THIBODAUX, La. - The Nicholls State University football team will close out the 2014 season with games against two in-state rivals, starting Saturday, Nov. 15 at Northwestern State. Kickoff at Turpin Stadium is scheduled for 6 p.m.
While the Colonels (0-10, 0-6 SLC) are still winless on the season, Nicholls currently owns the N-S-U Challenge Trophy as its last win came against Northwestern State (5-5, 3-3 SLC). Nicholls knocked off former head coach Jay Thomas in his return to Thibodaux, 33-21, to open conference play last season. The Colonels dominated in the win, leading 33-7 before the Demons added two late touchdowns.
But that was last season, and the Colonels have struggled in conference play thus far. Nicholls looked on its way to its first win of the season at Houston Baptist three weeks ago, but the Huskies scored 14 unanswered points in the fourth quarter to win 31-21. In Nicholls' last game at home against UIW, the Cardinals cruised to a 38-20 win to hand the Colonels their 16th consecutive loss, dating back to the Northwestern State game.
The Demons lead the all-time series 26-15, but Nicholls has had success recently in Natchitoches. In 2010, the Colonels blew out NSU on its home turf, 37-7, and in 2012, the Demons kicked two fourth-quarter field goals to win 27-26. Despite the two most recent contests, Northwestern State has a commanding 16-4 record at home in the series.
After suffering back-to-back losses, Northwestern State came up with a big win on the road, defeating Abilene Christian 34-10 last week. The Demons led 20-0 at the break at ACU and caused five turnovers by the Wildcats in the game. Garrett Atzenweiler was the offensive star for NSU, rushing for 52 yards and two touchdowns.
For the Colonels,
Michael Henry has led the offense, ranking second in the league in rushing with 99.3 yards per game in conference play. Henry has 741 yards rushing on the season and five touchdowns, looking to become only the third Colonel to rush for a 1,000 yards in a season.
Following Saturday's game, Nicholls will close out the season in the River Bell Classic against Southeastern Louisiana on Thursday, Nov. 20. Kickoff at John L. Guidry Stadium is scheduled for 6 p.m.
MEDIA COVERAGE
Game Notes: Nicholls | Northwestern State
Radio Coverage: KLEB-AM 1600; KJIN 1490 AM (Houma); KBZE 105.9 FM (Morgan City); KFRA 1390 AM (Franklin)
Broadcast Team: Mike Wagenheim (play by play), Seth Thomas (color), Steve Holley (sideline)
Live Stats: nsudemons.com
