Rogers opens the door, Bockler scores twice as Louisiana Tech blanks ULM 24-0

Taeden Rogers intercepted the first ULM pass after halftime, and Louisiana Tech finally had the opening it needed. Sergio Snider finished the ensuing possession with a five-yard touchdown run, starting a run of 24 unanswered points in the Bulldogs' 24-0 victory Saturday night in Monroe.

The first meeting between the neighboring programs since 2000 had reached halftime without a point. Tech's defense kept it that way for ULM through the final whistle, while Blake Baker found tight end Brayden Bockler for two second-half touchdowns.

Louisiana Tech improved to 4-2 and 2-0 in the Sun Belt with its third straight win. ULM fell to 0-6 and 0-2. The Bulldogs have won nine straight meetings in the series, according to their official postgame report.

A different game after the break

Rogers' interception gave Tech possession at its own 38. Baker helped move the Bulldogs 62 yards in six plays before Snider scored. After spending the first half trading empty possessions, Tech had a 7-0 lead and immediately forced a punt.

The next scoring drive required patience. Tech went 66 yards in 11 plays, using 6 minutes, 31 seconds before Baker connected with Bockler for a two-yard touchdown. The Bulldogs led 14-0 with 4:07 remaining in the third quarter.

ULM's official postgame press conference features coach Bryant Vincent after the rivalry defeat:

Marcus Calwise Jr. then supplied the biggest offensive gain of the night. His 56-yard reverse helped set up Baker's second touchdown pass to Bockler in the fourth quarter. Calwise also caught eight passes for a career-best 119 yards, giving Tech a way to move the ball through both its passing game and that long run.

Keeping the zero

ULM's best late chance ended with another interception. Kam Franklin picked off Aidan Armenta near the Tech 20 and returned the ball 66 yards. Kaegan Kent's 21-yard field goal followed, making it 24-0.

The Warhawks got inside Tech's 20 again on their final possession. This time the Bulldogs stopped them on downs with 1:38 left. ULM finished with only 63 rushing yards and converted two of 11 third downs.

The first half had offered little warning that Tech would win comfortably. ULM intercepted Trey Kukuk, pressured the Bulldogs' quarterbacks and blocked a field-goal attempt. Both offenses kept coming away empty.

Baker finished 15 of 21 for 178 yards without an interception. Tech gained 340 total yards.