University of Louisiana Monroe

Type of Offense: Spread.  Zone read running plays and nearly all passing plays from the shotgun formation.  There is rare to no use of a fullback.  Tight End is used primarily as a blocking back (extra OL).  Nearly all runs are made by the RB and QB save the occasional end around with the WR.

Type of Defense: 3-3-5. The 3-3-5 defense is used by teams who want as many fast, pass defenders on the field as possible. While more susceptible to the running game, there is more blitzing from different angles than normal. With the multiple blitz looks, blocking schemes are altered and OL are more likely to miss blocks allowing for tackles for loss.   

·        Run/Pass %: 54/46

·        Run/Pass Attempts: 473/401

·        Points Per Game: 20.8

·        Points Allowed Per Game: 32.4

Key Returning Players:

·        Kolton Browning, QB: Was one of the Sun Belt QBs who threw for more than 2500 yards. Led a passing attack that could rack up yards but was unable to put many points on the board.

·        Luther Ambrose, WR: Led the team in catches with 65 as a junior in 2010. Was a jack of all trades with double digit rushes and even returned 20 kickoffs.

·        Ken Dorsey, DE: Led all ULM defensive linemen with 52 tackles. Also made 12 tackles for loss as well as 5 sacks. Was the best defensive lineman on the team in 2010.

·        Jason Edwards, LB: Leads all returning players with 75 tackles in 2010. One of the seniors expected to pick up their game in 2011 for ULM to build on a subpar 2010 season.

Key Incoming Freshmen:

·        Devonte McNeal, RB: With no one stepping up and getting solid rushing yards in 2010, McNeal has the chance to play right away and give some teeth to a rushing offense that scared no one.

Overall Assessment: A couple of plays here and there and things could have been really good (6+ wins) or really bad (4 or fewer wins). 5 wins is right at what they really were in 2010. Offensively, 20 points a game is not going to cut it no matter the competition you are facing. Browning must turn some of that 2500 yards passing from last season into points. The running game must show some signs of life for Browning to have the time to set up in the pocket and make plays. Defensively, giving up 32 points a game when the offense is only getting 20 is not going to work. The coaching staff may have to scrap the 3-3-5 in favor of something more traditional yet more productive. Right now, there is just not enough talent to stop offenses for ULM to keep from being in shootouts on a weekly basis. The kicking game has some question marks as well with no one on the roster having any college punting experience. The spring and summer will be crucial for Fryoux to distance himself and show that he can pin teams deep to favor field position towards ULM. One of the few positions that is signed and delivered is the kicker. After an 8-10 performance in 2010, Jabour should be able to build on his successes in 2010 and make a similar number and percentage in 2011. Overall, this team is right on the brink of 6 wins. The defense will probably keep them from a chance at a bowl but if tightened up a little, things could get very interesting in Monroe.