Ahmad Hardy leads UL Monroe to victory over Troy in Sun Belt opener

In a closely contested game on Saturday night, UL Monroe triumphed over Troy with a final score of 13-9 in their Sun Belt Conference opener. The decisive moment came midway through the fourth quarter when Ahmad Hardy executed a 1-yard touchdown run, concluding an impressive eight-play, 75-yard drive. This touchdown was the only one of the game, highlighting the defensive struggles both teams faced. Despite Troy outgaining UL Monroe in total offense and rushing yards, they were unable to secure a first down in their final two possessions, which ultimately sealed their fate. Max Larson contributed to UL Monroe's scoring with two field goals, while Troy's Scott Taylor Renfroe made three field goals, including a 49-yarder that briefly gave Troy a 9-6 lead. The game showcased a strong defensive effort from both sides, with Troy's ground game led by Gerald Green and Damien Taylor, who combined for over 170 rushing yards. However, the inability to convert drives into touchdowns proved costly for Troy. The victory improved UL Monroe's record to 3-1 overall and 1-0 in the conference, while Troy fell to 1-4 and 0-1 in the Sun Belt. This game marked a significant moment for UL Monroe as they began their conference play on a positive note, setting the stage for their upcoming matchups. The performance of Ahmad Hardy, both in rushing and scoring, was pivotal in securing the win for the Warhawks. As the season progresses, both teams will need to address their offensive inconsistencies to improve their standings in the competitive Sun Belt Conference.