Heading into the Game
The Nicholls Colonels look to rebound after three straight losses as they travel to CG Bank Field to face the Eastern Kentucky Colonels 5 p.m. Saturday.
Nicholls (1-3) is coming off a loss to FBS opponent Texas State last Saturday. Nicholls’ defense took another blow when the replacement for Joe Mason Jr., Dale Smith Jr., sustained a knee injury.
“Somebody fell on my knee last game,” Smith Jr. said, “I still need to get an MRI though.”
Nicholls’ defense will need others to step up in the absence of Mason Jr. and Smith Jr.
Players to Watch
Nicholls’ offense will look to sophomore standout Miequle Brock Jr. to lead the way. Brock Jr. is the team’s leading rusher with 184 yards and a touchdown. He also leads the team in receiving yards with 162, along with a touchdown through the air.
Nicholls also looks for a big game from quarterback Deuce Hogan. Hogan has passed for 616 yards and three touchdowns and three interceptions this season. The Colonels need a big game from him with limited mistakes to win.
On defense, the secondary is led by Ethan Lee (36 tackles, 2.5 TFL, 2 interceptions). Nicholls needs another big game from their secondary, which has five interceptions this season.
Another big part of Nicholls’ defense will be star defensive lineman Rasheed Lovelace and Alex Villavaso. With the injuries to Mason Jr. and Smith Jr., the task of stopping the run will rest on their shoulders.
Eastern Kentucky’s (1-3) offense will rely heavily on junior running back Brayden Latham. Latham rushed for 193 yards with a touchdown so far, along with catching four passes for 27 yards.
Eastern Kentucky looks for a good game from its quarterback, Myles Burkett, who has struggled this season. Burkett has thrown for 371 yards on only 50.6% completion with zero touchdowns and four interceptions. They hope that he can right the ship in this game.
On defense, Eastern Kentucky will rely on senior defensive back Jaheim Ward, who leads the team with 34 tackles, to go along with a PBU and a forced fumble.
Another key to their defense is sophomore linebacker Kaden Smith (31 tackles). With these two leading the way Eastern Kentucky hopes to slow down Nicholls’ offense.
Defensive Winning Formula
Stop the Run, Force the Pass – Nicholls has had trouble stopping the run this season, allowing 209 rushing yards a game. If Nicholls can buckle down on the defensive front and force Burkett to throw the ball, they give their dangerous secondary opportunities to capitalize and force turnovers. Forcing Burkett, who has already thrown four interceptions this season, to pass the ball will give Nicholls a good chance to win.
Stop Sophomore Superstar – Brock Jr. has been superb since he stepped on a college field, taking home Southland Conference Freshman of the Year last season. Brock Jr. has continued being the workhorse for Nicholls this season, currently leading the team in rushing and receiving. Limiting Brock Jr.’s touches gives Eastern Kentucky its best chance to win.
Offensive Winning Formula
Unlock the Passing Game – Nicholls has struggled immensely this season to move the ball through the air, so when the run game is not working, the offense does not click. Nicholls will have to establish an early throwing game to get Hogan comfortable and help him unlock his receivers’ potential.
Pound the Ground – For Eastern Kentucky, they will need to establish an early ground game behind Latham. Passing has not been their strong suit this season, with only one touchdown thrown. However, establishing the run early on will allow passing lanes to open as the game progresses.
Score Prediction
Nicholls 20, Eastern Kentucky 14 – Both teams are coming off blowout losses the previous week. However, Nicholls played an FBS opponent while Eastern Kentucky played an FCS. With that, Burkett has thrown four interceptions. Nicholls’ secondary has five on the season.
The Colonels’ defense will look to capitalize on mistakes made by Burkett, which could give them the slight edge in this game.
