special Teams Player of the Week the second week of the year after he returned a punt 60 yards against Jacksonville State to become the first non-offensive player to score touchdowns in the first two games of the season in LSU history. Key and Growden were instrumental in LSU’s 23-20 win over Mississippi State to open conference play as Key was named the SEC’s Defensive Lineman of the Week and Growden was named the SEC Co -Special Teams Player of the Week. Key had five tackles and 2.5 tackles for loss, including a forced fumble and two sacks. Growden averaged 49.2 yards per punt with a 65 and 61-yarder, with the latter coming in the waning minutes of the fourth quarter. Guice rushed for a career-high 163 yards and three touchdowns in LSU’s win over Missouri to earn SEC Offensive Player of the Week Honors, as Ethan Pocic was the SEC’s Offensive Lineman of the Week after helping power the Tigers to a school conference record 634 yards of total offense, 418 of those on the ground. Fournette earned his seventh career weekly league honor after his record-setting performance against Ole Miss, while Pocic earned his second this season in being the Co-Offensive Lineman of the Week. Neal was named the defensive lineman of the week after his 11 tackle performance against Alabama, while Guice and Pocic pulled honors for the second time on the same week after Guice’s 252 yards and two scores and Pocic helping anchor a line that produced 390 yards rushing and 547 yards of total offense.

Junior running back Leonard Fournette scored three times against the Arkansas Razorbacks, giving him 40 for his career to become the fourth player to do so, tying Charles Alexander for third all-time at LSU. Fournette stands six touchdowns away from tying Kevin Faulk’s record of 46.

Dalton Hilliard is second on the list with 44. It was his sixth game with multiple scores, one shy of the record he set in the Texas Bowl with four rushing touchdowns.

Etling is 6 and 3 as a starter for LSU

Arden Key Second in SEC in Sacks, First in Sacks Per Game Ranking Fifth in Nation LSU sophomore OLB/DE Arden Key is second the SEC in total sacks with 10.0 and ranks fifth in the nation and tied for first in the conference in sacks per game with 1.00. Key has registered at least a .5 sack in eight of 10 games this year as he is now tied for third in the single-season category at LSU alltime, two away from Oliver Lawrence’s record of 12 set back in 1989. His 12.5 tackles for loss ranks sixth in the SEC. Key is also second in the SEC and ranks 18th in the nation in fumbles forced with three.

Sharing the Wealth So far this season, LSU quarterback Danny Etling has completed passes to 13 different players in the eight games he’s played in. Four players in Malachi Dupre, Travin Dural, D.J. Chark and Leonard Fournette have double-digit receptions on the year at 20, 28, 21 and 15, respectively. Last season just five players had double-digit receptions, with 16 total catching passes on the year. Etling has passed for 200-plus yards in five of the nine games he’s played in, while completing 58.5 percent of his passes.

Fournette Becomes Fastest Back To 3,000 Rushing Yards in LSU History

Etling Is 6-3 as Starter at LSU LSU junior QB Danny Etling came off the bench to lead the Tigers to a win over Jacksonville State in week 2. Etling, a transfer from Purdue, has started eight straight games for the Tigers and is now 5-3 as LSU’s starting quarterback earning wins over JSU, Missouri, Southern Miss, Ole Miss and Arkansas, with the only losses coming at the last second on the road at Auburn and at home to Florida and against Alabama.

In his fourth carry of the game against Wisconsin, junior running back Leonard Fournette eclipsed the 3,000-yard mark, becoming just the fourth player in program history to do so and the fastest, needing just 26 games and 572 total rushing attempts. Fournette finished the game with 138 yards on the ground on 23 carries, his 16th career 100-yard rushing game at LSU, and for his career is averaging 126.1 yards on the ground, 6.4 yards per carry on 19.7 attempts per game.

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Ed Orgeron Gets His Dream Job

By LSU Athletics Ed Orgeron, who led the Tigers to a 5-2 mark as interim coach over the past two months, has been named LSU's head football coach, vice chancellor and director of athletics Joe Alleva announced on Saturday.

Orgeron, a native of Larose, Louisiana, becomes the 33rd head football coach in LSU history. Orgeron, who has also served as head coach at Ole Miss and Southern Cal, is 11-4 in his past 15 games as a head coach, which includes a 6-2 mark as interim coach at USC. "This is a great day for LSU and for all of Louisiana," Alleva said. "We got our man and he's been here all along. Coach Orgeron has demonstrated his ability to run this program with excellence, even under difficult circumstances. Coach ‘O' earned this job.

"I worked closely with (LSU) President Alexander and board leadership throughout a very deliberate process. By the end of that process, our decision was clear. Coach Orgeron took us step by step through every aspect of his plans for this program and there was no question that he is the man to lead LSU football."

Since taking over as interim coach of the Tigers on Sept. 25, Orgeron guided LSU to a 5-2 mark, beating four Southeastern Conference opponents – Missouri, Ole Miss, Arkansas and Texas A&M – all by double-digits. LSU's two losses during that span came by a total of 16 points as the Tigers held top-ranked Alabama scoreless for three quarters and came up a yard short in falling to Florida, 16-10.

In seven games under Orgeron, LSU set offensive records for most yards in a SEC game (634 vs. Missouri), longest scoring play from scrimmage (Derrius Guice 96-yard TD run vs. Arkansas), and twice set the school single-game rushing record (Leonard Fournette 284 yards vs. Ole Miss, Derrius Guice 285 yards vs. Texas A&M).

Defensively, LSU held opponents scoreless for 14 of 28 quarters under Orgeron and limited the opposition to an average of 10.3 points per game over the seven contests. With 39 points, Texas A&M became the only team to score more than 21 points against LSU this year. Overall, LSU's defense, under Dave Aranda, ranks in the top three in the SEC in three major categories – scoring, total defense and rushing defense.

Orgeron originally joined the Tiger staff in 2015 as defensive line coach, before adding the title of recruiting coordinator in the spring of 2016.

In his first year with the Tigers in 2015, Orgeron's defensive front served as a catalyst for a Tiger defense that ranked No. 3 in the SEC in both rushing yards (122.9 yards per game) and sacks (34). Six times in 2015 LSU's defense help opponents to fewer than 100 yards rushing in a game, including limiting Mississippi State to 43 yards in the season-opener and Texas Tech to 29 in the Texas Bowl.

Prior to joining the LSU staff, Orgeron's last coaching stop came at Southern Cal where he served as recruiting coordinator and defensive line coach for the Trojans for four years (2010-13). Orgeron was elevated to interim head coach at USC for the final eight games of the 2013 season, leading the Trojans to a 6-2 mark over that span.

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As a player, Orgeron was a four-year starter on the defensive line for Coaching Experience Northwestern State, captaining the Demons as a senior. He received 1984 Northwestern (La.) State (graduate assistant) his bachelor's degree in liberal arts from Northwestern State in 1984.

He starred in football, basketball and track at South Lafourche High in 1985 McNeese State (graduate assistant) Galliano, La. On the big screen, Orgeron played himself in the 2009 Oscar-nominated movie, "The Blind Side."

1986-87 Arkansas (assistant strength coach)

Ed Orgeron File

1998-2004 Southern Cal (defensive line, 1998-2002; recruiting coordinator, 2001-04)

1988-92 Miami (Fla.) (graduate assistant, 1988; defensive Born July 27, 1961, he and his wife, Kelly, have three sons, Tyler, and line 1989-92) twins Parker and Cody. Tyler is a member of the LSU football support staff, while twins Parker and Cody are in their first year as part of the 1994 Nicholls State (linebackers) McNeese State football team.

1995-97 Syracuse (defensive line)

Year at LSU: Second (appointed Jan. 14, 2015)

2005-07 Ole Miss (head coach)

Birthdate: July 27, 1961, in Larose, La. Wife: Kelly

2008 New Orleans Saints (defensive line)

Children: Tyler, Parker, Cody

2009 Tennessee (defensive line/recruiting coordinator)

High School: South Lafourche High School (Galliano, La.)

2010-12 Southern Cal (defensive coordinator/defensive line/recruiting coordinator, 2010-13; interim head coach, 2013)

College: Northwestern State (La.), 1984 Playing Experience 1981-84 Northwestern (La.) State (defensive line)

2015-16 LSU (defensive line; recruiting coordinator, 2016; interim head coach, Sept. 25, 2016, head coach, Nov. 26, 2016)

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By Alec Miller

ning back C.J. Okpalobi took a heavier workload once fellow teammate Dontrell Taylor had to miss a couple of games due to injury. Okpalobi’s numbers may not be too impressive compared to others in the conference but there is no doubt that he was productive when he was in. The Colonels frequently played from behind so they had to abandon the run at times and usually split carries among running backs out the backfield. Okpalobi rushed 161 times and racked up 569 yards and 5 touchdowns on the ground. He was also productive coming out of the backfield catching an additional Freshman quarterback Chase Fourcade was named the start17 passes for 212 yards and one touchdown. Fellow teammate er Week 1 against the University of Georgia. He managed to Dontrell Taylor rushed for another 417 yards and 4 touchdowns to keep the starting job the entire season and has excelled in all give the Colonels a total of 23 rushing touchdowns. I am sure once 11 games. The former Archbishop Rummel Raider has acChase Fourcade grows more confident and comfortable in the counted for 27 touchdowns with 9 rushing touchdowns and offense that Coach Rebowe will approach a more balanced offen18 passing touchdowns. Fourcade was known as a dualsive style. threat quarterback coming into college but people were hesitant to see a freshman call all the shots. He rushed 102 times and gained 459 yards on the ground. Fourcade also completed 201 passes for 2,482 yards. His longest touchdown of the season came on an 80-yard bomb to his number one receiver, C.J. Bates, in a conference game against Central Arkansas.

