The McNeese Cowboys (2-5, 1-2 SLC) are set to face the Nicholls Colonels (1-6, 1-2 SLC) in Thibodaux on Saturday.
McNeese found their first win since the first game of the season last week, dominating Houston Christian for a 27-0 victory. It began a more gettable portion of the Cowboys’ schedule, and that continues this week as well.
Nicholls started the season with an impressive win over Incarnate Word. However, it has been six straight losses since then. The Colonel offense has struggled mightily, and this team is badly looking for a win.
The kickoff between McNeese and Nicholls from John L. Guidry Stadium is scheduled for 3:00 p.m. on Saturday, October 25th.
ONE IS NICE, TWO IS BETTER
McNeese got things back on track last week with a comfortable win over Houston Christian. That was needed, as it came after five straight losses.
The five straight were slightly misleading, as two of those came against FBS opponents and two more came against the top two teams in the Southland Conference.
Still, the win was a big one, and it opens the door to the Cowboys creating a run down the stretch. They have a much easier schedule the rest of the way, including games against their next three opponents who have a combined record of 4-17.
HOT START… COLD SINCE
The season could not have gotten off to a better start for Nicholls. Under first-year head coach Tommy Rybacki, the Colonels won a week zero game 20-6 over conference favorite Incarnate Word. It was a dominant effort from the defense with some moments of brilliance from the offense as well.
That was the last time Nicholls won a game. After the 1-0 start, the Colonels have lost six straight games, and their offense has been dreadful. They have been held to 10 points or less in four out of their last five. For the season, Nicholls has not scored more than 20 points in any game.
POTW HONOR
After a stretch where McNeese had some struggles at quarterback, Jake Strong got things going again last week. He did so with his legs, running for 108 yards and three touchdowns. He also threw for 133 yards.
That performance earned him SLC Offensive Player of the Week honors. It was the type of showing that might be able to jumpstart the Cowboys offense throughout the home stretch of the season.
They’ll look to Strong to keep that momentum going against the Colonels this Saturday night in Thibodaux.
SERIES RECORD: McNeese Leads 32-17
Last 5 Meetings:
2024: Nicholls 24 – McNeese 19
2023: Nicholls 31 – McNeese 10
2022: Nicholls 40 – McNeese 35
2021: Nicholls 24 – McNeese 14
2020: McNeese 43 – Nicholls 31
STAT LEADERS:
McNeese:
Jake Strong: 108-190, 1,271 Yards, 7 TD, 7 INT
Tre’Vonte Citizen: 56 Carries, 340 Yards, 3 TD
Josh Jackson: 19 Catches, 236 Yards, 1 TD
Shyaub Brinkley: 52 Tackles (30 Solo)
Masey Lewis: 4.5 Sacks
Shyaub Brinkley: 2 INT
Fabrizio Pinton: 5-of-6 Field Goals, Long of 47, 19-of-19 PAT
Nicholls:
Deuce Hogan: 119-196, 1,038 Yards, 4 TD, 5 INT
Miequle Brock Jr: 70 Carries, 285 Yards, 1 TD
Miequle Brock Jr: 17 Catches, 180 Yards, 2 TD
Jake Dalmado: 60 Tackles (28 Solo)
Jake Dalmado: 2.5 Sacks
Ethan Lee: 3 INT
Gabriel Showalter: 7-of-9 Field Goals, Long of 45, 9-of-9 PAT