Northwestern football is back for another weekend of college football, which means Interviewing the Enemy is back right along with it. The ‘Cats will welcome in the Louisiana-Monroe Warhawks for a historical
matchup, as it will mark the first time in program history that each of these teams face off against one another. We interviewed Johnathan Warren, the sports editor at ULM Hawkeye, to ask his thoughts on the Warhawks’ program and how he thinks today will go.
Inside NU: This will be the first ever game between Lousiana-Monroe and Northwestern. What’s been the sentiment on campus about facing Northwestern?
Johnathan Warren: Since sports are not as big on our campus as most other D1 schools, I haven’t heard too much about the game. From what I have heard, though, students are excited about the Big 10 matchup that we have this upcoming Saturday. There aren’t very high expectations, but the students are expecting some competitiveness from the team.
INU: Outside of a loss to a ranked Alabama team, ULM has looked strong this year, sitting at 3-1. Who have been the X-factors on both sides of the ball?
JW: A couple of X-factors to look out for on defense are D’Arco Perkins-McAllister and Noah Flemmings. Perkins-McAllister (DB) leads the team in sacks (3) and passes defended (6). He is all over the place, and it shows. Flemmings (LB) leads the team in total tackles (23) and forced fumbles (1). Some X-factors on offense include Jake Godfrey and Braylon McReynolds. Godfrey leads the team in receiving yards (110) and is averaging 15.7 yards per catch, so he is always ready for the big play. McReynolds leads the team in rushing yards (309) and also leads the team in touchdowns (2).
INU: After finishing 5-7 last year, what are expectations for this Warhawks team in 2025?
JW: The expectations for the team in 2025 were sort of less than in 2024. With our star running back, Ahmad Hardy, leaving for the SEC, nobody was going to expect the team to make any sort of noise in 2025 since they are such a run-heavy offense. At most, the team was expected to win 4 or 5 games, but hopefully, they can shock some people.
INU: Finally, give us a prediction for the game and a score. Who wins this one, and why?
JW: My prediction for the game and score would have to be 27-13, Northwestern. I’m not too confident in the ULM’s offense to keep up with any type of Big Ten defense. I would love it if ULM could upset a team like Northwestern, but in my opinion, it is very doubtful.
