THIBODAUX, La. – After playing on the road for five of its first six games, the Nicholls State University football team will begin its second-half of the schedule with a meeting against Stephen F. Austin at 6 p.m. on Saturday at John L. Guidry Stadium.
 
The game will be aired live on the Colonel Sports Radio Network which includes stations KLRZ-FM 100.3, KLEB-AM 1600, KJIN 1490 AM, KBZE 105.9 FM and KFRA 1390 AM. Also before kickoff, T'Canaille will have a two-hour pregame concert as part of the Swamp Stomp Tailgate Concert Series.
 
The Colonels (0-6, 0-2 SLC) are coming off a 45-3 loss at No. 4 McNeese State last Saturday, which pushed the Colonels' losing streak to 12 games. Nicholls fell behind 31-0 in the second half before Francisco Condado booted a 47-yard field goal to prevent the shutout. On the year, Nicholls is averaging just 9.5 points per game, which ranks 10th in the Southland.
 
In their only home contest so far this season, Nicholls scored just above its average in a 27-10 loss to Henderson state. In that game, the Colonels had their second-highest rushing total of the year with 88 yards, but were without the services of junior running back Michael Henry. In the two conference games, Henry is averaging 111.5 yards rushing per game and an impressive 7.4 yards per carry.
 
With Beaux Hebert and Kalen Henderson splitting time at quarterback, Nicholls saw a little bit of improvement in its passing game last week, averaging a season-best 13.4 yards per completion. Senior Demon Bolt played a huge role in the progression, hauling in three catches for a career-best 105 yards.
 
Stephen F. Austin fell in its conference opener, 49-39, at home last Saturday to Central Arkansas, which defeated Nicholls in its opener, 52-16. Leading 31-28 after three quarters against UCA, the Lumberjacks allowed three touchdowns in the final quarter to fall to 3-2 on the year and 0-1 in conference.
 
Despite the loss, SFA tallied 602 yards on offense, led by quarterback Zach Conque. The sophomore accounted for four touchdowns, rushing for three and throwing for another. The Lumberjacks bring the Southland's top offense at 513.6 yards per contest.
 
A large portion of those yards come from running back Gus Johnson, who rushed for 159 yards and a score on 21 carries at UCA. On the year, Johnson ranks 11th in the FCS with 130.2 rushing yards per game. As a team, SFA is averaging 213.2 yards per game, which is just inside the top 25 of the FCS.
 
Like the Colonels, SFA will be looking to end its own drought as they have lost 12 consecutive road games. However, along with winning six in a row against Nicholls, the Lumberjacks have won the last four meetings in Thibodaux. SFA holds a 23-7 lead in the all-time series after winning last year at home, 55-41.
 
Following Saturday's game, Nicholls will host Family Day next Saturday (Oct. 18) as the team squares off against Lamar. Kickoff at John L. Guidry is scheduled for 3 p.m. and tickets can be purchased online at geauxcolonels.com or by calling the Nicholls Athletics Ticket Office at 985-448-4790.


MEDIA COVERAGE
Game Notes: Nicholls | SFA
Radio Coverage: ESPN 100.3 FM (New Orleans); KJIN 1490 AM (Houma);   
KBZE 105.9 FM (Morgan City); KFRA 1390 AM (Franklin)
Broadcast Team: Mike Wagenheim (play by play), Seth Thomas (color), Brennan Matherne (sideline)
Video Stream: Colonels All-Access
Live Stats: geauxcolonels.com