Final Stats

EUGENE, Ore. –The Nicholls State University football team saw No. 3 Oregon build a huge first-half lead as the Ducks orchestrated six first-half scorings drives that were less than two minutes and the Colonels would go on to fall 66-3 in their season opener Saturday in front of 57,769 at Autzen Stadium.

The Colonels will take on their second straight FBS opponent with a matchup against Western Michigan next Saturday (Sept. 7) at 6 p.m. on ESPN3. The meeting with the Broncos (0-1) will be the third in the last four years. 

Marcus Washington had a solid day in the loss, rushing for 40 yards on 13 carries and set career highs with 11 receptions and 92 yards receiving. The senior from Lillian, Ala. had a key 18-yard grab in Nicholls' first-half scoring drive, which was a 13-play drive that chewed up nearly six minutes. Kicker Andrew Dolan capped the drive with a 35-yard field goal that made the score 24-3 Oregon. Dolan was 1 of 3 on the day, missing on a 49-yarder with his other attempt being blocked.

Kalen Henderson directed the offense, going 21 of 40 for 214 yards and added 46 yards on the ground. In his Colonel debut, Henderson also contributed in special teams, getting two quick punts downed inside the 5. Starter Beaux Hebert left the game in the second after he took an illegal hit to the helmet as his was sliding. Hebert was 4 of 10 for 42 yards before leaving.

Along with Washington, the Colonels were led in receiving by Terry Lucas (3 rec., 26 yards) and Erik Buchanan (2 rec., 64 yards). On defense, Davin Bovie paved the way with eight tackles, followed by Jordan Hanberry with seven.

Nicholls finished with 343 on offense, while the Ducks racked up a school-record 772 yards. Oregon quarterback Marcus Mariata played three quarters, finishing 12 of 21 for 234 yards and a touchdown. Mariota was also one of three Ducks to rush for 100 yards as he racked up 113, joining De'Anthony Thomas (128 yards) and Byron Marshall (124 yards).

In the first, Oregon took a quick 7-0 after Thomas punched one in from four yards. Following a 27-yard TD pass from Mariota to Bralon Addison, Thomas added another touchdown - this time from 22 yards out. Oregon then took advantage of a Hebert fumble to tack on three more points.

In Nicholls' lone scoring the drive, the Colonels looked to have scored a touchdown when Henderson went 13 yards untouched into the end zone, but the play was negated due to holding. The Colonels settled for a 35-yard field goal from Dolan, making the score 24-3.

Oregon added three more touchdowns through the third quarter before exploding for a 21-point fourth, making the final 66-3.