Counting down ULM's most intriguing games: No. 5

There are two ways to look at ULM’s schedule.

ULM plays six teams — Nicholls State, Tulsa, Idaho, Troy, Hawaii and New Mexico State — that combined for a record of 12-60 last season. Three of those games fall during the first seven weeks of the season.

On the flip side of things, not only does ULM open at Georgia and visit Alabama three weeks later, but the only bye week on the schedule is during the third week of the season. The trip to Tuscaloosa marks the beginning of an 11-game stretch in as many weeks that takes the Warhawks through the regular season finale against New Mexico State.

That doesn’t even include a taxing late November game at Hawaii

Handling the grind from Week 4 through the end of the season at a relatively injury-free pace will determine how things play out for the Warhawks in 2015.

The News-Star will rank the most intriguing games on ULM’s schedule leading up to the season opener at Georgia on September 5.

No. 5 ULM at Texas State, Nov. 19, 8:30 p.m. ESPNU

Series history: 8-3

Last meeting: Texas State came from 11 points down with two touchdowns in the fourth quarter and left Monroe with a 22-18 win over ULM. The Warhawks led 13-0 at halftime.

Key matchup: ULM’s ball security vs. Texas State’s defense. ULM outgained Texas State 394 yards to 370 in 2014, but turned the ball over three times. The Warhawks lost two fumbles and Pete Thomas threw an interception.

Why it matters: Texas State didn’t enter the Sun Belt with the same splash as Georgia Southern or Appalachian State, but the Bobcats are 13-11 over the past two seasons and were bowl eligible in 2014. Another loss would mean the Warhawks are giving more ground inside the conference and looking up at another FBS newcomer.

ULM’s most intriguing games of 2015

No. 13 Georgia
No. 12 Hawaii
No. 11 Alabama
No. 10 Nicholls State 
No. 9 Idaho
No. 8 New Mexico State
No. 7 Tulsa
No. 6 Troy

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