{
  "id": 13787930,
  "title": "Sun Belt matchup features Louisiana Tech taking on UL Monroe",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/11/sun-belt-matchup-features-louisiana-tech-taking-on-ul-monroe",
  "topic": "culture",
  "section": "Culture",
  "published": "2026-10-11T19:45:04.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Winnipeg Free Press",
    "slug": "winnipeg-free-press",
    "url": "https://www.winnipegfreepress.com/uncategorized/2026/10/11/sun-belt-matchup-features-louisiana-tech-taking-on-ul-monroe"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Louisiana Tech and UL Monroe face off for the first annual match, with the former currently holding a 3-2 record and the latter trailing at 0-5. The clash is set for October 17 at 8 p.m. EDT. Louisiana Tech enters the game as the favored team, with a projected win by 14.5 points. Against the spread, Louisiana Tech is favored with a 4-1 record, while UL Monroe sits at 1-4. UL Monroe ranks 136th in defensive third down percentage, allowing opponents to convert 52.1% of the time. Louisiana Tech, on the other hand, ranks 50th in offense, converting 43.8% of their third downs. UL Monroe has a -3 turnover margin, while Louisiana Tech leads the field with a 26th-ranked +4 margin. The Bulldogs have a penalty issue, ranking 119th in FBS with an average of 60.6 penalty yards per game. UL Monroe, in contrast, ranks 8th in the conference with an average of 35.4 penalty yards per game. The Red Zone offense for Louisiana Tech ranks 85th in the FBS, scoring on 75% of their trips. Passing plays are led by Blake Baker, who has thrown for 679 yards, 7 touchdowns, and 1 interception, with a completion percentage of 67.9%. Running back Andrew Burnette has gained 207 yards on 43 carries, including 1 touchdown. Wide receiver Jalen Mickens has 434 yards on 30 catches, with 3 touchdowns to his name. Meanwhile, UL Monroe's passing game is powered by Aidan Armenta, who has thrown for 855 yards, 6 touchdowns, and 1 interception, with a completion percentage of 64.5%. Running back Austin Carlisle has contributed 219 yards on 37 carries, with 1 touchdown. Wide receiver Marcellus Jackson has 234 yards on 26 catches. Louisiana Tech and UL Monroe have a history, with Louisiana Tech winning 32-31 in a previous match on October 10.",
  "summary": null,
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}