THIBODAUX, La. – The Nicholls State University football team travels to Northwestern State on Saturday, Oct. 27, for the 20th annual NSU Challenge. Kickoff at Turpin Stadium is scheduled for 6 p.m.

The game will be broadcast live on the Colonel Sports Radio Network, which includes KLRZ-FM 100.3, KLEB-AM 1600 and KXOR-FM 106.3.

The Colonels (1-5, 0-3), who have lost three straight games– all in conference, will be looking to bring the N-S-U Trophy back to Thibodaux after falling to the Demons last season, 34-0. Although it will be the 20th time that the teams have battled for the hardware, the matchup serves as the 40th meeting between the programs, which is the longest series for the Colonels against any opponent. 

Northwestern State (3-4, 1-2), which is coming off its bye, leads the series with a 25-14 record. In conference, the Demons have lost to McNeese State and Southeastern La., with a victory over Lamar in-between. NSU will be the Colonels' second straight opponent that had a bye in the previous week. Despite both teams having three Southland games in the books, they have yet to face a common opponent.

In Nicholls' last trip to Turpin Stadium in 2010, the Colonels shocked Northwestern St. with a 37-7 victory, behind an impressive outing by LaQuintin Caston (134 yards rushing, 3 TDs). Caston, who suffered a broken collar bone against Tulsa, is still nursing the injury and will likely be a game-time decision. Even with the help of last season's leading rusher, the Colonels will still have to deal with a hostile environment as the Demons are undefeated on their home turf this season, sporting a 3-0 record.

Two key players in the battle of NSUs are at the linebacker position – senior Jordan Piper of Nicholls and Northwestern State's Derek Rose. Piper grinded his way to 15 stops last week, increasing his Southland-leading average to 11.5 per game. Rose, who had four tackles, a fumble recovery and an interception in last year's shutout, comes in ranked third in the conference in tackles with 8.6 per outing.

Following Saturday's game, the Colonels return to Thibodaux to host another in-state foe, McNeese State, for Family Day on Nov. 3. Tickets are currently on sale online for a discounted price, which can be purchased by visiting NichollsTickets.com.

GAMEDAY INFORMATION
Nicholls vs. Northwestern State Notes
Radio Coverage: 100.3 FM KLRZ (Larose, La.); 1600 AM KLEB (Golden Meadow, La.); 106.3 FM KXOR (Houma, La.)
Broadcast Team: Mike Wagenheim (play-by-play), Seth Thomas (color)
Colonels on the Internet: www.klrzfm.com, www.la1063.com
Live Stats: nsudemons.com