UL Monroe wasn’t expected to be that competitive in the Group of Five this season. But the Warhawks are 3-1 through four games.
After losing to Alabama 73-0, they went on the road and beat UTEP 31-25 and then pulled off their first Sun Belt victory over Arkansas State 28-16.
But now they have to take on another Power Four opponent in Northwestern. However, the Wildcats have already suffered a loss to a G5 team, Tulane, earlier this season. So I think ULM has a chance to make this interesting.
ULM vs. Northwestern Betting Odds
Northwestern is a -11.5 college football betting odds favorite against ULM, with the Over/Under being 41.5 as of this writing.
The moneyline for ULM is +350, while it’s -450 for Northwestern.
ULM vs. Northwestern On TV
The matchup between ULM and Northwestern will be televised on the Big Ten Network.
The game will kick off at 3:30 p.m. ET on Saturday, Oct. 4. The contest is taking place at Martin Stadium in Evanston, Illinois.
ULM vs. Northwestern Prediction
I predict ULM will win and therefore cover the 11.5-point spread. I also project the game will go Under 41.5 total points.
The Warhawks have been pretty solid on both sides of the ball. And after their two most recent wins, I suspect they have some confidence going into this matchup.
ULM quarterback Aidan Armenta hasn’t been perfect – he has 444 yards, five touchdowns, and three interceptions on a 58% completion rate – but I think he’ll make some key plays in this contest. Running back Braylon McReynolds has also been solid for the Warhawks, rushing for 309 yards and two touchdowns as ULM as a team has rushed for 853 yards and 5.7 yards per carry.
But I think ULM will be exceptional on defense.
Northwestern hasn’t exactly been stellar on offense. The Wildcats most recently beat UCLA in a low-scoring contest, 17-14. In fact, they haven’t scored more than that except during their 42-7 win over FCS Western Illinois.
Led by linebacker Noah Flemmings and defensive lineman Dylan Howell, the Warhawks have been pretty solid on defense. Excluding that Alabama loss, ULM has given up 41 points in three games.
I think no matter who wins that this will be a low-scoring battle. But I think ULM has just enough talent on the offensive side of the ball to go on the road and get a win.
