The Nicholls State football team will play against the best team in the Southland Conference Saturday.Stephen F. Austin was No. 3 in the FCS Coaches’ Top 25 poll, and fourth in the Sports Network Top 25 poll before their loss to Texas State last Saturday.
The Lumberjacks had a 24 point lead over Texas State with only 10 minutes left and lost 27-24.
Despite their loss Saturday, Stephen F. Austin leads the Southland Conference in scoring offense, scoring defense, total offense, pass offense, pass efficiency and in turnovers.
“Right now they’re the best team in the conference,” head coach Charlie Stubbs said. “They throw the football all over the place and they’ll be a major challenge for us.”
The Colonels have had their share of ups and downs this season as they have managed a 2-6 record and going 1-3 in Southland Conference play.
“I like playing the best.” Stubbs said. “I think it brings out the best in our guys, and it lets them realistically see where they stack up. Sometimes it can mean we need more work in the weight room, technique or other things. Then again, sometimes we rise to the occasion, because the time we beat Texas State, they had a packed stadium, and it was a great football game where our guys made some plays. The biggest thing we have to do is make plays and play as a team. When we do, I feel like we have a chance against everybody the rest of the way.”
Stephen F. Austin won the conference last year and holds a 7-1 record this year.
The Colonels will take on the Lumberjacks after suffering some injuries to the offensive line.
“We’re starting to get injuries,” Stubbs said. “We’ve already had quite a bit this year, but we’re getting more. A lot of inexperienced guys have to play for us. We don’t have depth, and that’s the problem. I would say roughly six-to-eight guys are out for the year already, and we have numerous kids that are day-to-day. That’s just the product right now of us not having a full squad, and it’s no excuse, but it is what it is.”
The Colonels will host the Lumberjacks Saturday at 4 p.m. in John L. Guidry Stadium.
