On Saturday, Oct. 22, the Nicholls State Colonels took on the McNeese State Cowboys. Nicholls came in off a disappointing loss against Incarnate Word in their homecoming game and looked to bounce back.

The Colonels’ offense took the field first. They had an eight-play, 62-yard drive which was capped off by a two-yard touchdown run from Collin Guggenheim. This made the score 7-0 with 11:31 in the first quarter.

The Cowboys took the field, but the Nicholls defense forced a three and out to give the ball back to their offense. The next four drives of the game resulted in punts, except for one turnover on downs committed by the Colonels.

On their third drive of the game, the Colonels marched down the field and scored a touchdown. The drive lasted seven plays for 73 yards to make the score 14-0 with 13:13 left in the second quarter.

The Cowboys’ offense tried to respond but were forced to punt after another three and out. The Colonels had the same result on their next offensive possession.

The Cowboys finally found the endzone on their next drive. The drive was seven plays for 33 yards to make the score 14-8 with 8:23 left in the second quarter.

The Colonels’ offense stalled out once more as they tried to respond to the touchdown against them. The Colonels were forced to punt, and the Cowboys offense took the field.

The Cowboys scored another touchdown against the Colonels’ defense to make the score 15-14 with 3:08 left in the second quarter.

The Colonels committed their first turnover of the game after that touchdown. The interception gave the Cowboys the ball back and allowed them to score another touchdown, making the score  22-14 with 1:50 left before halftime.

The Colonels offense led a long 12-play, 71-yard drive right before the break but came up short after an interception on the second consecutive drive.

The Cowboys opened the second half with a three and out. The next three possessions between the teams all resulted in touchdowns. After 21 points scored between the teams, the score was now 29-28 in favor of McNeese with 10:32 to go in the third quarter.

The Cowboys next drive went for three plays that resulted in negative yardage. The Colonels used that opportunity to capitalize. They had a four-play, 91-yard drive to take the lead and make the score 34-29 with 6:52 left in the third.

The Cowboys threw their first interception of the game after the touchdown. The Colonels were unable to capitalize after a missed field goal.

Both teams traded punches as McNeese scored a late touchdown to take the lead. The Colonels answered with a touchdown of their own to make the score 40-35. 

The touchdown helped them seal their second win of the season. Kohen Granier led the Colonels in passing going 19-for-37 for 339 yards, two touchdowns, and two interceptions. 

Julien Gums led the team in rushing with 20 carries for 110 yards. Terry Matthews led the team in receiving yards with one catch for 89 yards.

The Colonels secured their second win of the season and will look to build on that momentum next week against Lamar University.

FINAL SCORE: NICHOLLS 40, MCNEESE 35