Coming off of its first win of the season, the Nicholls State University football team looks to continue the hot start to conference play with a strong showing against Houston Christian University [HCU]  in the Colonels’ homecoming game.

Last week the Colonels found a way to get good play on all sides of the ball and eventually get the win against rival McNeese State University in their first game of conference play.

With the win, the Colonels are tied for first place in the Southland Conference standings with recent reentry Lamar University, which beat HCU in its game last week.

This game will represent the end of homecoming week, which is a special time for students, faculty, and alumni alike. Even head coach Tim Rebowe feels a connection to the homecoming game.

“I like to see that it is still celebrated, I think it’s important [because] so many people come back for this game,” Rebowe said. “There is a lot of history and tradition. […] Years from now athletes from other sports, this is the only game they’re ever going to come back for.”

Physicality, Collin Guggenheim said, is something important to the team’s game and he thinks they do it well.

“[Physicallity] has been our bread and butter,” Guggenheim said. “I like our guys up front, they do a great job with double teams and getting to the next level.”

Guggenheim stresses the importance of going into the game after a win the previous week. 

“To finally get a win and get where we need to be is huge for us,” Guggenheim said. “One and O’ in conference is our goal every week, we met it our first week, and we’re going to try to do it again this week. Hopefully, we can build off that and make a run for the conference championship.”

David Robinson is a player who has stood out for the Colonels lately. The Colonels’ receiver brought in a 25-yard touchdown pass against McNeese last week and has been a big presence in practice this past week.

“Pat [McQuaide] has targeted him a few times and [Robinson’s] responded with some good plays,” Rebowe said. “He’s getting a little bit of confidence and wants to win a championship in his senior year.”

HCU has a great defense with a few elite players such as safety Caleb Flagg and linebacker Rodney Dansby.

Flagg became a starter at the beginning of his freshman season and recorded 50 tackles, five pass deflections, an interception, and a forced fumble. After a strong start in his freshman year, Flagg is on pace to increase his tackling production by at least 50%.

Rodney Dansby may be the best of the HCU defenders. Dansby is a reigning All-Southland Conference First Team and the FCS Stats Perform All-America Third Team member after recording 125 tackles, 8.5 tackles for loss, and 3.5 sacks in 2022.

“They’ve got some linebackers who can really play and we’re gonna have to be aware of where they are at all times.”

Guggenheim said he has to be cautious of a team with great defense like HCU.

“Anytime you have a good defense [like that] you want a game plan to help yourself out,” Guggenheim said. “I like what we have going into this, but the biggest thing is execution. You can draw up as many plays as you want but if you don’t execute in a game it does you no good.”

Nicholls has found a way to show out on defense this season as well and the McNeese game proved it.

“Right now we’re on a good little streak, [getting takeaways]. Two interceptions, a fumble, a muffed punt and two fourth-down stops, which we count as turnovers too,” Rebowe said. “Anytime you do that you’re going to win some football games.”

Improvements in special teams and defensive play contributed to the win last week, but the presence of the run game, with Guggenheim rushing for 104 yards, can not be ignored. 

To win the game against HCU the Colonels must run the ball effectively.

Kickoff against HCU at John L. Guidry Stadium in Thibodaux, La. is set for 3 p.m. 

ESPN+ will broadcast the game and the Nicholls Worth will have live updates for those without ESPN+.