Nicholls State football has come a long ways from their previous seasons. Despite finishing with an overall 5-6 record, the Colonels managed to finish out 5-4 in Southland Conference play. A touchdown or fewer points decided seven out of the eleven games. The Colonels were not a team to step over by any means and if you did not out them away early, they would come back with a fight. Nicholls State has a lot to look forward to with years to come.

I see something special in Chase Fourcade. He did a lot better than I imagined a freshman quarterback to do and I am sure the Colonel coaching staff is pleased with how their quarterback has performed this year. In most games, the Colonels were playing from behind and that forced Chase to play under a lot of pressure and that can turn to be detrimental to a young player. However, Fourcade showed great poise and performed well in times he faced adversity. The dual-threat quarterback has tremendous play-making ability and can throw the ball very well. He will look to capitalize on his freshman campaign upon returning to Nicholls State next season.

There is little to question that Chase Fourcade was the main factor of the offense, but there were several players who were key contributors this year for the Colonels. Senior runwww.LouisianaGridironFootball.com

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C.J. Bates, another key contributor to the Colonel offense, had a productive senior year and led the receiving corps with 54 receptions for 821 yards and 9 touchdowns. Bates’ 9 touchdowns led the team with the closest being Damion Jeanpiere with 6 touchdowns. Jeanpiere had chemistry with Chase Fourcade prior to coming to Nicholls State considering the two played together in high school at Archbishop Rummel in New Orleans, LA. It was nice to see the chemistry transfer over to the collegiate level. The coaching staff will look to capitalize on the quarterback/receiver tandem next year as the Colonels head into the 2017 season. Jeanpiere caught 36 passes and racked up nearly 500 yards as a freshman. The Colonels were a pass-heavy team as they constantly trailed behind in games so Fourcade liked to spread the ball around. However, it was clear that Bates and Jeanpiere were his favorite targets as they accounted for 15 of the 18 passing touchdowns this year.

Ronald Ollie was another defensive player who made an immediate impact in his first season with the Colonels. He tied for 15th in the Southland Conference with 6.5 tackles for loss with two of them going as sacks as well. He totaled 41 tackles and returned a blocked field goal 84 yards for a touchdown in Much of the pride and glory went to the offensive unit this year but a win at Houston Baptist. The transfer student from Shubuta, Coach Rebowe’s defense will be something to talk about in the com- MS has made a warm welcome at Nicholls State and will be a ing years. Two of the leading tacklers for the Colonels this year were strong candidate to lead the Colonel defense next year in his freshman. Even more impressive is that both freshmen played all 11 senior year. games this season. Allen Pittman and Sully Laiche accounted for 95 Nicholls State has grown into a better team every game this and 60 tackles respectively. Pittman, the redshirt freshman, also recorded 7.0 tackles for loss and 2 fumble recoveries. Laiche forced season. The offense will only get better with the addition of Chase Fourcade in charge. They can compete with anyone in 2 fumbles this year and also recorded 9.5 sacks. In addition to his impressive freshman season, Sully Laiche was named first-team hon- the Southland Conference. The only problem is that the defense needs to come together closer as a unit. If the defense oree in the All-Southland Conference. Nicholls State had six first/ second team selections to the Southland Conference, which was the can stop a couple of drives, they will win more games because the offense will put points on the board no matter who the most in the school’s program since 2007. Look for this defensive opponent is. The Colonels have a young, talented team and I unit to excel next season with their talented freshmen. have high hopes for them next season. Go Colonels!

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By: Phil Blanchard The month of November has been well for the Warhawks.

They played three games total for the month and won two of those three. One of those wins came from an overtime thriller in Monroe, LA and the second win came from a stellar performance by Thomas Koufie, who scored 5 touchdowns during that game and being honored after the game for his efforts. The Warhawks struggled in their final game of the month against Appalachian State, but played well and to the best of their abilities. Appalachian State is at the top of the Sun Belt conference and is also expected to play in the conference title game.

In the Warhawks first game of the month against South Alabama, ULM had to work overtime on that day, and it was effective as they would go on to win that game in overtime 42-35. Caleb Evans made his first start of his career and passed for 279 yards and three touchdowns on 26-of-38 passing including the game winner of 7 yards to Green, which would win the game for the Warhawks.

Following an interception by South Alabama defensive back Jeremy Reaves late in the fourth quarter, the jaguars had a chance to win it in regulation with a field goal. ULM blocked the kick to get the game to overtime. Evans found RJ Turner in the end zone for the apparent go-ahead score that was later overturned on review. Green made a catch over the middle moments later. South Alabama still had a chance to tie or go ahead but quarterback Dallas Davis was sacked

by Cortez Sisco on fourth down to end the game. Even after a late interception thrown and the Turner score being wiped away Evans, who is a freshman, stayed poised to lead the Warhawks to victory.

This was a good victory for ULM and one that was a great win for the fans who attended. The Warhawks also were successful on all of their fourth down conversions that night, which helped then stay in the game and eventually led to the win.

The following week had ULM travelling to Georgia State at the Georgia Dome to take on the panthers in what would be an exciting game for the Warhawks. ULM came into this game with a long road game losing streak that went back almost two years. That streak was snapped for that game as the Warhawks would defeat Georgia State 37-23. This was a record breaking game for ULM player Thomas Koufie, who became the first player in Louisiana Monroe history to rush for five touchdowns in a game. He rushed for 201 yards on 31 carries to get those five touchdowns.

After that game, ULM seemed to have found its identity after looking lost without quarterback Garrett Smith. An offense that could do little right against New Mexico and Arkansas State has evolved into a punishing ground attack powered by Koufie and multi-dimensional threat Caleb Evans at quarterback. It may have taken the Warhawks a couple weeks to figure it out, but there they were with a clearly defined personality that helped them win the game against Georgia State. Other than the safety made by ULM in the first quarter, Koufie made all of the scores for the Warhawks that day. The Warhawks had 264 yards of rushing for this game compared to Georgia State’s 42. The total yards were similar with the panthers taking a slight edge; another interesting fact to point out in this game was that neither team had a turnover, also ULM ended up with more first downs which was almost double the first downs made by Georgia State.

After the game against Georgia State, the sophomore running back Koufie was named the Sun Belt Conference offensive player of the week. That recognition was special for the Warhawks, as the team would receive their second consecutive offensive player of the week award. The previous honor came from the performance by Quarterback Caleb Evans after he played very well against South Alabama.

Koufie also became the first Louisiana Monroe running back to run for 200 plus rushing yards since Irving Spikes ran for 231 yards against Idaho in 1993. www.LouisianaGridironFootball.com 16

The next week had the Warhawks traveling to Appalachian State with hopes to win the remainder of their games in the season to become bowl eligible. ULM had recently come off of back to back wins, the first time this has happened since 2014. The Warhawks fell short against App State as they would lose that game by a score of 42-17.

Appalachian State was too strong for ULM, having almost double the total yardage than the Warhawks did and slowing down the Warhawks offense that was very strong the previous weeks.

During the first quarter, ULM would get down the field and would score a field goal by Craig Ford, but App State scored two touchdowns in the quarter to get ahead early by 14-3. The Mountaineers would score again in the second quarter, but the Warhawks would answer back before the half with a running touchdown by quarterback Caleb Evans. Coming back from halftime App State started to run away with the game as Cox would run in for a 5 yard touchdown, and later quarterback Lamb ran in a 35 yard touchdown. The Warhawks made their final points of the game early in the fourth quarter when Austin Vaughn got the ball on the ground and ran it in for a 16 yard touchdown.

Appalachian State would score again in the fourth quarter as Marcus Cox would run in a 25 yard touchdown to give the final score of 4217. The effort by Cox from that game would propel him to become Appalachian State’s all-time leading rusher. The Warhawks had a bye week for the week of thanksgiving, which can help the team prepare for their final game against the Cajuns for the last game of the regular season.

The Warhawks have been looking up from the last season, coach Viator has done well in his first season as the new head coach for ULM. He would surely like to improve or have a better record for his first season, but this definitely leave room for improvement into the next season for the Warhawks. The next season should be exciting for players, staff and fans, but the season still has one more opponent left before it concludes.

