THIBODAUX, La.  – The Nicholls State University football team will wrap up its 2014 season with a Thursday night showdown against No. 10 Southeastern Louisiana in the annual River Bell Classic. Kickoff at John L. Guidry Stadium is scheduled for 6 p.m.
 
The game will be televised on WHNO – TV 20 and will be aired on the radio via the Colonel Sports Radio Network.
 
In addition to searching for its first win, Nicholls (0-11, 0-7 SLC) will be looking to play spoiler against its bitter rivals as Southeastern (8-3, 6-1 SLC) is vying for a second consecutive outright Southland Conference Championship. The Lions would be guaranteed at least a share with a victory, but could miss out completely with a loss to the Colonels.
 
Southeastern is the only team in conference that Nicholls holds an advantage over in the all-time series, but the Lions have won the last three to pull within one game. In 23 previous meetings, Nicholls has a 12-11 record and posts a 6-3 record in games play at John L. Guidry Stadium.
 
The Colonels are coming off a 48-21 loss at Northwestern State, which was the team's 17th consecutive setback. Nicholls came out and scored a touchdown on its first drive, but NSU scored the game's next 35 points to put the game out of reach.
 
Running back Michael Henry had a career-high 146 yards rushing with one touchdown in the loss, putting the junior within striking distance of 1,000 yards for the season. Only two Colonels in program history have reached the milestone in a single season - Tuskani Figaro (1,103 yards; 2013) and Nakia Lumar (1,072; 1996). Henry enters the final week with 887 yards.
 
If Henry is able to reach the plateau, he will definitely have earned it as Southeastern comes to Thibodaux with the 15th ranked rush defense in the FCS, allowing just 111.3 yards per game. In last week's 28-9 win over ranked McNeese State, the Lions held the Cowboys' potent rushing attack to just 95 yards. Southeastern is ranked first in the Southland in total defense (296.6 ypg), passing defense (185.4 ypg) and scoring defense (18.7 ppg).
 
Southeastern is led by reigning Southland Player of the Year, quarterback Bryan Bennett. The former Oregon Duck has put up impressive numbers once again, throwing for 2,095 yard and 17 touchdowns while rushing for 655 yards with 13 touchdowns.
 
Before the game, Nicholls will recognize its 2014 Senior Class. Members of the class include Demon Bolt, Ty Boudreaux, Davin Bovie, Keenan Canty, Andrew Carter, Byron Cobb, Josh Dewey, Ashton Duhe, Cole Frazier, Conner Fryoux, Tyler Harrington, Beaux Hebert, Kalen Henderson, Toren Joseph, Tyler Knowles, Nick LeBlanc, Dwayne Mitchell, Rafe Plaisance, Nick Scelfo, Daniel Stewart, Jordan Thompson, Lowell Williams, Michael Woods and Ryan Zeller.
 
 
GAMEDAY INFORMATION
Game Notes: Nicholls, Southeastern Louisiana
Television: WHNO TV-20
Broadcast Team: Ken Berthelot (play by play), Wayde Keiser (color), Juan Kincaid (sideline)
Colonel Sports Radio Network: KLRZ-FM 100.3, KLEB-AM 1600, KJIN 1490 AM, KBZE 105.9 FM, KFRA 1390 AM
Broadcast Team: Brennan Matherne (play by play), Seth Thomas (color), Steve Holley (sideline)