The Colonels will travel to Nacogdoches, Texas, this Saturday at 6 p.m. to face the Top 25-ranked Stephen F. Austin.
Nicholls (1-5) enters the game against SFA (4-2) with a 1-1 record in conference play, attempting to get back in the race for the Southland Conference title. SFA entered the STATS Perform Top 25 poll and received votes in the AFCA Coaches Poll after back-to-back conference wins against the UIW Cardinals and McNeese State.
Conference Rivals
The Colonels and SFA are longtime rivals, dating back to their first matchup in 1984. They have consistently played each other since.
SFA has held an edge in this storied rivalry, highlighted by a 21-game win streak that the Colonels snapped in 2007 with a 17-16 win in Nacogdoches.
SFA took control of the rivalry again, winning eight straight from 2008 to 2015. The Colonels went on a streak of their own, from 2016 to 2019, winning four in a row.
There was a slight break in the action from 2020 to 2023. SFA joined the Western Athletic Conference, which has since become the United Athletic Conference.
SFA returned to the Southland after the 2023 season, and the rivalry kicked off again in 2024 with the Colonels falling 28-12.
The Colonels are 11-26 against SFA all-time, and they look to improve that record on Saturday and possibly begin another streak.
Positives to Build On
With Joe Mason Jr.’s return against the Lamar Cardinals, the Colonels saw their run defense improve significantly. In three games without Mason Jr., the Colonels allowed 263 rushing yards a game. Upon his return, they held their opponent to just 2.8 yards per carry and 100 yards total on the ground.
The Colonels’ secondary allowed over 200 passing yards for the first time all season against Lamar.
However, they forced a turnover and allowed just 12 completions on 22 pass attempts. If the Colonels’ secondary can get back to form. When paired with the rejuvenated defensive line, they have a good chance of stopping any opponent.
Players to Watch
The Colonels’ offensive focus continues to be their run game. The rushing attack will be headed by sophomore phenom Miequle Brock Jr. and redshirt freshman Shane Lee. Lee had a breakout game against Lamar with 109 yards on just three carries. He suffered a hamstring injury during his 75-yard touchdown run, which sidelined him for the remainder of the game.
Brock Jr. also suffered an injury during the contest that kept his play limited throughout the rest of the game.
After a bye week, prioritizing player health, they were both cleared to play in the upcoming game.
Look for big games from Lee and Brock Jr. if the Colonels want to give themselves a chance.
Mason Jr. is key to the Colonels’ defensive success. His return gave new life to the Colonels’ pass rush and run defense. A big game from Mason Jr. is needed to compete in this Conference rivalry.
The secondary group needs to perform like they did in previous games to prevent an air raid attack from SFA. Senior Ethan Lee and redshirt freshman Anthony Rogers III, who lead the team with two interceptions each. A big night from each of them, along with the rest of the group, is needed.
SFA will lean on the arm of senior quarterback Sam Vidlak, who has 1,180 passing yards, 10 touchdowns and just two picks.
Vidlak has four games this season with at least two passing touchdowns. SFA looks for a big game from their senior star to propel their season.
Jaydon Southard is the team’s leader on defense. Southard has 58 tackles on the season, including a 16-tackle game last week against UIW, which earned him the Defensive Player of the Week honors. SFA needs Southard to replicate his performance this week against the Colonels.
Score Prediction
Nicholls 24 – SFA 20
While the Colonels are on a five-game losing streak, the return of key players such as Mason Jr. has improved them significantly against Lamar. The Colonels lost a close game while dealing with injuries to both their leading rushers.
If the Colonels can remain healthy, they give themselves a very good chance to win this game.