Louisiana Monroe and Louisiana Lafayette have a rivalry that has spanned over decades, the two teams have met 51 times and has always been great contests when these two teams meet. ULL won last year’s game 30-24, and the last time ULM won the game was in 2013 by a score of 31-28. So far this year’s game looks to be a close one. Make sure you tune in to watch and see to comes in on top.

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Junior running back Ryan Ross became just the 14th player in school history to top the 2,000 career rushing mark milestone after his 87 yard game at SHSU put him at 2,069 in his career. Defensive Lineman Jammerio Gross also set a record with 7.5 sacks for the season. This is the most since 2006 when Bryan Smith collected 11.5 sacks on the year. McNeese’s defense as a whole is also setting records with their 3 defensive touchdowns scored this season ranking as the most in the SLC and 6th-most nationally. Gunnar Raborn made a career-long field goal (47 yds) against ACU. This was the longest field goal made for McNeese since Jean Breaux hit a 47 yarder at South Florida in 2012. Additionally 21 different sets of hands that have caught passes for the Cowboys during this season. Not to be left out, the offensive lineman Jimmy Converse became the 21st when he pulled in a battled pass against SHSU. Even special teams has set records with freshman punter Michael Mack setting down 18 punts inside the 20-yard line– leading the SLC. QB James Tabary has had quite a memorable first season with the McNeese Cowboys after he transferred from Arkansas State over the summer. He’s already set four new school records and is within striking distance of another. Tabary holds the single season school record for most completions (231), pass attempts (386), most 300-plus yard passing games in a season (4) and most 250-plus yard passing games in a season (6). With 2,801 passing yards on the year, he needs 268 against Lamar to become the single-season record holder, passing Blake Prejean’s 3,068 yards. His 384 yards vs. Northwestern State ranks as the second-most in a single-game in school history and 376 vs. Nicholls is the third-most. Junior DL Jammerio Gross continues to have a career season for the Cowboys.

Gross leads the team with 7.5 sacks on the year, which ranks him third in the Southland Conference. He had 4 sacks through his first two seasons coming into his junior year. It’s the most sacks by a Cowboy player in a season since Bryan Smith recorded 13.5 sacks in the 2006 season. Kavika Pittman holds the school record with 15.5 sacks in 1995.

True freshman running back Justin Pratt may be small in stature (5-foot-7, 188) but he carries quite a kick. Pratt has rushed for 100-yard games in two of his last three outings and is coming off a team season-high of 146 yards on 15 carries at Sam Houston State. He’s currently ranked second on the team with 410 yards rushing but leads the team with 6.1 yards per carry. He rushed for a then team season-high of 124 yards at Northwestern State back on Oct. 22. In the last three games, he’s averaging 100.7 yards per game rushing, 10.7 carries per game and 9.4 yards per carry. Senior DB/KR Khalil Thomas will enter Saturday’s game with 1,458 career kickoff return yards ranking him 4th on the school’s record list. He’s also returned 65 kicks in his career to rank him 4th all-time in school history, 7 away from moving into third. www.LouisianaGridironFootball.com

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By Bradley Abadie

The Southeastern Louisiana University Lions football team, led by head coach Ron Roberts, after nearly sweeping the month of October, completed a sweep of the month of November by going 3-0 against the Incarnate Word Cardinals, the Abileine Christian Wildcats, and their in -state divisional rival, the Nicholls State Colonels.

In Southeastern’s road game in San Antonio, both defenses prevailed in keeping opposing offenses out of the end zone in the first quarter. Incarnate Word’s lone field goal of the game gave the Cardinals a small 3-0 lead at the end of the first quarter, but the momentum flipped to the Lions’ favor in the second quarter when Lions’ running back Julius Marcalin kicked it into gear. On the first offensive play of the second quarter, Maracalin received a big hole from the offensive line, broke a tackle in the second level and went off to the races down the left sideline for a 56-yard run. Two plays later, Julius would pound it into the end zone to give the Lions a 7-3 lead. The Cardinals offense was hoping to respond with a touchdown of their own as their offense marched their way into the red zone, but the Lions red zone defense held up to force a field goal attempt, which would actually turn out be blocked by Lions’ senior linebacker Tre Bennett denying any point s on the drive! Once again, the defenses went back to their same old business and held each other without a score for the rest of the quarter, with Lions kicker Jonathan Tatum missing a 44-yard field goal as time expires in the first half.

In the second half, Southeastern would find their way into a groove on offense. Their first offensive drive went more than 50cyards down the field, but they could not convert near the goal line and would have to settle for a 24-yard field goal from Tatum. After the SLU defense forced a turnover on downs by the Cardinals, Lions’ quarterback D’Shaie Landor and receiver Juwan Dickey would connect three times on the same drive for 19 yards, 13 yards, and a 14yard touchdown reception to give the Lions a 17-3 lead. After the SLU defense forced the Cardinals second

consecutive turnover on downs, the Lions would get the ball back with 42 seconds left in the third quarter. Once again, on the first play of the drive Julius Maracalin would burst from the Lions’ own 30 yard line down the left sideline for a 50 yard run his second play of at least 50 yards. Then, in the beginning of the fourth quarter, Landor would convert on a third down pass to Juwan Dickey again for 16 yards and a score, but a blocked extra point would make the score 23-3, still in favor of SLU. Incarnate Word would finally get their only touchdown of the game on the following drive, but the Cardinals would not have enough to come back. One last touchdown drive capped off by an 8- yard Landor pass to fullback Juwaan Rogers would set the final score at 30-10.

The second November game against Abileine Christian was the final home game at Strawberry Field for the season, and Senior Night for the Lions football players. The Lions started off on defense, and stopped them five yards past midfield to force the Abileine Christian Wildcats to punt the ball away on their first offensive drive.

Now it was the Lions turn, and starting from the 12 yard line, Julius Maracalin, quarterback Justin Alo, and the Lion’s offense marched down the field for a long total of 4 minutes and 45seconds, capping off their drive with a 30-yard touchdown pass from Alo to fullback Juwaan Rogers. On the following drive, the SLU defensive unit stopped the Wildcats inside the 20 to force a field goal to make the score 7-3. The Lions would go right back to work on offense, and a long 45-yard run by Maracalin would set up Alo in the red zone for a 13-yard touchdown pass to wide receiver Brandon Acker, giving the Lions a 14-3 lead going into the second quarter. The Lions defense on the first drive of the second quarter forced the Wildcats to punt once again, but a botched return on special teams gave the Wildcats a second chance to score from the Lions red zone. It only took two plays to push the ball past the goal line and make it a four point game. On the Lions’ next two offensive tries, they were forced to punt for the first drive and Tatum the Lions’ placekicker, was unable to knock one through the uprights from 42 yards out. Between those two drives, the Lions’ defensive unit allowed another Abileine Christian field goal, separating the game by one point. The defense would make up for it on the next series by forcing the offense to punt and get the ball back to their own offense with less than two

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minutes. The Lions would take advantage of the little time they had by earning a 2-yard touchdown run by Maracalin, which was nicely set up by a 38-yard pass from Justin Alo to receiver Juwan Dickey, making the score21-13 for halftime.

The second half became a mostly tight defensive battle, with a couple of big third quarter plays. On the second play of the second drive in the second half, SLU linebacker Lee Spight would force a pivotal strip-sack fumble that would be recovered by the Lions and ran in for a touchdown, giving the green and gold a 28-13 lead. The Wildcats would quickly make up for it by completing a 22-yard pass and a 48-yard pass for a touchdown. A failed two point conversion would bring the score to 28-19, and a 23-yard field goal by SLU’s Tatum set up by a 44-yard pass from Alo to Acker would make 31-19 the final score of the game, as both defenses would hold each other from scoring at all in the fourth quarter.

The final game of the season for the Lions was the classic River Bell Rivalry against the well-known Nicholls State Colonels. This game had way too much action, offense, and overall craziness to go too far into detail, and it sure was a shame for whoever missed out on watching this rivalry game because it was a constant shootout, but the game shifted in momentum by quarter. I’ll summarize it in the quickest way possible. The Southeastern offense got off to a hot 14-0 start and was helped out by a tipped ball interception from the defense against Nicholls’ freshman QB Chase Fourcade.

Fourcade would lead the Colonels offense to three touchdowns against the Lions defense in the second quarter to take a one-score lead at halftime. Nicholls Stat placekicker

David McKey missed two field goals in the first half. The second half starts and on the end of the Colonels’ first offensive possession, McKey would miss his third field goal.

The Lions would get their lead back in the third quarter after the Lions’ earned their second interception of the game off of Fourcade and converted for a touchdown but failed the extra point. The Lions would score another touchdown off of good field position on their following possession, and the Lions would get the ball back on offense again on a defensive three-and-out and hold the ball with 1 minute 30 seconds left in the third quarter and another two minutes into the fourth before scoring another touchdown.

