SAN ANTONIO, Texas - Coming into the weekend as the nation's leader in turnover margin, the Nicholls State University football team gave up the ball four times, two leading directly to touchdowns, as the Colonels lost their Southland opener at No. 15 UIW, 55-10, Saturday night in front of 1,801 fans at Benson Stadium.

Nicholls (2-4, 0-1) chewed up nine minutes on the opening drive but only came away with a Gabe Showalter field goal. After UIW (4-2, 1-0) scored a touchdown on its first drive, the Cardinals returned a fumble for their first of two defensive touchdowns on the night.

The Colonels took advantage of a Zach Calzada fumble deep in UIW territory, which made way for a Scrappy Osby touchdown catch from Pat McQuaide with 10 minutes to go in the second quarter. But it was all UIW the rest of the way as the Cardinals scored 41 unanswered points to even up the all-time series at 6-6.

McQuaide threw for 90 yards on 17 of 28 and had his first two interceptions of the season. The Colonels had trouble establishing the running game as well, totaling 123 yards on 40 carries. 

Dany'e Brooks led the offense with 51 yards receiving on three catches while Jason Barnes Jr. added five receptions for 22 yards. Brooks had the longest play of the night for the Colonels with a 39-yard catch on the final drive.

Calzada paced UIW's offense with five touchdown passes, finishing with 270 yards on 25 of 33. Jackson Lowe had just two receptions but both went for touchdowns. 

Despite allowing six passing touchdowns, the Colonel defense continued to be stout against the rush with 89 yards allowed on 23 carries. Linebacker Eli Ennis racked up 14 tackles and two tackles for loss which included one sack. Kendarius Smith had the lone interception for the defense.

UP NEXT
After playing five of its first six on the road, Nicholls returns home for the next three games. The Colonels host Northwestern State on Oct. 19 for an early 11 a.m. kickoff.