Alabama vs Louisiana Monroe Preview (Season Prediction 3 of 12)

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September 16, 2006
Bryant-Denny Stadium
Tuscaloosa, Alabama

Series Record: 0-0

I'm not going to pretend to be an expert on Louisiana Monroe football. If they've been on TV in the last few years, I didn't see it. I do know, however, that this game should simply serve as a tune up before Alabama heads into their first road game at Arkansas.

The Warhawks (formerly the Indians) are predicted to be amongst the worst of the Sun Belt teams in 2006 despite their splitting a share of the '05 title with Arkansas State and Louisiana Lafayette.

Steven Jyles, a four year starting QB and the all-time Sun Belt passing leader graduated last year and he will be difficult to replace. Kinsmon Lancaster, a sophomore who had limited reps in '05 is expected to be the starter. ULM returns their entire starting offensive line, which is good news for the young QB, but the team's best receiver also graduated last year and they've yet to locate a replacement "go to guy."

Free safety & punter Kevin Payne

Defense will likely be a huge problem for the Warhawks who are returning five defensive starters. Their team surrendered 400 yards and 30.8 points per game in 2005 and there's little reason to believe they'll improve upon that. They're supposedly very weak against the run, which as we all know, is Alabama's strength. The ULM secondary registered 17 interceptions last year and is considered the strength of their defense. Free safety Kevin Payne will likely also handle punting duties.

This game should be an absolute track meet and will hopefully fill John Parker Wilson with confidence heading into his first road game as a starter.

Predicted record after this game: (3-0)

Earlier previews:
Hawaii
Vanderbilt

Fun fact:

Parker Posey grew up in Monroe, Louisiana