With 13 minutes remaining, the score was 34-21. Nicholls State and Southeastern would both trade blows on the next two drives scoring touchdowns on each other’s defenses, making the score 41-28. About five minutes separated the Lions’ last touchdown and their 22-yard field goal by Dillon Burkhard. By the time SLU had 44 points on the board, the Colonels now had only five minutes to recover a 16 point

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deficit. That comeback would be shortly delayed by Louisiana native and Lions cornerback Torrance Mosley as he would pick the ball out of the air from Fourcade, his third of the game. After the Lions had an unsuccessful 3 and out, Nicholls State got the ball back with 3:37 and made a run for the comeback. In 2 minutes and 19 seconds, Fourcade willed the Nicholls offense downfield for a touchdown and a successful two point conversion. The Colonels would without a doubt have to kick it onside, and somehow David McKey got it back to the Colonels. Fourcade and the Colonels would march down the field once again for another touchdown, but they would not complete the two point conversion that was necessary to tie the game at 44. Certainly the game would be over with four seconds left, right?

Wrong. David McKey and the Colonels converted another onside kick because that’s how crazy this game was. McKey had now seemingly done all he could do to possibly redeem himself now. An unsportsmanlike conduct penalty would move the Colonels up 15 yards after their second successful onside kick to SLU’s 37 yard line. Fourcade would have one final heave at the end zone, but alas, the very reliable junior safety Javon Tillman would swat the ball far enough away from any Colonels receiver, and the Lions could finally breathe a huge sigh of relief knowing that they would bring the River Bell Trophy back into Hammond Louisiana despite the chaotic Colonel comeback attempt.

-Team All-Southland selections in fullback Juwaan Rogers (Sr.) and offensive lineman Taylor Gadbois (Sr.), and three Second-Team All-Southland selections in running back Julius “Juice” Maracalin (So), linebacker Sione Teuhema (Jr.), and defensive back Javon Tillman (Jr). The Lions also had nine AllSouthland Honorable mentions that included wide receiver Brandon Acker (Sr.), wide receiver Juwan Dickey (Jr.), offensive lineman Travis Romero (Jr.), defensive lineman Anthony Murphy (Sr.), defensive lineman Jon Taylor (Sr.), linebacker Tre’ Bennett (Sr.), defensive back Will Hines (Sr.), defensive Southeastern finished strong this season, no doubt! After starting off back Max Lyons (Jr.), and my personal favorite on defense 1-3, Coach Ron Roberts and the Lions finished the season 6-1 in the this season, defensive back Torrance Mosley (Jr.). Congratuform of two 3-game win streaks! The Lions also finished third in the lations to Coach Roberts and all of the Lions players and staff Southland Conference with a record of 7-2 only, behind Central Aron such a successful 2016 season! kansas and Sam Houston State. The Lions also finished with two First

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Recently, I was lucky and gracious enough to have the honor and privilege of interviewing Southeastern Louisiana University Lions’ running back Julius “Juice” Maracalin. Here’s a little background info on Julius to start off with. Julius is born, home-grown, and raised in Plaquemine, Louisiana, attended and played football at Plaquemine High School, where he was a star. He earned the nickname “Juice” from his high school coaches because his style of dominant running reminded them so much of the 1968 Heisman Trophy winner, 1973 NFL MVP, and Pro Football Hall of Famer OJ Simpson. In his senior year of high school play in the Fall season of 2013, Maracalin had 315 rushing attempts for 2,230 yards and 29 touchdowns, and he was additionally named First Team Honors at running back in Louisiana Class 4A from the Louisiana Football Coaches’ Association and Class 4A All-State Honors from the Louisiana Sports Writers’ Association. He was offered a scholarship from a number of schools including Northern Colorado, Texas Southern, Rhode Island University, and Bryant University. He was even offered in the Spring of 2014 by Cam Cameron for a preferred walk-on spot on LSU’s football team. As soon as Coach Ron Roberts offered him a full scholarship though, he decided to sign on with the Southeastern Lions. Ever since then, there hasn’t been any looking back and he’s only been looking ahead toward the next thing…which is usually an open gap, or possibly the end zone.

After his redshirt year in 2014, he came out and ran for 102 carries, 590 rushing yards, and 3 rushing touchdowns in his freshman campaign in 2015. This season in 2016, he improved to 747 yards and 8 rushing touchdowns on 147 carries. Those 747 yards are good enough for 54th overall in the FCS rankings for rushing yards, and this is all with the understanding that he shared the backfield with three other running backs in Rasheed Harrell, Kaelyn Henderson, and Darius Durall throughout the entire season. Maracalin also recently received Second-Team AllSouthland Conference Team Honors at the running back position. We started talking about his performances during the year, and when I asked which individual performance stood out the most to him throughout the whole season, he told me that it was the game against Incarnate Word. “That game was special to me for a couple reasons. You know, that game was where I had almost 200 yards (*he had 191yards rushing to be exact), so that was big for me, but I felt like in that game I just ran wild and free, and I was able to put the team on my back.” That was exactly what he did in that game too, because he finished with a total of 34 carries against the Incarnate Word defense, the highest carry total for any running back on the team this whole season. In terms of the matchup he anticipated the most this season, it was definitely the matchup he said it was “most definitely” the River Bell Rivalry against Nicholls State. “Our teams and fans have been talking smack back and forth the whole season, and we wanted to get revenge on them from how things ended last year, so it was good to finally put all the talk to rest, let it play out on the field, and just actually play the game, you know.”

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Have you taken any advice or pointers from fellow running How do you mentally prepare yourself before game time? Is there back and former All-Southland running back selection anything you do to sort of hone in or focus your mind so you feel Rasheed Harrell, and this is what he had to say. ready?

Julius: “So, with my style, I’m usually more of a downhill runner, but Rasheed has helped me learn about how to make opposing defenders miss in open space.” I continued to ask him more questions to find out more about Julius as a running back, as a player, and as a person.

Julius: “What I like to do is just kind of visualize myself making plays.

I’ll usually try to do that about 20-30 minutes before kickoff starts…

I’ll really try to calm down to get into a calm peaceful mental state and visualize myself making the plays that I need to make so they become a reality on the field.”

So as a running back, what is your favorite part of the game when you get the ball in your hands? Do you like to make those defenders miss, break tackles, or are you one of those guys that likes to get physical and ‘bring the wood’?

Is there anything new that you’ll be looking to do in the offseason to help you improve upon your goals for next season?

Do you, Rasheed, and the rest of the running back corps try to use the mentality that y’all are constantly in competition with one another, or do y’all try to just focus on doing your own thing?

What do you appreciate the most about having Ron Roberts as your head coach?

Julius: “I’m not trying to change much, honestly, other than maybe working on enhancing my speed. I just try and continue to focus on Julius: “I mean, don’t get me wrong it definitely feels satisfy- my strengths and making myself better in those ways where I’m aling to know that you’re shedding tackles or dragging other ready strong. I also trust and believe a lot in what we do with Coach defenders with you or pushing the pile, but as a guy that Roberts, Coach Joe Graves and the rest of the offense. I will say that really enjoys the physical aspect of the game, I love being my favorite drill as a running back are Jump Cut Drills because it able put the boom on the opponent, and getting to hear helps with being able to avoid tackles in small spaces and making you’re your fans and teammates erupt from your own side- quick, split-second decisions in our runs. We don’t plan on changing lines.” much though; we want to keep using what works for us.”

Julius: “Oh we all definitely like to keep it a competition. I think that it brings out the best in all of us, and it keeps us motivated to continue running at our best, so yeah, we all thrive on that competition between each other.”

Julius: “I love Coach Roberts because he’s such a straightforward kind of guy who just tells it like it is, and he doesn’t mess around with you.

He’ll let you know when you’re doing things right, doing things wrong, or where you need to improve, and somebody like Coach Roberts is one of the main reasons that make our team continue to get better.”

Who are some high profile players as running backs that you admired in terms of playing style and wanted to emulate as you grew up watching football?

Lastly, who are your main inspirations and motivations off the field when you’re not playing football?

With that being said, what is one quality that you believe in about yourself which separates you from any other running back that you share the field with?

ual time with his professors to learn, and they are always willing to invest in his time outside of the classroom, just like he says Coach Roberts has done with himself and the rest of the players for the Lions football team in Hammond.

Julius: “I’d have to say my mom, my brother, and my cousins, beJulius: “Three guys that I’ve really liked growing up are guys cause they keep motivating me to get through all things in everyday like Emmit Smith, Walter Payton, and Adrian Peterson. Espe- life in the best way that I can by going all out and giving everything cially Walter Payton though, because I love going back they have in doing what they do and inspiring me to do the same for watching films of him pounding through other guys on dethem in return. Doesn’t matter whether it’s football, in the classfense. All three of those dudes are runners that I like beroom, or just being good to other people.” cause they’re hard-nosed, physical, downhill runners who Also, in case y’all wanted to know Julius is currently studying as a can still break away not physically against defenders, but General Business major, and he loves the business program at SLU also with acceleration when they’re in open space.” because it is so highly regarded and he loves the ability to get individ-

Julius: “Well, I believe in my strength, and I really take pride in being able to take down one or two defenders at a time as I’m moving downfield, so yeah it would definitely be my strength.”

