Looking Ahead | Louisiana-Monroe at Auburn

LOUISIANA-MONROE WARHAWKS AT AUBURN TIGERS

Saturday, 11:21 a.m., SEC Network (Play-by-play: Dave Neal, Analysis: Andre Ware, Sideline: Cara Capuano)

Opening line: Auburn -15.5 | Over/under: 55.5

Tickets: From Auburn | StubHub

Series history: Auburn leads 8-0 | Last meeting: Auburn 52, Louisiana-Monroe 3, Oct. 2, 2010, at Auburn

LOUISIANA-MONROE WARHAWKS (1-0, 0-0 SUN BELT)

Head coach: Todd Berry (10-15 at ULM; 39-74 overall)

Offensive coordinator: Steve Farmer (multiple) | Defensive coordinator: Troy Reffett (3-3-5)

Louisiana-Monroe coverage: WarhawkReport.com, The News Star

Hmm, let's pull out the ol' schedule and see who Auburn faces next. Ah, it's a familiar punching bag, Louisiana-Monroe. Now, what did the Warhawks do last week? Oh, they went to Little Rock and defeated No. 8 Arkansas? Well, that's interesting.

If there was any way Auburn was going to overlook ULM, that won't happen after last Saturday's events. The Warhawks upset the Razorbacks in overtime, 34-31, and it really wasn't much of a fluke. ULM had more first downs (30-21), gained more yards (550-377), committed fewer turnovers (1-2) and ran more plays (103-66). Honestly, it's amazing that Arkansas was even able to get that game to overtime. Yes, the Hogs had some injury issues, including starting quarterback Tyler Wilson, but their defense simply wasn't good enough to win.

KEY WARHAWKS ON OFFENSE

Kolton Browning, QB -- Browning was ULM's main source of offense against Arkansas, as he completed 42 of 67 passes for 412 yards, three touchdowns and one interception. The fact that he threw 67 passes against an SEC defense and had just one picked off is stupefying. Browning also rushed for 69 yards and a touchdown -- the game-winner -- on 16 carries. For his efforts, Browning was named national offensive player of the week by the Walter Camp Foundation.

Brent Leonard, WR -- Leonard was Browning's favorite target in the Arkansas game. He caught 11 passes for 112 yards and a score. Leonard's touchdown catch came on fourth and 10 with 55 seconds remaining in regulation and sent the game into overtime. As a 6'2, 186-pound senior he isn't going to be able to out-physical anyone, but his experience gives him an advantage against defensive backs that aren't fundamentally sound.

KEY WARHAWKS ON DEFENSE

Mitch Lane, DB -- Lane is just a freshman, but playing rover in ULM's 3-3-5 defense, he made some big plays against the Razorbacks. Lane led the Warhawks with nine tackles and broke up two passes in the end zone in overtime.

Eddie Vincent, CB -- Vincent finished with four tackles, an interception and two pass break-ups in the Warhawks' opener. He'll likely play against Auburn's No. 1 receiver on Saturday, and if Kiehl Frazier isn't careful, Vincent will make him pay for any mistakes.