ULM upset the Alabama Crimson Tide, 21-14, at Tuscaloosa, Ala., today, in one of the most important wins in school history.
And not just because it was Alabama.
ULM, a member of the Sun Belt conference, won a national championship in the former Division I-AA in 1987, but has strung together 13 losing seasons since moving up in classification.
Beating in-state SBC rival Louisiana-Lafayette next week would snap that streak, evening ULM's record to 6-6. "That's the biggest win of my head coaching career," said fifth-year ULM coach Charlie Weatherbie. "To beat Alabama in their back yard is great for our program, great for ULM, the whole city -- and the whole conference."
Alabama, led by former LSU coach Nick Saban, had been favored by 25 points. The Tide falls to 6-5, while ULM is 5-6 on the year.
Warhawks running back Calvin Dawson ran for 91 yards on 33 attempts to key the effort in front of 92,000 stunned fans.
Defensively, ULM held Alabama scoreless in the second half of play. A smattering of boos rained down at the end.
Warhawks running back Frank Goodin added 41 yards on six carries. Quarterback Kinsmon Lancaster passed for one touchdown, as well.
ULM came into Bryant-Denny Stadium with a 2-29-1 all-time mark in games against the Southeastern Conference.
The Warhawks lost 41-7 at Alabama last season in the first meeting between the schools. Dawson ran for 118 yards in that game, and has gained more than 100 yards in his five games against Arkansas, Kentucky, Clemson and Texas A&M this season.
Courtesy: ulmwarhawks.com