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By: Phil Blanchard

During the month of November, Southern University played very well and won some important games that got them to the top of the conference. The jaguar were undefeated in the SWAC all until they faced off against Grambling where they fell to a strong tiger team. Southern finished the regular season with a winning record and have a lot to be happy about. Players such as Lenard Tillery and Willie Quinn played exceptional in this season and helped the jaguars to their many wins this season. All players played a part in the team’s success, as well as coach Odums and his staff.

The Southern Jaguars took on the Texas Southern Tigers in a good match up with talent on both sides of the ball. At the end of the game, Southern would end up victorious with a score of 26-10. This was not a high scoring game as other ones have been by southern, but it was a great contest and an entertaining game for all. The defenses on both teams played well this game, coming up with big plays that set the tone for the game.

The jaguars drove the ball down the field well during the first quarter, that was until there was about 2:30 left to play, then Howard was pressured by the defense and threw an interception to Moore of Texas Southern for a 73 yard score. That would be the only scoring in the first quarter.

The only score was made by a defensive touchdown that resulted from an interception, but the jaguars made plenty of positive plays on offense during the quarter. Lenard Tillery added to that offense rushing for good yardage for many of those first quarter plays.

It did not take the jaguars long to answer that last touchdown made by Texas Southern in the first quarter. With just one minute played into the second quarter, Dillon Beard gained 19 yards on a pass from Howard, then Lenard Tillery did the rest as he ran the ball 3 yards to even the score at 7.

A few minutes later, Texas southern would drive down the field in an attempt to regain the lead. They would have been successful until an interception was made by Southern’s Epps to give the jaguars back the ball and avoid a touchdown by the tigers. Southern drove down the field making good plays both on the ground and through the air. Southern took 94 yards to get down the field after the interception that was made and a rushing touchdown was made by Edwards which gave southern the 14-7 lead.

14-7 would be the score at the end of the first half. Both bands played entertaining shows for all fans at the half. When play resumed for the third quarter, Texas Southern ran the ball down the field with a few good plays which ended up in a successful field goal attempt to make the score 14-10 with just a few minutes into the quarter. Later in the quarter, Texas Southern ran down the field all the way into the red zone. They seemed on the verge of a touchdown and taking the lead when Hurts of Texas Southern threw an interception and gave southern back the ball. This had southern avoiding yet another score

by Texas Southern just like in the previous quarter. The score at the end of the third quarter would be 14-10 Southern.

In the beginning of the fourth quarter, southern started in the red zone and were close to a touchdown. The jaguars had trouble getting the ball in the end zone due to good defense by Texas Southern. After a few plays Southern made a 28 yard field goal making the score at the beginning of the 4th 17-10. The jaguar fans would cheer shortly after when Hurts of Texas Southern threw yet another interception to give the ball back to Southern. The jaguars would use that gift to score another touchdown which was made by Tillery. The field goal would be missed but the score would be 23-10 in the 4th. During this short drive, Tillery would contribute to the touchdown and some of the plays that led to the score. Southern would eat out the clock as best as they could for the remainder of the fourth quarter, and would do just that. With one minute left in the game, Albuquerque would make a field goal to put the jaguars up 26-10. The jaguars remain undefeated in the SWAC conference at this point and were directly behind Grambling State in the rankings.

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The Southern Jaguars travelled to Texas the next week to take on the Prairie View A&M Panthers in an exciting game and a high scoring one as well. This was a good game played by Howard and Tillery of Southern and it showed as the Jaguars would go on to win this game by a score of 44-34. This game seemed fairly even early on as both teams were scoring after one another, but Southern began to gain momentum around the middle of the game and that lead would prove to be too much for the panthers and would help southern win the game.

Austin Howard played a great game for his team as he threw for 195 yards and 4 touchdowns and also one interception. Lenard Tillery did not have a touchdown tonight, but did have 29 carries for 245 yards.

Many other Southern players contributed to this win to keep the jaguars competitive in the conference. When the game began the defenses of both teams would start out strong and do their best to help their team score. The first score was made by Prairie View A&M when McCray ran in a score. The jaguars would quickly answer when Dillon Beard caught a 10 yard pass from Howard to give the jaguars their first score of the game. The score could have been tied at this point but the PAT after the southern touchdown was blocked and the score at the end of the first quarter was 7-6.

It was in the second quarter where Southern came alive and began to score points. After a few minutes into the quarter, Albuquerque made a field goal to give southern the lead. Shortly after Howard would complete a 3 yard touchdown pass to Randall Menard to further extend the lead. Prairie View A&M would not let Southern score too many points on them at their home turf however, a few minutes after the southern score, Jalen Morton threw a 73 yard pass to

Lastrappe to cut the southern lead. From this point the jaguars would score 14 unanswered points which may have helped them win the game. Willie Quinn caught a pass from Howard for 59 yards and later in the quarter Herbert Edwards would run in a score. Once halftime began, the score was 30-14.

The panthers came out of halftime ready to play, as they scored a passing touchdown a few minutes into the third quarter. The panthers then attempted a 2 point conversion but failed the attempt. Southern had a 10 point lead at this point. A few minutes later, Hebert Edwards would score another touchdown, this time on a pass from Howard. At the end of the quarter, southern would score again on a fumble return by Aaron Tiller. The fourth quarter only saw one score that came from prairie view which made the score 44-34.

Prairie View A&M did have more total yards on the night, but not by much, they had 488 yards compared to 460 by Southern. The panthers also had more time of possession and more first downs for the game. They also had more turnovers than Southern did, which aided in the jaguar win.

Southern at this point was at 7-2 on the season and was still undefeated in the SWAC. This is an honor that they still shared with fellow Louisiana team Grambling University.

In the next game the southern jaguars hosted the Mississippi Valley State Delta Devils at a home game for Southern that would be a commanding victory for the Jaguars. The Delta Devil offense struggled in this game and could not get in range to score a touchdown for the entire game. The defense for Southern was very effective in keeping their opponents at bay. At the end of the night, the Jaguars would shut out their opponents by a score of 55-0. This is the 8th straight win for the jaguars in what has been a great season for Southern.

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In the first quarter, the southern defense would stop Mississippi Valley on their first drive, and would get the ball back for their first drive of the game. Southern only needed 5 plays to drive 76 yards for the first touchdown of the game that game the jaguars the 7-0 lead early in the game. That touchdown would come from a pass from Austin Howard to a wide open Dontrell Brown for the 23 yard score. A few plays later the jaguars would get the ball back in great field position, which would begin with a pass completion to Quinn to get the jaguars towards the goal line. After a few more plays of the jaguars driving down the field, the delta devils would put up a strong defensive stop to prevent southern from scoring on that drive. Albuquerque scored a 20 yard field goal to give the jaguars a 10-0 led with 5 minutes left to play in the first quarter. The first quarter would end with the Jaguars leading by a score of 10-0.

The second quarter would begin with the ball in the hands of the Jaguars. They would drive down the field for a few minutes and the drive would end with a touchdown pass from Howard to Beard for two yards to extend the Jaguar lead even further. The Delta Devils would struggle on offense at times, this showed when Southern intercepted the ball to take over and begin driving down the field again with around 10 minutes left in the first half. The Jaguars would capitalize on that interception which led to a touchdown pass from Howard to Quinn for 31 yards, with Quinn making a play and extending the pass that led to the touchdown. This gave the Jaguars a 24-0 lead over Mississippi Valley. A few plays later, the delta devils would throw another interception that was caught by Houston of Southern. The Jaguars would then score a touchdown with a pass from Howard to Allswell Opusunju for 24 yards. This was the receiver’s first career touchdown pass completion and that would lead into halftime with the score at the half being 340.

Once the third quarter began, the jaguars went back to work. The jaguars drove down the field with help from Tillery and Menard. The drive would end with a 27 yard touchdown run by Lenard Tillery to give southern the 41-0 lead.

The delta devils would get the ball back and after a few plays would kick the ball away to Southern. The kick was fumbled and southern would get the ball back around the 30 yard line. With Shorts in the game for Southern, he would complete a pass to Opusunju for 26 yards, then on the next play Shorts would run in the ball himself for the touchdown.

Southern would run the ball down the field later in the quarter and would attempt a field goal that would be blocked by Mississippi Valley. The score at the end of the third quarter would be 47-0.

Once the fourth quarter began, Southern would drive the ball down the field that would lead to rushing touchdown by Deonte Shorts. This was Short’s second rushing touchdown of the night. The game would end without any other team scoring and the final for the game would be 55-0. The jaguars shut out the delta devils in their 8th straight win of the season.

The seasons of both Grambling University and Southern University have led to this final game of the regular season,

and that is the Bayou Classic. Both teams enter into this game undefeated in the SWAC West division with the winner of this game going to the SWAC championship game. Grambling enters the game with a 9-1 record and are currently ranked 14 in the national FCS polls. The Jaguars enter this game with an 8-2 record and looking to head to that championship game that follows the bayou classic. Both teams bring explosive offenses to the table as well as strong defenses.

