THIBODAUX, La.  – The Nicholls State University football team returns to Thibodaux for its 2012 home opener, hosting the Evangel University Crusaders on Saturday night at John L. Guidry Stadium. Kickoff is scheduled for 6 p.m.

The game will be streamed live at ThibodauxOnline.com and can be heard on the Colonel Sports Radio Network. In addition, LA 106.3 KXOR will begin its tailgate festivities at 2:30 p.m.

Nicholls (0-2) will be aiming to snap its current 12-game losing streak, with its last victory coming against Evangel (2-1) in the 2011 season opener. Including last year, the teams have squared off twice, with the Colonels holding a 2-0 record.

While the defense struggled in the 50-point loss at Tulsa, the offense made strides as the team amassed over 250 yards rushing, averaging nearly five yards per tote. Marcus Washington paved the way with 91 yards; however, LaQuintin Caston, who rushed for 86 yards in the first quarter, will be unavailable due to a broken collarbone. Last season versus Evangel, Caston ran for 137 yards and accounted for three touchdowns.

In Caston's absence, freshman quarterback Tuskani Figaro took over the Wildcat role, rushing for 46 yards against the stout Hurricane defense. At 6-foot-3, 210 pounds, Figaro gives Nicholls another physical runner out of the backfield. 

The Colonels had only 12 receptions last week against Tulsa, but two went for over 35 yards. Junior transfer Erik Buchanan hauled in a 37-yard grab, and senior Aldaro Russell scored his second career touchdown, racing 51 yards for Nicholls' second TD. On the year, Washington leads the team with five receptions.

Evangel, a NAIA school out of Springfield, Mo., heads to Thibodaux after a convincing 45-23 triumph over Culver-Stockton. The Crusaders feature a highly efficient offense, pumping out 485.3 yards per contest.

EU is led by quarterback Andrew Brimhall, who is averaging 324.3 yards passing with nine touchdowns. Despite his high numbers, he completes only 45 percent of his passes and has eight interceptions.

Jesse Vaughn has been the top threat for Evangel in the passing game, averaging over 30 yards per catch with four touchdowns. In three games, he has 452 yards on 15 receptions. Last week, Vaughn racked up 191 yards and two scores on just four receptions.

In the backfield, Otis Brown has a staggering 11.8 yard per carry average, while Tommy Meyer leads the team with 206 yards.

Before the game, Nicholls Athletics will induct its 2012 Hall of Fame Class, with the ceremony to be held at the Bollinger Memorial Student Union in the Plantation Suite at 3 p.m. The six-member class consists of Ben Abadie, Gerard King, Amy Orr, Jay Pennison, Scott Sanders and Chris Thompson.

GAMEDAY INFORMATION
Nicholls vs. Evangel 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: www.geauxcolonels.com