THIBODAUX, La. – The Nicholls State University football team will face its second consecutive FBS program to start the season as the Colonels take on Arkansas at 3 p.m. on Saturday, Sept. 6 at Donald W. Reynolds Razorback Stadium.
 
The game will be nationally televised on the SEC Network and can be listened to on the Colonel Sports Radio Network. Radio affiliates include KNSU 91.5 FM (Thibodaux), KJIN 1490 AM (Houma), ESPN 100.3 FM (New Orleans), KBZE 105.9 FM (Morgan City) and KFRA 1390 AM (Franklin).
 
Both teams head into the matchup coming off opening losses, and both squads carry lengthy losing streaks. Nicholls (0-1) dropped its seventh consecutive game after falling at Air Force, 44-16, and Arkansas (0-1) had its skid extend to 10 games following a 45-21 loss to Auburn.
 
The Colonels had impressive drives on both sides of the ball at Air Force, but overall, the team struggled in its first game of the year. After playing to a tie at 9-all in the second quarter, Nicholls allowed 35 consecutive points before a late touchdown pass by backup quarterback Beaux Hebert made the final score.
 
While Nicholls did not have any turnovers last Saturday, the team was held to 263 yards on offense, and only 63 yards came on the ground. Kalen Henderson threw for 136 yards in three-plus quarters of action, and also rushed for 38 yards. But four sacks negated almost all of his rushing yards, giving him 1 net yard on 12 carries. As a team, Nicholls averaged only 2.1 yards per carry, led by Tobias Lofton's 4.0 average (5 car., 20 yds, 1 TD).
 
Darryl Watson II led the receivers in the loss, catching four passes for 66 yards and a score. Running back Michael Henry also chipped in with 31 yards on three catches, finishing with 54 all-purpose yards.
 
On defense, the Colonels gave up 539 yards rushing against the Falcons' triple-option. Arkansas features a more traditional offense, with a trio of running backs racking up 147 yards last weekend at Auburn. Alex Collins headed the running game with 68 yards on 10 carries, while Korliss Marshall added 45 yards and Jonathan Williams had 34 yards and a touchdown.
 
Brandon Allen will get the start under center for the Razorbacks. Allen had a solid outing against the Tigers, throwing for 175 yards and two scores. His main targets in the opener were Demetrius Wilson and A.J. Derby, who combined for eight catches and 95 yards, with Derby hauling in 17-yard score in the second quarter. But Arkansas' offense stalled in the second half, scoring no points as Auburn pulled away with 24 unanswered in the final 30 minutes.
 
The Razorbacks will be one of three opponents from the state of Arkansas for the Colonels in the next four games. Nicholls opens its home schedule next weekend, hosting Henderson State at 6 p.m. at John L. Guidry Stadium. Two weeks later, the Colonels open conference play at Central Arkansas.
 
Tickets for the home opener on Sept. 13 are available on geauxcolonels.com, or by calling the Nicholls Athletics Ticket Office at 985-448-4790.
 
MEDIA COVERAGE
Nicholls Game Notes
Arkansas Game Notes
Radio Coverage: KNSU 91.5 FM (Thibodaux); KJIN 1490 AM (Houma); ESPN 100.3 FM (New Orleans);      
*KBZE 105.9 FM (Morgan City); KFRA 1390 AM (Franklin)
Broadcast Team: Mike Wagenheim (play by play), Seth Thomas (color), Steve Holley (sideline)
TV Coverage: SEC Network (Search your local listings here)
Broadcast Team: Matt Stewart (play by play), Cole Cubelic (color), Kayce Smith (sideline)
Live Stats: arkansasrazorbacks.com