In the first quarter of play, southern went to work quickly and started their first drive with good field position from a penalty from the kickoff. After making a quick dive down the field, Austin Howard completed an 18 yard pass to Willie Quinn for the first touchdown of the game. The extra point was missed by Albuquerque which made the score 6-0 after the first drive. Grambling received the ball and made a quick run for the opposite side of the field as Kincade threw a 58 yard pass to Jordan Jones. From there after a few plays, Martez Carter ran in an 11 yard score for Grambling; the extra point was made and Tigers were ahead of the Jaguars 7-6. On the next drive by the Jaguars, key plays were made by Willy Quinn and Lenard Tillery to help the jaguars get into the red zone. Tillery was given more carries and went even further to the end zone, but southern came up short here as Howard attempted to run the ball in for a touchdown and lost the ball just a few inches before the goal line, resulting in a touchback.

The following drive by southern would end in the first interception of the game and would give Grambling the ball with great field position.

Grambling would then score on a 32 yard pass from Williams that game the tigers the 14-6 lead over southern; this would be the score at the end of the first quarter.

With the second quarter underway, the southern defense went against Grambling as the tigers went down the field in a drive that ended in a field goal. The defense for southern had some great stops that avoided the touchdown. The jaguars stepped up on defense once again on the following Grambling drive as they made key stops and prevented the tigers from gaining yards. The final play of that drive resulted in a sack. With the ball back in the hands of the Jaguars, the ball would be given to Tillery and he would run the ball for an amazing 85 yard touchdown. He would shorten the tiger lead to 1713 and that would also be the score once the first half concluded.

Halftime at the Bayou Classic was filled with an entertaining performance by both bands. These performances were exciting to watch and had all fans on their feet. The third quarter commenced with the ball in Grambling’s hands. They would drive the ball on mainly running plays which concluded in a 45 yard rushing touchdown from Kincade. Grambling extended the lead further by a score of 24-13.

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Southern would attempt to answer back with a score of their own, and came close with plays from Beard and Tillery. The jaguars decided to go for it on 4th and 2 but came up short by a few inches, turning the ball over back to Grambling. After losing the ball over on downs, Carter of Grambling ran a 66 yard touchdown score to extend the tiger lead at 31-13. The jaguars found trouble in keeping their offence on the field, and it did not take long for Grambling to get the ball back. Once they did Brooks of the tigers ran in a 34 yard touchdown to make the score 38-13. The jaguars would kick the ball back to Grambling shortly after but the punt return would be fumbled and Southern would retrieve the ball deep in tiger territory. With that excellent field position Austin Howard would complete a pass to Tillery for 14 yards for another Southern touchdown. When the quarter came to an end the score would be 38-20 with Grambling in the lead.

The fourth quarter would begin with Grambling showing more strong offense with help from Kincade. He would later complete a pass to Williams for a 7 yard score to put the tigers up even further ahead of the jaguars. Southern would recover a fumble made by a good defensive play and take over close to the end zone. The jaguars fell short of scoring a touchdown but did punch in the field goal by Albuquerque.

On the next play the jaguars would kick off the ball and have that returned for a touchdown by Carter of Grambling. The kickoff return was for 88 yards. With time winding down and the game looking like it would go Grambling’s way, Southern was looking to end on a positive note, and they would do just that. After driving down the field the jaguars would score with seconds left in the game by a pass from Howard to Piro.

The jaguars would fall to the tigers in this game by a score of 52-30 .

but it was a great game by both teams and was entertaining for all who came and watched. This game ends the regular season for Southern. They finish 8-3 and this is their fourth year with a winning record.

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By: Phil Blanchard

The Grambling State Tigers have had an incredible month of November, winning all of their games, including the final regular season game against Southern. They also took the SWAC West title and were set up for the SWAC championship that would be played in December. The tigers have also been climbing up the FCS national rankings over the course of the season, with the latest polls having Grambling coming at #14 on the national rankings. Grambling would also finish the regular season undefeated in the conference heading into the championship game.

The tigers travelled to Huntsville to take on Alabama A&M in a game that went mostly went Grambling’s way. The tigers would score a lot of points as they have been doing for most of the season and continue to be explosive on offense as they would go on to defeat Alabama A&M with a score of 56-17. Grambling cruised to a win over Alabama A&M when Devante Kincade threw for 4 touchdown passes for 238 yards, Jestin Kelly also had a great night when he ran for 200 yards on 23 carries, one of those being for a touchdown.

Chad Williams led in the receiving category when he caught 2 of Kincade’s passes for touchdowns, he also had a total of 97 yards for the game. The offense for Grambling has been effective and explosive for this game and previous games and that has contributed to their great record and rise in the rankings. The scoring for Grambling started early as Devohn Lindsey caught a 7 yard pass from Kincade to give the tigers an early 7-0 lead. Just a few minutes later Dominique Leake would catch a 5 yard pass from Kincade to put the Tigers up two scores for the first quarter.

The second quarter seemed slightly more competitive in terms of scoring but Grambling still kept scoring points in that quarter. Alabama A&M made a field goal in the second quarter to put their first points on the board. The next drive in the game would end in a rushing touchdown by Chad Williams that would take a minute to complete. Later in the quarter Alabama A&M would score a touchdown on a long pass from quarterback Ballard to make the point spread by 11 points. Right before the quarter would end Alabama A&M would turn the ball over on a fumble and Donvoan McCray would pick that up and run the ball in for a 57 yard score, leaving the game score 28-10 at the half.

After the half both teams would go back to work, and after about 4 minutes of play, Ballard for Alabama A&M would run in a score to start to gain on the tigers at 28-17. After that it was all Grambling. The next two touchdowns by

Grambling would be made by Cha d Williams, one from a 19 yard pass and another from a 29 yard pass. Before the quarter would end Jestin Kelly of Grambling would run in a 13 yard touchdown. The fourth quarter would not see much scoring except a rushing touchdown by Martez Carter, which would give us the final score of the game at 56-17.

The tigers would score 28 unanswered points in the second half to run away with the game just as they have with previous ones. They would also account for 609 yards of total offense as well as 25 first downs. Grambling still remains undefeated in the conference and at the top of the conference standings as well. Grambling has also climbed to #19 in the FCS national rankings, and could continue to go higher.

In the following week Grambling took on Alabama State which resulted in a shut out game for the tigers as they defeated Alabama State by a score of 21-0. Both Kincade and Wright passed the ball for a touchdown in the game, and Chad Williams ran for 145 yards and a touchdown. In the first quarter Verlan Hunter would catch a pass from Kincade for 16 yards to give the tigers their first score of the game. Later in the quarter once Grambling got close to the goal line, Jestin Kelly ran in a two yard touchdown and put the tigers up by two scores.

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behind. After a few more drives down the field, Wallace of Grambling would score two field goals to cut the lead of Texas Southern down to just one point. With seconds left in the first half. Kincade would complete a pass to Leake for a 32 yard touchdown. The point after was blocked but Grambling would retake the lead over Texas Southern with a halftime score of 33-28. Kincade would throw for 3 touchdowns on this quarter alone and the tigers would score 26 unanswered points in the second quarter.

Early in the third quarter, Grambling would miss a field goal on their first drive, but later once they got the ball back, Martez Carter would run in a 10 yard touchdown to give the tigers a 40-28 lead. The defenses of both teams would play well at this point, as well as the entire game. A majority of the drives in the third and fourth quarters would end in punts, until late in the fourth quarter when Texas Southern threw an interception to give Grambling the ball with great field position. It did not take too long for Grambling to score at this point when Jestin Kelly ran a 4 yard score to give the tigers the lead even further at 47-28. That was the final score of the game which gave Grambling its 8th straight win. Grambling would gain 461 yards of total offense in this game and two turnovers compared to Texas Southern’s 4 turnovers. Grambling also had 19 first downs in this game.

The second and third quarter saw no scoring from either team as both defenses would perform well and the teams would score penalties. With seconds left in the game, Williams would catch a pass from Wright for 43 yards that would give Grambling the final score of 21-0.

Grambling travelled to Houston to take on Texas southern in an exciting game for both teams. Both Grambling and Texas Southern would play great on offense and defense and would make a few mistakes as well. The game would end with Grambling on top with a score of 47-28. This was also the 8th straight win for the Tigers, and they are currently at #16 on the FCS national rankings.

The first quarter of play would not see much scoring but each team would score a touchdown before the quarter would end. Most of the first quarter would not see much scoring at all, until Martez Carter ran in a 3 yard touchdown to give Grambling the first ones on the board. A few minutes later, Hurts would complete a pass to Watts of Texas Southern for a 44 yard touchdown. This score tied the game at 7-7 at the end of the first quarter.

