THIBODAUX  - The Nicholls State University football team will host Southland Conference rival Stephen F. Austin at John L. Guidry Stadium on Saturday, Oct. 22, for its annual homecoming game. Kickoff is scheduled for 5:30 p.m.

Both teams head into the weekend looking to crack the win column in conference play, and to also pick up their first victory since their season openers. Nicholls (1-6, 0-3 SLC) suffered its sixth consecutive loss last weekend, falling 47-7 at Sam Houston State, who moved up to seventh in The Sports Network Top 25 Poll. The Lumberjacks (1-5, 0-2 SLC), who had a bye last week, also lost to Bearkats in their last outing, 45-10, in the Battle of Piney Woods at Reliant Stadium in Houston.

“This will be a major challenge again. I know that their [Stephen F. Austin] win-loss record is not what they want, but they are a very good program and they know how to win. We're excited about the matchup, excited to be at home and to meet the challenge ahead,” said Nicholls head coach Charlie Stubbs.

Although Sam Houston State scored 47 points last weekend against Nicholls, overall, the Colonel defense had a solid outing versus one of the nation's top offenses. By causing four turnovers in the first half, Sam Houston worked with a short field on several occasions. The Colonels only gave up 17 points on drives longer than 50 yards, and held the FCS' sixth-rated rushing attack to just 3.6 yards per carry.

Leading the defense is linebacker Jordan Piper with 59 tackles on the year, which ranks sixth in the Southland. Last weekend, Brian Lewis took advantage of his first start of the season at cornerback, racking up a career-high eight solo tackles. Nicholls is currently ranked 24th in the FCS in pass defense, giving up 178.9 yards per game.

The Colonel passing defense will be tested against Stephen F. Austin, who features the conference's top aerial assault. The Lumberjacks average 317.3 yards passing per game, ranking seventh in the FCS. Quarterback Brady Attaway, who had to replace 2010 Walter Payton Award Winner Jeremy Moses, heads the offense while receivers Cordell Roberson (42 rec., 480 yds) and Grayln Crawford (41 rec., 369 yds) are ranked No. 1 and 2, respectively, in the Southland in receiving.

For the series, SFA holds a 20-7 record all-time and has won the last three at John L. Guidry Stadium. The Colonels' last victory against the Lumberjacks was in 2007 when Nicholls won 17-16 in a defensive battle in Nacogdoches, snapping a 10-game road losing streak in the series.

Kickoff for the Saturday's homecoming contest is scheduled for 5:30 p.m. Mike Wagenheim, Seth Thomas and Brandon Rizzuto will cover all the action live on The Colonel Radio Network on 100.3 FM KLRZ, 105.9 FM KBZE and 1600 AM KLEB.

Nicholls vs. Stephen F. Austin Game Notes
TV Coverage: None
Radio Coverage: 100.3 FM KLRZ (Larose, La.); 1600 AM KLEB (Golden Meadow, La.); 105.9 FM KBZE (Morgan City, La.)
Broadcast Team: Mike Wagenheim (play-by-play), Seth Thomas (color) and Brandon Rizzuto (sideline)
Colonels on the Internet: www.klrzfm.com; www.kbze.com
Live Stats: www.geauxcolonels.com