The Nicholls State University football team travels to Ruston, La to face off against Louisiana Tech University in its regular season opener.

Nicholls is returning to the field after a 6-6 campaign in 2023 that ended with a Southland Conference title before a road playoff loss to Southern Illinois University.

Louisiana Tech went 3-9 in 2023 and failed to make a bowl game.

One of the Bulldogs’ three wins came against Southland foe Northwestern State University.

Colonels’ keys to victory

1. Lean on experience and team chemistry

Nicholls brought back most of its starters from last season with over half, 12, earning a spot on the 2024 Southland Conference Football Preseason All-Conference First Team. Another three landed on the second team.

The returners proved their worth last season and will need to build on their output to win this season

2. Defensive line play

The Colonels took three of the four defensive linemen spots on the preseason all-conference first-team.

3. Play mistake-free football

The Colonels saw themselves fall to both of their FBS opponents last year because of turnovers, sacks and missed conversions.

To win against Louisiana Tech, a team with nearly 20 more scholarships, Nicholls must control what it can control and not leave the outcome to fate.