The second quarter was electric and exciting as both teams would score plenty of times through the course of the quarter. After 2 minutes into the second quarter, Burney of Texas Southern would run 14 yards for a touchdown that would give them the lead over Grambling. Shortly after, Hurts would complete a pass to Webb for a 50 yard touchdown. With the ball back in Grambling’s hands, the ball would be given to Jestin Kelly, who would fumble the ball and it would be recovered by Moore of Texas Southern. Moore would score on that fumble recovery and at this point Texas Southern would have a 3 score lead over Grambling. After that large scoring run by Texas Southern, Grambling would get into gear and begin to produce some offense of their own.

Grambling would get the ball back and Kincade would throw a 34 yard pass to Hunter for a touchdown. Shortly after that score, Kincade would get the ball again and throw another touchdown pass to Hunter, this time for 72 yards. That score put Grambling 7 points www.LouisianaGridironFootball.com

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The seasons of both Grambling University and Southern University have led to this final game of the regular season, and that is the Bayou Classic. Both teams enter into this game undefeated in the SWAC West division with the winner of this game going to the SWAC championship game. Grambling enters the game with a 9-1 record and are currently ranked 14 in the national FCS polls. The Jaguars enter this game with an 8-2 record and looking to head to that championship game that follows the bayou classic. Both teams bring explosive offenses to the table as well as strong defenses.

The game would go in favor or Grambling as they would go on to win by a score of 52-30. This is the 9th straight win for the tigers who now look to win the entire SWAC. In the first quarter of play, southern started their first drive with good field position from a penalty from the kickoff.

After making a quick dive down the field, Austin Howard completed an 18 yard pass to Willie Quinn for the first touchdown of the game. The extra point was missed by Albuquerque which made the score 6-0 after the first drive.

Grambling received the ball and made a quick run for the opposite side of the field as Kincade threw a 58 yard pass to Jordan Jones. From there after a few plays, Martez Carter ran in an 11 yard score for Grambling; the extra point was made and Tigers were ahead of the Jaguars 7-6. The following drive by the jaguars ended up in a sigh of relief for Grambling fans.

Southern drove the ball down with some great plays both on the ground and through the air, but when southern was knocking on the door of a touchdown, southern quarterback Howard lost the ball a few inches short of the end zone and the play resulted in a touchback and was given to Grambling.

Grambling fans would go in an uproar a few minutes later as a pass by Howard of Southern would be intercepted by Pouncey to give the tigers the ball at around mid-field.

Grambling would capitalize on that interception as Verlan Hunter would catch a pass from Chad Williams for the touchdown that would give Grambling a 14-6 lead over Southern; this would be the score when the first quarter came to an end.

As the second quarter began, Devante Kincade has shown to be a force in this game, as he would keep the ball and run for a first down, and make a completion that would put the tigers a few yards before the end zone. The tigers fell short of the touchdown but settled instead for a field goal that put the tigers up 17-6. Later in the quarter, the jaguars had the ball and would be given to Lenard Tillery who would run for 85 yards for a touchdown that would make the score 17-13 with a few minutes left in the first half. The first half would end with a score of 17-13.

Halftime at the Bayou Classic was filled with an entertaining performance by both bands. These performances were exciting to watch and had all fans on their feet. In the third quarter, Grambling received the kick, then the tigers would make their way down the field on running plays. Jestin Kelly would run several plays as well as Kincade, but it was Kincade who would run 45 yards for the score and would extend the lead to 24-13. The next drive by the jaguars put them close to the end zone but the tiger defense stayed strong and stopped the jaguars for 4 plays and caused a turnover on downs.

With the ball back in the hands of the tigers, it took a few plays for Martez Carter to score a 66 yard touchdown run to make the score 31-13. When Grambling regained possession of the football, they quickly put themselves back into the end zone with 3 plays needed to do so the touchdown came from Lyndemian Brooks who ran in for the 34 yard score. The game began to look strongly in favor of Grambling at this point. Southern would get the ball deep in Grambling territory from a fumble recovery and would score form there.

The score came from a touchdown pass to Tillery. At the end of the third quarter Grambling would lead 38-20.

The fourth quarter would begin with the ball in Grambling’s possession. A few passes from Kincade would lead to a touchdown when he connected to Chad Williams for a 7 yard score. This made the tiger lead to 25 points ahead of Southern. The tigers later fumbled the ball and it was recovered by Southern close to the goal line.

Southern would not be able to get the touchdown but would get the field goal. The very next play had the jaguars kicking off to the tigers.

The kickoff return was brought back for 88 yards and a touchdown

by Carter. With a little time left in the game Southern went down the field and scored with seconds left on a pass to Piro. The game would end with a final score of 52-30. Grambling has been crowned the SWAC West champions and will face Alcorn State the following week in the SWAC championship game. The tigers look to avenge last year’s lost to Alcorn in the SWAC title game.

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Quarterback Club Senior transfer Anthony Jennings notched his third multi passing touchdown game of the season in the win over Arkansas State throwing for 242 yards and two touchdowns. He had back-toback games with multiple passing TDs against South Alabama and Tulane. Jennings became the first Louisiana quarterback to rush for three touchdowns in a game since 2009 with his performance at Georgia rushing for 93 yards and three scores on 16 carries. Brad McGuire was the last quarterback to post three rushing TDs against FAU on Oct. 24, 2009. Jennings had a streak of three straight games with a rushing TD snapped against Arkansas State. He has set a new season-high for rushing TDs with seven on the year and moved into the team lead in rushing TDs. He previous best came at LSU where he rushed for two touchdowns as a freshman. Jennings also set a season-best for passing yards with 2,083 yards on 183 completions through 11 games. He had 1,611 yards on 111 completions as a sophomore at LSU. Jennings has thrown for 200-plus yards in four games this season. He posted a career-best 256 passing yards going 18-for-26 in the win over the Jaguars. His previous career-high for passing was 239 yards against 14th-ranked Wisconsin in the 2014 season opener for LSU. Jennings has passed for a touchdown in all but four games this season. He is tied for seventh in the Sun Belt with 11 passing TDs. Jennings is averaging 11 carries per game on the season and is one of five Cajuns on the season to post 100-plus yards on the ground. He is second on the squad with 300 rushing yards.

performances in a career after rushing for 223 yards on 23 carries against South Alabama. Brian Mitchell is the only other player in program history to record more than one 200-yard game for the Ragin’ Cajuns with three in four seasons. McGuire holds the school career record for both receptions (127) and receiving yards (1,376) by a running back. He has the second most career receiving yards by an active running back in the nation behind Taquan Mizzell of Virginia (1,562). McGuire is one of five players in program history to score five touchdowns in a game against Northwestern State on Sept. 12, 2015. McGuire was tabbed to the Preseason All-Sun Belt Conference Second Team. McGuire was named one of 400 players on the Reese’s Senior Bowl Watch List. He was also named to the Paul Hornung and Doak Walker Award watch lists.

Wide Receiver After missing three games and seeing limited action at Georgia, freshman Ja’Marcus Bradley had a team-best 113 yards on four catches against Arkansas State. Bradley ranks third on the squad in yards with 358 yards in eight games. He is averaging 17.9 yards per catch. Bradley led the Ragin’ Cajuns in receptions the first two weeks of the season and notched his first career touchdown against McNeese hauling in six catches for 97 yards. Senior Al Riles recorded his second TD of the season in the win over Arkansas State with three grabs for 47 yards and a TD. Riles registered his third 100-yard receiving game of the season and fourth of his career at Georgia posting 105 yards on seven catches. He also had 29 yards on the

Running Back Record Senior Elijah McGuire became the second player in program history to amass 4,000-plus yards on the ground in a career at Georgia rushing for 129 yards on 19 carries. He ranks ninth nationally in active career rushing yards (4,103). McGuire is second on the school’s all-time rushing list and is 543 yards back of Tyrell Fenroy for the school record of 4,646. McGuire has moved past Tyrell Fenroy for the school career touchdown record with 51 combined touchdowns in over three seasons with the Cajuns. He is seven TDs back of Fenroy (48) for the rushing TD career record with 41.

McGuire ranks sixth in the nation in active career touchdowns.

McGuire’s two TDs at Texas State crowned him as the all-time scoring champion for the Ragin’ Cajuns passing up Tyrell Fenroy for the school record in points. He currently has scored 312 points in over three seasons. McGuire also owns the program career record for all -purpose yards with 5,727 in over three seasons with the Ragin’ Cajuns. McGuire ranks fourth among the active career leaders in all -purpose yards nationally. He has 13 multi-TD games four years at Louisiana. McGuire is joined by San Diego State’s Donnel Pumphrey and Appalachian State’s Marcus Cox as the only active players in the nation to have 4,000 yards rushing and 1,000 yards receiving in their career. He also led the team with six receptions for 66 yards including a season-long 28-yard grab. McGuire became the first running back in school history to post multiple 200-yard rushing

McGuire ranks third in the Sun Belt Conference in rushing yards (918) and rushing yards per game (83.5). He is fourth in all-purpose yards (1,155) and fifth in touchdowns (9).

