THIBODAUX – Nicholls snapped a six-game losing streak while extending its winning streak to five consecutive over McNeese with a 31-7 Southland Conference win on Saturday here at Guidry Stadium.
The loss dropped the Cowboys’ record to 2-6 overall and 1-3 in league play while the Colonels improved to 2-6 and 2-2 as they won for the first time since the season opener back on Aug. 23 against UIW.
Nicholls controlled the trenches, running for 303 yards while allowing 94 in the Cowboys’ running game. Overall, Nicholls out-gained McNeese 464-264 in total offense and was great on third downs, converting 11 of 15 for the game including going 8-for-8 on 3rd-and-short (1-4 yards) and 3-5 on third and 10 yards or more. The Colonels were a perfect 7-for-7 in the second half.
McNeese trailed 10-7 at the half and possessed the ball to begin the second half, but a 3rd-and-21 pass by quarterback Jake Strong on the run trying to evade a sack, was intercepted by Ty Marsh was returned 45 yards for a Nicholls touchdown to grow the Colonels’ lead to 17-7. That play was set up after McNeese was flagged for back-to-back holding calls, which negated 16 yards gained and a first down.
The Colonels controlled the rest of the third quarter after that defensive score, converting on four third downs their next drive, including on a 3rd-and-14 at their own 10-yard line after McNeese was flagged for a roughing the passer penalty on an incompletion which would have forced a punt, and later on a 3rd-and-11 on a 13-yard completion to get the ball to the McNeese side of the field.
Nicholls added two fourth quarter touchdowns in a three-minute span to build a 31-7 lead.
Miequle Brock Jr. led the Nicholls running game with 104 yards while quarterback Ean Rodrigue added 77 yards and a touchdown. Rodrigue added 161 yards passing and a score on 12 of 20 throws.
McNeese quarterback Jake Strong completed 10 of 18 passes for 170 yards with a touchdown and two interceptions. He added 36 yards on the ground on nine carries to lead the team.
