Stephen F. Austin handed Nicholls a 34–7 loss Saturday night at Homer Bryce Stadium, a game that featured a long rain delay, costly penalties, and missed opportunities for the Colonels.

The first quarter opened with physical play on both sides. SFA was flagged for an illegal block in the back early, while Nicholls was called for pass interference on the following drive. The Lumberjacks got on the board with a field goal and later extended their lead to 9–0 after blocking a Nicholls field-goal attempt and returning it for a score.

At the start of the second quarter, SFA struck again with a touchdown and an extra point, pushing the lead to 16–0. Nicholls quarterback Deuce Hogan was sacked on a key drive, forcing a three-and-out. The Lumberjacks then added a 36-yard field goal to make it 19–0 heading into halftime.

Despite SFA committing seven penalties in the first half, Nicholls struggled to capitalize. The Colonels did manage to force a fumble late in the half, but their offense couldn’t turn it into points.

The second half began with more trouble for Nicholls, as SFA’s special teams returned a punt for a touchdown, stretching the lead to 26–0. The game was then delayed due to rain, but when play resumed, SFA extended the lead again to 34–0.

Nicholls showed fight late, recovering a fumble with just over a minute left in the third quarter. The Colonels finally broke through in the fourth, putting points on the board with 4:58 remaining to avoid the shutout.

Although the Colonels’ defense forced two turnovers and held firm at times, penalties, sacks, and missed scoring chances proved too much to overcome.

Nicholls will look to regroup at home next week as it continues Southland Conference play.