Nicholls linebacker Jake Delmado grabbed three sacks in the Colonels 20-0 victory over the Northwestern State University Demons.

After a 55-10 loss to Incarnate Word last week, the Colonels decided to shift their game plan.

“When you come out of a game like we had last week, you have to look in the mirror and see what changes you need to make,” Colonels Head Coach Tim Rebowe said. “We did that and made adjustments [and] had some guys step up in big ways.”

Their most important shift came on the defensive end of the ball as the Colonels put constant pressure on the Demon offensive line, blitzing every chance they could.

The Demons could not withstand the pressure, giving up nine tackles for loss and five sacks, ending the game with only 46 yards of total offense.

“The defensive staff did a really good job in preparation, knowing what to expect and putting out guys in the right position. Jake [Delmado] was all over the field, it looked like they couldn’t block him,” Rebowe said.

Delmado reaped the statistical benefits of the defensive preparation, sacking the quarterback three times, recording five tackles for loss and recovering a fumble on the way to the Colonels’ shutout victory.

The former running back made the switch to the defensive side in the off-season

“I haven’t played linebacker since I was in peewee, but having a good coach like Rybacki teaching you everything from the ground up and trusting the coaches thinking I could make that move, all the credit goes to them.”

Despite the minor increase in scoring, the changes the Colonels made on offense after last week’s loss were evident. 

The Colonels’ willingness to diversify their play calling and make adjustments throughout the game showed up on the stat sheet. The Colonels increased their offensive output by 133 yards, 84 more yards on the ground and 49 more yards through the air.

Running back Collin Guggenheim was a catalyst in reenergizing the Colonels’ offense, picking up 129 yards on the ground.

“It wasn’t our best performance offensively but fighting and letting the past be the past makes me proud of these guys,” Guggenheim said.

The Colonels are back in action for Homecoming on Saturday, taking on McNeese State University at 3 p.m. at John L. Guidry Stadium.