The Colonels look to build off of their Week 0 victory over UIW, as they travel to Alabama to play FBS opponent Troy at 6 p.m. on Saturday.
Head coach Tommy Rybacki and the Colonels head into this game battle-tested, while their opponent will be playing their first game of the season. While this is a non-conference game, it still holds significance for both programs.
Lopsided History
The Colonels and Troy have history. For five years straight from 1997-2001 they were conference rivals. The Trojans hold a record of 4-1 in these matchups, giving them a significant advantage. The Colonels’ only victory came in their first matchup, with a final score of 22-20 in 1997, before losing four straight until the Trojans left the conference following the 2001 season.
Beneficial for Both Sides
With the Colonels being an FCS team, Troy is a higher-level program. This, however, has its benefits for Nicholls. Nicholls will get a guaranteed payment from Troy; this “guarantee game” helps the athletic department’s budget and assists in funding other expenses.
It also provides the opportunity for an upset similar to last week. An upset of this magnitude would make a huge statement, increase national notoriety and boost recruiting.
Troy seeks to use this game as somewhat of a “tune-up” before they travel to play Clemson next week. A win in this matchup would boost team morale going forward and give fans a good show in the home opener.
It would push their win streak against the Colonels to five, giving them an overall record of 5-1.
Stout Defense
The Colonels look to lean on their defense, which had an elite performance in their week 0 game, holding their opponent to just 204 yards of total offense and forcing 5 turnovers. Going into this week, big things are expected from the defense.
Specifically, linebacker Jake Dalmado and defensive lineman Joe Mason, who tied for leading the team in tackles with nine, along with 2.5 tackles for loss. Dalmado had 1.5 sacks, and Mason had 2 each with a forced fumble.
Behind these two and the rest of the defense, the Colonels seek to shut down the Trojans’ offense.
Workshop Offense
The Colonels struggled to get started last week offensively against UIW. They look to improve their offensive game this week as they play a higher-level opponent. Nicholls’ offense could move the ball. However, getting into the endzone was hard for them all night, only converting on 33% of their red zone trips.
In the 4th quarter, after an Anthony Rogers III interception, quarterback Deuce Hogan and wide receiver Karaaz Johnson connected on a 55-yard pass for a touchdown.
Hogan finished the game 21-of-36 for 221 yards and a touchdown in his debut with the Colonels, and Johnson led the receiving group with 2 receptions for 58 yards and a touchdown.
The Colonels’ offense will follow the lead of these two as they try to take a step forward this week, facing such a fierce opponent.
Trojans Best
The Trojans are looking to start their season strong in their home opener. They will look to do that off the back of their 5th-year returning quarterback, Goose Crowder, who has spent his entire collegiate career with the program.
Last season, Crowder started off hot, with 542 yards and five touchdown passes with no interceptions through only four games. However, he suffered an unfortunate injury that would sideline him for the rest of the season. With him making his return this week, the Trojans look for a big performance out of him.
The defense will rely heavily on returning senior Devin Lafayette, who started all ten games last season and finished the season with 51 tackles, six tackles for loss, a pass breakup and a forced fumble. Lafayette is also one of only five defenders with a sub-10% missed tackle rate.
The defense looks to rally behind Lafayette in an attempt to shut down the Colonels’ offense.
Conclusion
A solid performance against Troy would give the Colonels momentum to carry forward into their three-game non-conference slate.
