THIBODAUX – The Nicholls State University football team will play at South Alabama this Saturday at 4 p.m. in Ladd Peebles Stadium. It will be South Alabama's first game against a NCAA Division I opponent in its program's history.

The Jaguars (1-0) opened its 2010 slate with a 56-0 victory over NAIA Pikeville (Ky.) and were idle last week, while the Colonels (0-2) have fallen victim to two Division I-FBS foes with the most recent being a 49-14 loss to Western Michigan.

South Alabama played last season on a club level, and still are as they transition to a Division I-FCS Independent in the 2011 season. The Jaguars will be fully recognized by the NCAA as a Division I-FBS member, participating in the Sun Belt Conference in the sport in 2013.

“We know that they are excited to play against us and so are we,” said head coach Charlie Stubbs. “They have played one game, giving us only one game to watch on film. However, we are working hard to improve our football team in all areas.”

With under five minutes left in the first half, Nicholls was tied 14-14 with Western Michigan before giving up the go ahead touchdown and being shutout in the second half. The Colonels were led by sophomore running back Jesse Turner with over 100 yards of total offense that included a career best 92 yards rushing in the loss.

Turner also scored his first collegiate touchdown, a 52-yard dash through the middle of the defense on a fourth-and-one gamble from the team's own 48-yard line.

For the second straight week, the Colonels defense was led by senior free safety Tarbbaris Hicks with a personal-high 13 total tackles last week. Also in double figures in tackling was senior linebacker Ed James with 10 total stops.

“We have made improvements from game one to game two, but still must continue to climb,” added Stubbs. “I am confident that these young men will be attentive and ready to work hard in practice the rest of the week.”

Team captains for the game will be junior #A.J. Carter#, sophomore Laquintin Caston, senior Patrick Dolan and junior Shawn Elrod.

Kickoff is set for 4 p.m.

Notes of Interest:

Welcome Home Dolan Boys
Mobile Sons senior punter Patrick Dolan and true freshman place kicker Andrew Dolan will be returning to their hometown on Saturday. Patrick has racked up a total of seven preseason All-American accolades, been named twice All-Southland and All-LSWA First Team, and has been a member of the Southland All-Academic Team for three seasons.  Patrick holds a degree in Marketing at Nicholls and is currently working towards his master's. Andrew has followed his brother to Nicholls, and serves as the team field goal kicker. Both prepped at McGill Toolen in Mobile. Also representing the Colonels from the Mobile are true freshmen wide receiver Calvin Davidson and running back Marcus Washington.

Hanberry's Hit Parade
True freshman Jordan Hanberry may not be the tallest player on the field, but opposing teams quickly have found out that he is no push over. Hanberry delivered a serious hit on WMU's Dareyon Chance in the second quarter, and put the running back on his back. Hanberry finished the game with a personal best nine tackles (four solo) in the game.

A Lot of Connections
When the Colonels and Jaguars play Saturday, many will be playing against former teammates in high school or at previous collegiate stops. USA's Matt Saucier and Nicholls' Jordan Hanberry and Mike Walker were teammates at John Curtis HS (River Ridge, La.), USA's Audoniss Madison and Nicholls' Brian Lewis and Ronald Davis played at Edna Karr HS (New Orleans, La.), USA's Kendell Bagnerise and Nicholls' Toren Joseph prepped together at St. Augustine HS (New Orleans, La.), and USA's Enrique Williams and Nicholls' Calvin Davidson played together at Blount HS (Eight Mile, Ala.). Also, USA's Jarred Williams and Nicholls' Tyrie Allen were teammates at Florida Atlantic last season before both transferred.

Following the Colonels:

Game Notes: Nicholls vs. South Alabama Release
Colonels on Television: None
Colonels Radio Network: KLRZ 100.3 FM in Larose, 100,000 watts (Flagship), KBZE 105.9 FM in Morgan City, 5,000 watts, KFRA 1390 AM in Franklin, 500 watts, KLEB 1600 AM in Galliano, 500 watts
Broadcast team: Brennan Matherne (play-by-play) and Seth Thomas (analyst)
Colonels on the internet: www.klrzfm.com, www.kbze.com
Live Statistics: www.usajaguars.com

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