This week has been full of anticipation on the campus of Nicholls State University. Students have anticipated the start of a new semester, teachers have anticipated the start of classes and the Colonel football team is anticipating the start of a new season. The past two seasons were not very kind to the Nicholls football team, as they finished the last two seasons under head coach Darryl Daye with an overall record of 3-19.

But, with a new offensive game plan and an improved defense, the Colonels are looking to make a 180 degree turn for the better, starting with the University of Louisiana-Lafayette.

Last year, ULL compiled a record of 1-10, with its only win being a 21-18 victory over the University of Louisiana-Monroe, its in-state rival. This year, they are trying to start their season on a positive note with a win over a I-AA team, but not if the Colonels have anything to say about it.

“We are ready to compete with anybody for the first game. Our kids are hungry, they’ve worked hard, put in their time and are committed to the task at hand,” Daye said.

Nicholls will run its new offense, the triple option this year.

“I am excited about the new offense. We have had two recruiting classes, and are going to have a lot of sophomores who were recruited and are going to fit in the offense,” Daye said.

Second year quarterback Josh Son was one of the players recruited for the triple option attack. Son was brought in through trial by fire last season, having to replace an injured Brad Smith in the first week of the 2000 season.

Son would pass the trial, and by mid-season, he was the number one signal caller for the Colonel offense. That year, he led the team in rushing with 160 attempts for 595 yards.

“Josh ran this offense (the triple option) in high school, and he has slowed down and let the game come to him. He is a more complete quarterback,” Daye said.

The Colonels have also made some improvements on defense. The Colonels have a more aggressive defensive line this year, which will be anchored by senior Burnell Taylor.

“Our kids are bigger and a lot more physical up front so people are going to have a bit of a problem running against us with more physical people up front and guys that can really pass rush,” Daye said.

“We can play a lot more zone and we don’t have to take that many chances in the blitz game.”

On Sept. 1, the Colonels are going to let all of their anticipation and excitement come out on the field in the season opener, but only time will tell if the Colonels are a truly improved football squad.