THIBODAUX, La. – After having last weekend off, the Nicholls State University football team returns to action Saturday when the Colonels take on in-state rival Northwestern State in their Southland Conference opener at John L. Guidry Stadium.

The game will be televised on the Southland Conference Television Network with an online stream available on ESPN3. The local affiliates that will carry the game are WHNO 20.1 (New Orleans), KWBJ 22 (Morgan City-Houma), KLFY 10.2 (Lafayette) and WBTR 41 (Baton Rouge). For complete listings, please click here.

As always, live audio is available on the Colonel Sports Radio Network, which includes KLRZ 100.3 FM, KLEB 1600 AM and LA 106.3 Rock Hits Radio. Pregame coverage will begin at 11:30 a.m. with the Colonel Pre-Game Pass on KNSU 91.5 FM.

Nicholls (3-2, 0-0) heads into Southland play looking to build off its most successful non-conference showing since the 2007 season. Following a monumental win at FBS Western Michigan, the Colonels defended their home turf with wins against Langston and Arkansas Tech to give Nicholls its first winning streak in three seasons.

Although Nicholls has already put an end to several skids this season, the Colonels will be aiming for their first win in conference since the 2010 finale. The team almost ended the drought last season in Natchitoches but Northwestern State (3-2, 0-0) rallied late for a 27-26 comeback victory.

So far this season, Nicholls has been balanced on offense, averaging 210.4 yards rushing while throwing for 196.8 yards per game. The Colonels rank fourth in the SLC in rushing, but the pass yardage ranks near the bottom. In the win against Arkansas Tech, quarterback Tuskani Figaro set a new single-game rushing record with 281 yards as the Colonels racked up a season-high 359 yards on the ground.

Despite Figaro's record-breaking day, the Colonels are expected to use both Figaro and junior Beaux Hebert under center. The duo has combined for 580 yards passing and eight touchdowns while Figaro ranks second in the SLC in rushing with 119.2 yards per game.

Running back Marcus Washington continues to climb up the Colonels' all-time rushing list, moving up to No. 9 after running for 73 yards and a score in Nicholls' last outing. The senior from Lillian, Ala. heads into conference play with 1,750 career rushing yards and ranks sixth in the Southland with 67.2 yards per game. Washington is also the only Colonel with double-digit receptions, hauling in 22 for 207 yards and two TDs.

On defense, although Nicholls is giving up 43 points per game and over 500 yards of offense, the squad has been able to make plays when it counts the most. Along with leading the Southland in opponent fourth down conversion (1-of-6), two of Nicholls' six interceptions have sealed victories. Linebacker Chris Bermond and cornerback Byron Cobb each have two picks which is tied for the conference lead.
Also among the conference leaders is linebacker Davin Bovie who is fourth in tackles with 8.4 per game.

Northwestern State heads to Thibodaux fresh off a bye week as well and is searching for its third straight win in the series against Nicholls. NSU opened the 2011 conference schedule with a 34-0 win at John L. Guidry Stadium and in last season's matchup, kicked two late field goals to win by one point. The Demons lead the all-time series 26-14 with the teams even at 10 wins each in Thibodaux.

Zach Adkins directs the Demon offense, ranking fifth in the league with 224.8 yards per game. In their three wins, Adkins has passed for seven touchdowns and over 800 yards. Shakier Ryan leads the team with 22 receptions for 202 yards and two scores while Louis Hollier has a team-high 221 yards receiving and three touchdowns.

Running back Garrett Atzenweiler has turned it on over the last two games, rushing for 186 and two scores on 21 carries. Atzenweiler notched his first 100-yard game in the loss at UAB, averaging 6.7 yards per carry.

The Demons feature the SLC's second-rated defense in terms of total yardage (361.0) but are surrendering nearly 30 points a game. Linebacker Patrick Black heads the team with nine tackles per contest which ranks third in the SLC. Other leaders on defense include Justin Evans with 3.5 sacks and Fred Smith with two interceptions and six passes defended.

Next Saturday, the Colonels head to Stephen F. Austin for their first conference road game. The contest against the Lumberjacks will be televised on the Southland Conference Television Network. Kickoff is scheduled for 3 p.m.

GAMEDAY INFORMATION
Game Notes: Nicholls, Northwestern State
TV Coverage: Southland Conference Television Network (Affilates)
Broadcast Team: Randy McIlvoy (play by play), Shea Walker (color), Erin Cofiell (sideline)
Video Stream: ESPN3
Colonel Sports Radio Network: 100.3 FM KLRZ (Larose, La.); 1600 AM KLEB (Golden Meadow, La.); LA 106.3 Rock Hits Radio (Houma, La.)
Broadcast Team: Mike Wagenheim (play by play), Seth Thomas (color), Nolan Dumas (sideline)
Colonels on the Internet: www.klrzfm.com, www.la1063.com