Boxscore/Play-By-play

LAKE CHARLES – The Nicholls State University football team trailed 21-0 and climbed back within striking distance – 21-14 – early on in the third quarter, but failed to come any closer at a comeback as McNeese State went on to win 24-14 in Cowboy Stadium on Saturday night.

“We dug ourselves a whole early on, but I'm proud of the way our team stayed focused and played hard,” said head football coach Charlie Stubbs. “After our early miscues, we went toe-to-toe with one of the better teams in our conference. Our overall effort was there, but we have to correct some of our mistakes.”

The Colonels (2-6, 1-3 Southland) were led by true freshman Landry Klann with 150 yards passing on 14-of-18 attempts. Klann had a passing and rushing touchdown in the loss. Leading all receivers in the game was junior wide receiver Kenyad Blair with four receptions for 79 yards and a touchdown, while sophomore defensive lineman Edet Udoh led the defensive effort with seven total tackles (six solo).

Also putting forth a career-effort was sophomore defensive end Rashar Knight with seven total stops (five solo), a sack and two forced fumbles.

Senior punter Patrick Dolan had an outstanding game with an average of 47.9 yards per punt. Dolan had five of his seven punts go over 50 yards

The Cowboys (4-4, 3-1 Southland) were led by running back Andre Anderson with 171 yards rushing on 29 carries.

McNeese State paced itself with an early 14-0 first quarter lead, and after a Colonel turnover by sophomore quarterback LaQuintin Caston on the first play of the second quarter, McNeese State drove 40 yards on eight plays to extend its advantage, 21-0.

After the turnover, Klann took over under center and on his third series conducting the offense, Klann guided the Colonels to its first score of the game with a quarterback keeper from 1-yard out. It was Klann's first collegiate touchdown.

Klann's touchdown dive over the top came with under a minute left in the first half, and the drive covered 63 yards on eight plays and only used 2:12 of official clock.

“That was huge for us,” said Stubbs about the drive. “It was good to take a little positive energy into the locker room at halftime, and it showed in our defensive play to open the third quarter.”

On the first play of the second half, junior cornerback Bobby Felder came up with an interception, giving him consecutive games with an interception. Unfortunately, Nicholls' offense sputtered and fumbled.

However, the Colonels' defense stayed focused and Knight forced his second fumble of the game, and Hicks recovered the loose ball. Klann then guided the Colonels 49 yards on four plays for a touchdown. Klann connected with Blair for 35-yards off the left hash, and he raced untouched to the end zone.

True freshman Andrew Dolan's PAT was successful, and Nicholls trailed 21-14 with 10:17 left in the third quarter.

McNeese State did not answer until the start of the fourth quarter, and did so with 21-yard field goal by Josh Lewis to extend the lead, 24-14, with 14:22 left in regulation.

Nicholls failed to score for the remainder of the game.

Nicholls will return home to face No. 5 Stephen F. Austin next Saturday, while McNeese State is set to travel to Sam Houston State.

###