UL MONROE WARHAWKS O:8 D:5

Louisiana Monroe underwent a cosmetic change in the off-season and will now be referred to as the Warhawks. Last season saw them capture its first conference championship as they tied with UL-LAF and Ark State, but lost out on a trip to a bowl because of tiebreakers. This year’s squad returns 13 starters, but loses a boatload of talent on the offensive side of the ball. They must find a capable replacement for four year starting QB Jyles, and lose a number of go to guys in the WR corps as well. What they do return is a solid O-Line and a solid RB corps that will be looked upon more in ’06. The offensive unit only scored 21 PPG last season, even with a solid passing game so look for this year’s unit to hover around that mark as well. The defensive line is under construction after losing five seniors, but the replacements performed well in spring drills and left the coaches optimistic about their ability to perform. The secondary is the playmaking facet of this group led by CB Chaz Williams who snagged five INT’s last season. The Warhawks surprised many last season by winning five games and capturing a piece of the SBC crown. They’re in a rebuilding year this season, so it’s hard to expect them to be able to match last year’s effort.