Football hosts Abilene Christian at home for first time

The Nicholls State University football team will host the Abilene Christian University Wildcats this
Saturday at 3 p.m. for the first-ever meeting between the two programs.

The Wildcats played in the Southland Conference from 1964-72 and then rejoined in 2014. The Colonels
and the Wildcats have not faced off against each other since ACU’s return to the conference. Since their
return to the league, the Wildcats have an 11-19 SLC record. Coming into this matchup, the Colonels
hold a 4-2 record (3-1 SLC) while the Wildcats have a 2-4 (2-2 SLC) mark on the season.

Nicholls is currently ranked number 23 in the Top 25 FCS Coaches Poll. For the first time in 10 years, the
Colonels found themselves a spot in this poll after their win against Prairie View A&M, but quickly fell
out of the poll after they lost to number three Sam Houston State University. After a big win at Lamar
University the following week, the Colonels again found themselves in the top 25.

The Colonels have showed their defensive tenacity over the last two weeks, holding Northwestern State
University to only 202 total offensive yards and holding Lamar University to a total of 237 offensive
yards. Last weekend against the NSU Demons, senior cornerback Christian Boutte recorded a career-
high four pass breakups and made an interception in NSU’s final drive.

The Wildcats head to Thibodaux with a determined defensive unit as well. ACU is surrendering only
about 14 points per game in SLC games and is ranked second in the league for average points allowed
per game. Abilene is coming off a tough loss against SLC opponent McNeese State University where they
fell short in a 13-7 loss.

ACU is led by first-year head coach Adam Dorrel. Dorrel joins the Wildcats after finding great success
coaching at the Division II level, winning national titles at Northwest Missouri State in 2013, ‘15 and ‘16.
With back-to- back home games scheduled and a bye-week following for the Colonels, head coach Tim
Rebowe said the goal is to take care of business this weekend so the team can go into the bye-week
with a good feeling.

Due to the approach of inclement weather and risks associated with Hurricane Nate last weekend, the
Nicholls homecoming activities have been moved to this game. This game will also serve as the annual
Pink Game sponsored by the Cancer Center of Thibodaux Regional, and the Hall of Fame game. Nicholls
Athletics will induct five new members into the Hall of Fame before kickoff.
Catch the Colonels at John L. Guidry Stadium this Saturday or tune into Cox Sports TV for the live
broadcast. The game will also be streamed on ESPN3.