Opposition Research: Louisiana-Monroe

Last week we introduced a new feature called Opposition Research, in which the notorious privacy invader and dirty trickster Biggs Barker brings you some interesting tidbits about the Hogs’ upcoming opponent. Biggs is at it again this week with a fresh batch of intel about Louisiana-Monroe…enjoy!

Location: Monroe, La. (This took Biggs hours of research and top-secret interviews to find out.)

Mascot: Warhawks

Head Coach: Former Razorback Assistant Charlie Weatherbie, who is in his sixth season at ULM and sports a 21-38 record at the school.

Conference: Sunbelt

2007 Record: 6-6 (which included a win over the Four Million Dollar Man)

2008 Record: 0-1 (34-0 loss to Auburn)

Players to Watch: Senior quarterback and third-year starter Kinsmon Lancaster threw for more than 1,800 yards with 13 TDs last season. He enters the year sixth on the school’s all-time completions and passing yard lists. Last Saturday against Auburn, he completed 20 of 38 passes for 136 yards. Two-time All-Sunbelt tight end Zeek Zacharie hauled in eight passes against Auburn for 61 yards. Sophomore Frank Goodin ran for 596 yards and four touchdowns as a rookie last season; however, he tallied just 39 yards on 15 rushing attempts last weekend . [Stats courtesy of the school’s official athletics Web site and this box score from Yahoo.com.]

Ranking: Ranked 105th (out of the 119 Division I schools) in Sports Illustrated’s preseason poll.

Famous Alums: Country music star Tim McGraw, sports announcer Tim Brando, Milwaukee Brewers star pitcher Ben Sheets and Pro Bowl wide receiver Marty Booker.