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2009 UL Monroe College Football Predictions

Written by Jimmy Boyd

Louisiana Monroe 6109 The UL Monroe Warhawks have had more success than anyone else in the league against perennial Sun Belt champ Troy, including a 31-30 win last season, but the Warhawks haven’t gotten up the same way for everyone else in the Belt. They play at Troy, who will be out for revenge and also make trips to Texas, Arizona State, and Kentucky. Combine this challenging schedule with six new assistant coaches for players to adjust to and a new offensive system, it’s hard to think UL Monroe can do much better than the 4-8 mark it posted in 2008. Bet NCAA football this season at BetUS.

Offense – Head coach Charlie Weatherbie, who also calls the offensive shots, has installed a no-huddle, hurry-up offensive to try to gain an edge against a tough schedule. The big question will be if the Warhawks have the horses to pull it off. Quarterback Kinsmon Lancaster is gone after passing for 2,000 yards and 18 touchdown strikes. That leaves junior Trey Revell to take over the reigns. He saw action in nine games last season but attempted only 28 passes. While their figures to be some growing pains with the inexperienced QB learning a new offensive system, he will at least have the comfort of operating behind an experienced offensive line led by seniors Ryan Dercher and Brett Thompson. The Warhawks boasted a rushing offense which ranked 53rd in the country last season with a 152.7 yards per game average. The running attack should be in pretty good shape again with junior tailback Frank Goodin returning after averaging 71.2 yards per game in 2008. The Warhawks have experience at the wide receiver position with Anthony McCall, J.J. McCoy, and Luther Ambrose. Look for tight ends Alvin Jordan and Keavon Milton to play a big part in this offense.

Defense- If only every player on the Warhawks defense was as good as senior linebacker Cardia Jackson. I can tell you one thing, they wouldn’t rank 109th in the nation in total defense if that were the case. Jackson led the Warhawks with 127 tackles and added four sacks, two interceptions, and two fumble recoveries. The Warhawks will be happy to get senior defensive back James Truxillo healthy and back on the field. The injury bug kept him out of all but two games last season. His health is important as he is expected to lead the secondary. The defensive line is experienced, but it has struggled to win the battle of the trenches. Its inability to clog holes and get penetration allowed teams to run all over the Warhawks to the tune of 212.7 yards per game last season (109th in the nation). This unit needs big years from defensive end Aaron Morgan and noseguard Aaron Williams. Just how bad was this side of the ball at times in 2008? It gave up 728 yards of total offense in a 44-35 loss to UL Lafayette last season.

Prediction: 6th Sun Belt – Anytime you go to battle with a new QB and a new system, there is going to be an adjustment period, and unfortunately the Warhawks have an unforgiving schedule to face all the while. This team plays hard and is well coached but lacks the overall talent to improve much on last year’s record, if any.

The college football betting season will be here before you know it, and when that time comes, Jimmy Boyd will be ready to help you beat the football odds with his NCAA football picks!

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