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ground on two carries. Riles recorded his first ever passing touchdown at Georgia Southern with a 48-yard connection to Barnes out of the wildcat formation. It was Riles’ only passing attempt of his career. Riles ranks second in the Sun Belt Conference in receiving yards per game (60.5). He is also third in receptions (54), receptions per game (4.9) and receiving yards (665).Riles became the second player on the Cajuns squad to post 1,000 career receiving yards joining Elijah McGuire after his season-best 139-yard effort against South Alabama. He currently has 1,496 career yards and is averaging 11.2 yards per catch. He is 146 yards back of Darryl Surgent (1,642) for tenth place on the all-time receiving yards list. With his eight catches at NMSU, Riles has notched 100 career catches for the Cajuns despite starting his career with the Cajuns on the defensive side of the ball in 2013. He current-ly has 134 catches since he made the switch over to receiver as a sophomore. Riles needs 21catches to crack the top 5 list for career receptions. Riles has caught at least one pass in all 21 games that he has played in the last two seasons. Sophomore Keenan Barnes is tied for the Sun Belt lead in receiving touchdowns with six on the season after hauling in a 48-yard TD grab at Georgia Southern. He has posted a touchdown reception in six of the Cajuns 11 contests in 2016. After making just one catch a year ago, Barnes has reached pay dirt on six of his 30 receptions this year. Barnes ranks second on the squad in receiving yards with 406 through 11 games.

Tight End Senior Nick Byrne has posted a career-best for yards in a season with 135 on 14 catches in 2016. He had 83 yards on 10 grabs a year ago.

Byrne has accounted for 30 of the 36 catches among returning players at the position. He has 248 yards receiving in four seasons. He saw action in all 12 games a year ago making 11 starts. Byrne recorded a career-high four receptions for 38 yards in the Cajuns’ non-conference game against Akron a year ago. Barnes returns after missing the 2015 season due to a knee injury suffered during spring practice.

Offensive Line The Ragin’ Cajuns offensive line has had its struggles this season having given up five sacks in a game five times this year after allowing five in the win over Arkansas State. Boise State, Tulane, Appalachian State and Idaho also notched five sacks against the Cajuns. The Louisiana offensive line paved the way for 276 yards on the ground at Georgia, outgaining the Bulldogs in rushing yards. The Ragin’ Cajuns return five offensive linemen who made at least one start in 2015 with senior Eddie Gordon and junior Grant Horst making double-digit starts. . Junior Raynard Ford made the start in place of Horst at Tulane, while Craig Smith stepped up and filled the void at Georgia Southern. Gordon has not missed a start since the start of the 2015 season. He started in all 12 games a year ago including 11 starts at center. He appeared in six games as a reserve lineman in 2014 at both center and right guard.

Horst started in 10 games during the 2015 season at four different positions: left tackle (5), left guard (3), center (1) and right guard (1).

He appeared in six games as a freshman as a reserve offensive lineman.

Junior D’Aquin Withrow has not missed a start this season. He played in nine games during the 2015 season, starting in seven straight games for the Cajuns at left tackle. Freshman Robert Hunt has started in all 11 games for the Ragin’ Cajuns at left guard. Kevin Dotson has settled in as the Cajuns right guard starting in the last 10 contests. His first career start came against McNeese.

Defensive Line The Ragin’ Cajuns made a permanent change from a three defensive lineman scheme against Boise State to a four defensive lineman look for the remainder of the 2016 season. Junior Taboris Lee recorded his first defensive touchdown of his career against Arkansas State with a 17 -yard “pick six” in the first quarter. Lee ranks second among defensive linemen with 36 tackles through 11 games. He also ranks fourth on the squad with 5.5 tackles-for-loss (TFL). The Cajuns D-Line helped hold the vaunted Georgia Southern rushing attack to only 52 yards on the ground on 28 attempts. After posting 21.5 sacks in the first seven games, the Ragin’ Cajuns have recorded just 1.0 sack in the last four contests. Freshmen Joe Dillon tied for sixth in the Sun Belt Conference with 6.0 total sacks. He is also tied for seventh in sacks per game (0.55). Dillon ranks eighth in the SBC in TFL per game (1.05) and total TFL (11.5). He leads all defensive linemen with 47 tackles through 11 games. Trev Miller led the defensive line with a career-best six stops including a TFL at Georgia. Miller is second on the squad in sacks with 4.0 on the season and is ninth in the SBC. Linebackers Seniors Tre’maine Lightfoot and Otha Peters rank in the top 10 in the Sun Belt in tackles per game. Lightfoot is ranked seven with 8.4 tackles per game, while Peters comes in tenth averaging 7.9 stops per game.

Lightfoot is tied for sixth in the Sun Belt in total tackles (92) and forced fumbles (2). Lightfoot has recorded double-digit tackles in four of the 11 games this season after notching 13 against the Vandals. He had a career-best 17 tackles at New Mexico State. Peters is tied for 10th in the Sun Belt in TFL (11.0) and TFL per game (1.00). Peters led the Cajuns in tackles for the second game this season at Georgia Southern with eight stops. He also picked up two of the Cajuns 33 points in the contest returning an Ealges 2-point conversion 98 yards for a defensive 2-point conversion. An honorable mention All-Sun Belt selection in 2015, Peters was tabbed to the Preseason All-Sun Belt Conference Second Team.

Peters has recorded at least seven tackles and 1.0 TFL in seven of the Cajuns 11 games this season with back-to-back double-digit games against Tulane and New Mexico State.

Special Teams Sophomore Steven Coutts was named a semifinalist for the prestigious Ray Guy Award. Coutts is averaging 44.6 yards per punt this season and ranks 13th in the nation and second in the Sun Belt. He posted a season best average of 48.3 yards on seven punts at New Mexico State. He has four punts of 60-plus yards on the season including a 66-yard punt against Arkansas State. Coutts posted at least seven punts in four contests. He has averaged 45.0-plus yards in seven of the 11 games this season. Coutts has pinned 19 punts inside the 20 this season and has forced 30 fair catches. Coutts is coming off of a stellar freshman campaign where he averaged 42.4 yards per attempt – the third-best average among all NCAA Division I freshmen. Coutts was named to the Sun Belt Newcomer Team after finishing among the league leaders in punting. Coutts also was tabbed a second-team selection on the AllLouisiana (LSWA) College Football team. Coutts totaled 2,501 yards on 59 punts during his freshman season.

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THE STATE OF TULANE: The 2016 roster features 53 players from the state of Louisiana, including 32 players from the Greater New Orleans area. Florida has the second-most players represented on the roster with 10. The 2015 roster boasted 66 players from the Pelican State OFFENSIVE NOTES: Tulane averaged 4.6 yards per rush and 12.2 yards per pass completion. The Green Wave’s triple-option ground attack enters the week ranked fourth in The American and 25th in the nation in rushing offense at 225.6 yards per game. Former roommates from freshman year, redshirt sophomores quarterback Glen Cuiellette and wide receiver Terren Encalade have reconnected on the field over the team’s last seven games. Cuiellette has thrown for 10 scores so far this season and six of them have been to Encalade. Three of those came in the four-overtime thriller against UL Lafayette on connections of 34, 25 and 7 yards. One was at UMass and the other two were against SMU.

in 36 straight games. Marley ended the season just 0.5 tackle for loss behind the school’s all-time leader, Kenan Blackmon, who had 50.0 tackles for loss from 1999-2002. Marley has 49.5 tackles for loss to his credit.

HOLDING THE CORNER: Redshirt junior cornerback Parry Nickerson is picking up where he left off in 2014 with three interceptions so far this season. He has recorded 12 total passes defended (nine pass breakups and three interceptions). Nickerson enters the week ranked tied for 56th nationally with his three picks and is sixth in the nation in interception return yards (133). His 96-yard interception return for a touchdown vs. Southern was the first pick-6 of his collegiate career. Nickerson has started in 32 of his 35 career games. He had his streak of 31 straight starts stopped with the Temple game as he did not suit up for that game.

DEFENSIVE NOTES: Tulane has grabbed an interception in six of its last eight games and in seven of its 11 games this season. The Green Wave have logged a forced fumble and fumble recovery in the same game in six of 11 games and at least one fumble recovery in eight of their last 10 games. Tulane’s 13 fumble recoveries are tied for second in the nation with Eastern Michigan, Wake Forest and Washington, two behind Minnesota’s 15.

MAN IN THE MIDDLE: The anchor of Tulane’s defensive unit is senior defensive tackle Tanzel Smart. He has been a constant for the Green Wave, having started on the defensive front in 35 straight games. Smart rarely comes off the field on defense and contributes on special teams as well. In the UL Lafayette game, Smart played 105 snaps on defense and special teams in the four-overtime thriller. Smart has been extended an invitation to play in the Reese’s Senior Bowl on Jan. 28, 2017.

SECOND LINE OF DEFENSE: The heart of soul of the Tulane defense for four seasons has been senior linebacker Nico Marley. He has started in 47 of the 48 games he has played in and posted consecutive starts www.LouisianaGridironFootball.com

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