The Nicholls State University football team will face the University of Tulsa Golden Hurricane this Saturday at Chapman Stadium in Tulsa, Oklahoma.
The matchup will mark the Colonels second game of the 2012 season, and the team will face a strong FBS team in Tulsa. Tulsa holds a 1-1 record, but defeated Tulane 45-10 last Saturday. On the same day, the Colonels fell to the University of South Alabama, 9-3, in a low scoring defensive struggle.
Refusing to allow any touchdowns, the Nicholls defense limited the Jaguar offense to only 279 yards of offense while forcing two turnovers and tacking on three sacks.
Even with a strong defensive showing, the Colonels could not get going on offense. The Colonel offense was held to just 118 yards after being hindered by six sacks and three turnovers. The team recognized their offensive woes, and head coach Charlie Stubbs noted that the team’s offense is still a work in progress.
“We just have to improve,” Stubbs said. “We’re still trying to find our identity on offense.”
Defensively, Stubbs’ squad will face in the up-tempo Tulsa offense. The Golden Hurricane racked up 651 yards of total offense, including 364 yards on the ground against the Green Wave, led by Tulsa running back Alex Singleton. Equally effective was the Golden Hurricane’s passing game, with quarterback Cody Green throwing for 274 yards and two touchdowns.
The Tulsa offense thrives by using a fast-paced, no huddle offense that prides itself on scoring quickly and frequently, so it will be up to the Colonels’ defense to disrupt Tulsa’s rhythm and not allow them to get comfortable or control the game.   
“If we let them get in their grove, it would be tough for anybody,” said junior defensive back, Siegan Vergenal. “Last week we played South Alabama, who is an up-tempo team, and we started to shut that down and run the plays we want to run.”
After allowing only field goals in last weekend’s game, the Colonels will look to remain firm in the red zone. Vergenal emphasized the focus on red zone defense.
“It is something we’ve been working on all spring and all fall. We are definitely getting better,” Vergenal said.
Stubbs’ offense will look to improve this Saturday to keep up with Tulsa’s high-scoring squad. It will be up to the Colonel offense to score against Tulsa’s aggressive defense. The Colonels will work to keep the Tulsa offense off the field and in turn, out of the end zone.
“The best thing for our defense is for our offense to be out on the field,” Stubbs said. “We have got to drive the football, be patient and finish those drives with touchdowns.”
One bright spot among the offensive game was the rushing performance of former quarterback turned wide receiver LaQuintin Caston, who led the team in rushing with 69 yards on 10 attempts. The offense may look to Caston in the Wildcat formation this weekend to help establish a much needed ground game. Senior offensive lineman Gerald Gruenig stressed the importance of the Colonels’ run game while preparing to put in extra work after practice.
“The run game right now is something we need to do a better job of,” Gruenig said. “I think there will be a good carryover from last week. We need to get better at the run.”
After missing their scheduled opener due to Hurricane Isaac, the Colonels are looking to get back into routine and build off the lessons of their first game.
“We’re all routine people, players and coaches,” Stubbs.  “Now we are in a cycle. We came up short, and it hurts. But that is the great thing about athletics. You get another chance.”