Ahead of Week 1 at Texas, ULM football coach Terry Bowden emphasizes mental preparation

Homecoming is coming early for some Louisiana-Monroe football players. With 33 players from the state of Texas, coach Terry Bowden said there is extra excitement for the season opener.

The Warhawks will start the 2022 season in Austin against Texas on Saturday (7 p.m., Longhorn Network). Last year, ULM finished 4-8 in Bowden's first year. In Steve Sarkisian's first year with the Longhorns, Texas finished 5-7.

"We know we're underdogs, we know we have to go in with that on our mind," Bowden said Tuesday. " But if you don't go out convinced that you can find a way to win or a win can't happen, then you've lost before the game begins. "

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Going into Austin, Bowden is relying on his profound coaching experience to navigate his week 1 preparation. He cited his years at Auburn and Clemson, among others, in regard to what Texas's approach may be – score a lot and score fast.

To counter that, Bowden said the Warhawks need to stop the big explosive plays early to keep the game close.

"Let's have them at least earn what they get," Bowden said. "If they can earn what they get and it takes the clock off, we're not trying to keep the score down we're just trying to find a way to stay in it."

The Longhorns will start freshman Quinn Ewers at quarterback. The 6-foot-2, 209-pound redshirt freshman transferred from Ohio State and was the No. 1 recruit of the 2021 class. Bowden said all his team can do is play its best and see how he reacts.

"I think what we've got to do is hope that there is something to the fact that you go in with just a little bit of just nerves for your first game in college," Bowden said.

The Warhawks are finally able to line up against a different program and the excitement levels are high. Bowden said that he and his staff are trying their best to relieve some of the anxiety and anticipation that week 1 brings.

"If it helps you practice harder, if it helps you play harder than that's a positive," Bowden said. " If it makes you so overwhelmed that it keeps you not focused on just doing your job, that's all you can do, is do your job."

This article originally appeared on Monroe News-Star: ULM football coach Terry Bowden on being mentally prepared for Texas