THIBODAUX, La. - The Nicholls State University football team fell behind big early against No. 15/15 Lamar University as the Colonels suffered their first home loss, falling 49-18 on Saturday afternoon on Manning Field at John L. Guidry Stadium.
The Colonels (2-3, 1-1 SLC) had won the last four at home in the series against Lamar (3-1, 1-0 SLC) but the Cardinals wasted no time in its attempt to stop the skid, finding the end zone four times in the opening quarter. LU led by as much as 42-7 in the first half before going on to claim its first win in Thibodaux since 2014.
Nicholls finished with 329 yards of offense compared to 439 for the visitors, but once again, third downs played a big part in the outcome. Lamar was 5-for-5 in the opening half while the Colonels finished at 3 of 15 for the game. The first conversion for the Cardinals was a 33-yard catch, immediately followed by a flea flicker for a 41-yard score from Aiden McCown to Blake Thomas.
After Nicholls went three-and-out on its opening possession, McCown hooked up with Davin Driskell for a 49-yard touchdown.
The Colonels posted their lone touchdown drive of the first half, scoring on a short flip pass to
Ellis Stewart from
Ean Rodrigue for a 3-yard TD.
Shane Lee helped set up the drive, rushing 26 yards on a 4th-and-2. However, LU returned the ensuing kickoff for a touchdown as Caleb Holmes found the end zone on an 86-yard return.
Nicholls followed with another special team's gaff as a punt attempt was fumbled, giving Lamar a short field to work with. McCown shoveled off a pass to Cam Patterson for an 11-yard touchdown and a commanding 28-7 first-quarter advantage.Â
In the second stanza, Nicholls drove into LU territory but a fourth-down completion was short. Lamar then used two pass interference calls on third down to fuel another touchdown drive.Â
Nicholls went three-and-out again and Lamar answered by converting two more third downs, ending the drive with a touchdown run for a 42-7 lead. But the Colonels were able to get a 43-yard field goal by
Kingston Phan right before halftime.
Neither team scored in the third, with
Skylar Husband coming up with an interception to thwart one of Lamar's possessions.
Early in the fourth,
Jordan Smith hauled in a highlight leaping catch for a 29-yard touchdown. However, Lamar answered again with a 56-yard rush up the middle by McCown to make the final.
Rodrigue completed 18 of 31 passes for 191 yards and two scores. Smith led the way with six catches for 78 yards while
Greg Donaldson added five receptions for 75 yards. Lee carried the ball nine times for 64 yards and
Tamaj Hoffman totaled 16 carries for 42 yards.
On defense,
Kennon Loftin had 11 tackles and
Kasai Jones added seven and one pass breakup.
Lamar's McCown totaled four touchdowns, throwing for 232 yards and three scores. Driskell was his top target with four grabs for 110 yards.
Up Next
Nicholls will hit the road for a Saturday (Oct. 3) matchup at HCU. Kickoff is scheduled for 6:00 p.m.
