ULM holds Louisiana Tech scoreless for a half, then two interceptions turn a rivalry into a shutout

ULM kept Louisiana Tech off the scoreboard for 30 minutes and still finished with a 24-point defeat. Two interceptions after halftime explained much of the difference: Taeden Rogers started the Bulldogs' first touchdown drive, and Kam Franklin ended one of the Warhawks' few serious threats with a 66-yard return.

Louisiana Tech won 24-0 Saturday night in Monroe in the programs' first meeting since 2000. ULM remained winless at 0-6, while the Bulldogs improved to 4-2 with their third consecutive victory.

For the Warhawks, the frustration was how long their defense had kept the game available. Armoni Rue intercepted Trey Kukuk in the first half. Tyrell Brown blocked a field-goal attempt. Tech reached the break with nothing to show for its possessions, yet ULM had no lead to protect.

The missed opening

ULM's offense produced only 228 yards, including 63 on the ground. Aidan Armenta completed 14 of 24 passes for 119 yards and two interceptions. The Warhawks converted two of 11 third downs, repeatedly sending their defense back onto the field.

Their first snap after halftime made that job harder. Rogers intercepted Armenta and returned possession to Tech at its own 38. Six plays later, Sergio Snider scored from five yards out.

Coach Bryant Vincent's official ULM postgame press conference follows the loss:

Tech then put together the kind of sustained possession ULM could not finish. An 11-play, 66-yard march consumed 6 minutes, 31 seconds and ended with Blake Baker's two-yard touchdown pass to Brayden Bockler. A scoreless game had become 14-0 before the third quarter ended.

Calwise supplies the separation

Marcus Calwise Jr. stretched the gap with a 56-yard reverse in the fourth quarter. Baker found Bockler for another touchdown to complete that possession, giving the tight end both of Tech's receiving scores.

Calwise caught eight passes for 119 yards as well. His production gave the Bulldogs an answer once the early pressure stopped dictating their possessions. Baker finished with 178 passing yards, two touchdowns and no interceptions.

ULM finally advanced to the Tech 20 on its next drive, only for Franklin to intercept Armenta and race 66 yards the other way. The return set up Kaegan Kent's short field goal and removed any remaining chance of a competitive finish.

There was still a shutout to save. With Austin Carlisle at quarterback, ULM reached inside the Bulldogs' 20 on its last possession, but turned the ball over on downs with 1:38 remaining. Tech finished its ninth straight win in the series without allowing a point.