The Bearkats have established themselves as a Southland Conference powerhouse over the last few years. This season that sentiment still holds true, but now there is a new challenger. The newly ranked Nicholls State Colonels ae a rising power in the Southland Conference, and are looking to take out the number three ranked Bearkats this weekend at Bowers Stadium.
The Colonels are led by sophomore quarterback Chase Fourcade, who is a rising star in the Southland Conference. Through three games Fourcade has thrown for 725 yards and six touchdowns, and run for a touchdown as well. Fourcade is leading a Colonels offense that is averaging 31.7 points per game, but in two games against FCS opponents they have averaged 40.5 points per game.
“Last season I thought they played us about as well as anyone,” head coach KC Keeler said “He (Coach Tim Rebowe) has made execution a very important part of how they play.”
The number three Bearkats are led by 2016’s Walter Payton award winner, senior quarterback Jeremiah Briscoe. Briscoe leads the Bearkats high powered attack, which is averaging 46 points per game through the first two games of the season. This week’s game will also feature the return of senior defensive lineman PJ Hall, who was suspended for the first two games. Despite the strong start Coach Keeler believes that his team needs to start finishing games better than they have so far.
“We have not finished teams off,” Keeler said “We don’t want to be that team that gets a big lead, and looks around and wonders what’s next.”
This contest could determine who has the inside track at the Southland Conference title, and possibly help playoff position later in the year. The game will be Saturday September 23 at Bowers Stadium in Huntsville, and will be televised on ESPN3.