BEAUMONT, Texas - The Nicholls State University football team suffered its third consecutive loss with a 24-7 setback against Lamar on Saturday at Provost Umphrey Stadium.

The loss dropped Nicholls to 4-7 overall and 2-4 in the Southland. The Colonels will wrap up the season on Thursday against Southeastern in the River Bell Classic at John L. Guidry Stadium.

Nicholls was held to less than 300 yards of offense for the fifth time this season, totaling 266 yards including their conference-low 68 yards rushing. Pat McQuaide tossed a touchdown to Jackson Dufrene in the second quarter for the Colonels' lone score of the day.

McQuaide threw for 198 yards on 21 of 34 and had three interceptions. But one pick came off a tipped ball by the receiver while the last was on the final play of the game.

Terry Matthews had seven catches for 85 yards to lead the team while Dufrene totaled four for 45 yards. Collin Guggenheim added 22 yards rushing on seven carries.

Nicholls had a solid showing on defense by giving up 301 yards and tallied two interceptions and a fumble recovery. Eli Ennis continued his stellar season with 11 tackles and a pick.

In the opening quarter, special teams were an issue for the Colonels as Kyndon Fuselier returned a short punt 40 yards for a touchdown. Nicholls then had a chance to cut into the deficit but Ray Vallee misfired on a 31-yard field goal attempt.

Lamar went up 10-7 in the second before Nicholls put together its scoring drive. The special teams caught a break when Vallee dropped his punt attempt and scrambled 14 yards to pick up a first down. McQuaide then found Dufrene for a 19-yard touchdown which was the first TD catch of his career.

In the third, LU scored on a short touchdown pass for a 17-7 advantage. The Cardinals were driving again before Jamison Lindsey picked off a pass in the red zone. But Nicholls could not get its offense going and was forced to punt.

Early in the fourth, Ennis gave Nicholls some momentum with his interception, but on the next play, McQuaide threw up a jump ball on a flea-flicker and it was intercepted by Dejuan Lewis. Lamar then took a 24-7 lead on Robert Coleman's second touchdown pass. 

In the final minutes, the teams traded turnovers which included a forced fumble by Ty Marsh.