Louisiana Tech and ULM meet for the first time since 2000, with the Bulldogs riding two narrow wins and the Warhawks seeking their first
MONROE, La. — Louisiana Tech and ULM sit about 35 miles apart on Interstate 20. They haven't played football since 2000.
Louisiana Tech (3-2, 1-0) visits UL Monroe (0-5, 0-1) at 8 p.m. ET on ESPN+ at Malone Stadium. The Bulldogs have won two straight close games: 31-29 over Army and 32-31 over Louisiana. ULM is rested after an open week following a 52-35 loss at South Alabama.
The series is old but dormant. The schools have met 43 times, and Louisiana Tech leads 30-13. Tech won the last six meetings, the most recent a 42-19 win on Nov. 11, 2000.
Louisiana Tech quarterback Blake Baker has been efficient, completing 53 of 78 passes for 679 yards with seven touchdowns and one interception. Jalen Mickens has 30 catches for 434 yards, and Alonzo Jackson Jr. has five sacks. Sam Fongang leads the defense with 36 tackles. Sonny Cumbie is in his fifth season.
ULM quarterback Aidan Armenta has thrown for 855 yards with six touchdowns and one interception. Marcellus Jackson leads the receivers with 26 catches, and Noah Flemmings has 43 tackles. Bryant Vincent is in his third season, and ULM is still looking for its first win of 2026. ULM lost 38-35 to Southeastern Louisiana and 26-20 at UAB, but its other three losses came by 17 points or more.
The matchup numbers lean heavily toward Tech. ESPN's Football Power Index ranks ULM's defense 137th in efficiency, the lowest-rated defense in its numbers, against a Tech offense ranked 59th. Tech's defense ranks 62nd, against a ULM offense ranked 113th. ULM's best hope is Armenta's ball security: he has one interception, and a mistake-free night could keep the Warhawks in it. Tech, which has won two straight one-score games, will want a cleaner, earlier lead this time.
Louisiana Tech's history includes Joe Aillet, who coached the Bulldogs for 27 seasons, and WAC titles in 2001 and 2011. ULM won the Sun Belt in 2005.
The weather should be clear and 64 degrees with light wind.
Louisiana Tech hosts Old Dominion next week. ULM visits Troy.
Baker's efficient passing against the lowest-rated defense in ESPN's numbers should be the difference. ULM's rest helps a little.
Our call: Louisiana Tech 38, UL Monroe 21.