The Nicholls State University Colonels are still looking for the first win of the 2014 season after suffering a 73-7 loss this past Saturday to the Arkansas Razorbacks.
The Colonels (0-2) couldn’t get much started after falling behind 35-0 in the 1st quarter. The Razorbacks (1-1) rushed for 326 yards on the ground in the first half and went into the locker room at halftime with a dominating 56-0 lead.
Arkansas quarterback Brandon Allen threw four touchdown passes of 5 throws completely, while runningback Alex Collins ran for three more touchdowns as the Razorbacks outgained the Colonels 684-282 in total yardage.
“We went into a monumental task,” Head Coach Charlie Stubbs said. “They were a very talented team, and we were outmanned in many positions.”
Senior quarterback Kalen Henderson led the Colonels offense and completed 12 of 30 passes for 105 yards. The Colonels rushing attack couldn’t gather a rhythm only rushing for 34 yards the entire game.
Coming into Saturday’s game, both teams were looking to end losing streaks. This was the Colonels first ever meeting with a Southeastern Conference program and with the loss, the team extends it’s losing streak to eight consecutive games, while the win ends a 10 game losing streak for the Razorbacks.
Arkansas quickly put points on the scoreboard, only needing two plays to score two touchdowns. The Razorbacks added on three more touchdowns, capped off by a two-yard touchdown run by Alex Collins to end the first quarter. The Colonel’s defense continued to struggle in the second quarter as Arkansas tacked on three more scores, including a 90 yard run by Jonathan Williams, giving the Razorbacks a comfortable lead at half.
After the break, Henderson and the Colonels put together what would be the best offensive drive of the day. Nicholls marched down the field for 75 yards on nine plays. The drive ended with a touchdown on 1st and goal from the 10 when Henderson connected with wide receiver Keenan Canty to prevent to a shutout.
“We got better with the passing game towards the end of the second half,” Henderson said.
“We made a few adjustments at halftime and decided to go into our ‘quick game’ offense to give us a bit more time and protection offensively. Receivers eventually got more open which lead to that scoring drive,” Henderson added.
After Nicholls place kicker Fransico Condado’s extra point, the Colonels went into the fourth quarter down 63-7. The Razorbacks added one more score and a field goal to make the final at 73-7.
The Colonels will return to action this Saturday in the team’s first home opener against Henderson State University in John. L. Guidry Stadium.
“Going into the Henderson game, we just want to play better.,” Stubbs said. “We feel like we were in challenging games in the first two competitions, but I just want to see us play better as a team. If we can improve in all phases on the team, then we will secure a victory on Saturday.”