Greetings, Lion fans. It’s Homecoming Week, and a date with the Colonels of Nicholls State awaits. We’ll have more on that in a bit, but first, let’s take a look back at what was a tough loss against Incarnate Word.

There were definitely some high points. The Blue Gang held the top ranked offense in the Southland to an 0 for 4 on 4th down attempts. 6 of 16 on 3rd down attempts. (37% on third down may not seem great, but against this offense, it was). Two interceptions and three sacks, plus constant pressure.

There were also some low. Two critical interceptions other than the pick six left the Blue Gang with a short field to defend, and it was too much to ask. Still, late into the 3rd, and midway through the 4th quarter, the defense kept the Lions afloat, and the offense began to pick up and move. Then it all came crashing down.

Like I’ve said before, though, do not judge a book by its cover. Not all that long ago, the Blue Gang was giving up over 480 yards per game. Not so anymore. Now, the schedule is in their favor, they’re relatively healthy, and they’re developing some depth. In other words, the Blue Gang is peaking at just the right time.

How can we say that? Let’s dive right in and take a look at Nicholls State, and show you, the reader some numbers….

OVERALL:

Colonel Offense:

Points: 21.2 ppg

Rush: 130.6 ypg

Pass: 194.9 ypg

Total: 325.0 ypg

Turnovers: 9

Blue Gang Defense:

Points: 31.0 ppg

Rush: 157.5 ypg

Pass: 287.1 ypg

Total: 444.7 ypg

Turnovers: 19

The Colonels, while not having statistics that make one say “Wow!”, they are a solid group that is very capable of the big play, and in bunches. Two late scores narrowed the gap against Sacramento State made things very respectable, and two more late touchdowns put the game against McNeese State out of reach.

The Blue Gang has steadily shown improvement. Not that long ago, that total defense number was near 483 yards per game. They have 19 sacks and have constantly put pressure on the opposing passer. They’ve produced 19 turnovers, and defensive back Max Epps is among the conference leaders in interceptions.

This matchup looks to be fairly even and could break either way.

UP FRONT/TALE OF THE TAPE:

Colonel Offensive Line: 6″3″ 295 lbs.

Blue Gang Front 6: 6’1″ 242 lbs.

The Colonel offensive line is anchored by senior Mark Barthelemy (6’4″ 310 lbs.). He is joined by a trio of juniors, Jordan Aaron (6’2″ 290 lbs.), Reed Lambert (6’4″ 265 lbs.), and Evan Roussel (6’2″ 290 lbs.). Redshirt freshman Robbie Pizzolato (6’4″ 320 lbs.) rounds out this quintet. They have good size and a lot of experience.

The Blue Gang is led up front by junior Clifford Funderburk (6’3″ 238 lbs.), who leads the team in sacks with four, followed by senior Levi Drake Rodriguez (6’4″ 290 lbs.), who has three sacks. They are joined by junior Warren Robinson (6’3″ 245 lbs.), junior Leon Young (5’11” 250 lbs.).

The linebackers are junior Darryle Ware (6’2″ 218 lbs.), who is third on the team in tackles with 30 (15 solo), along with sophomore Kyree Anderson (5’11” 215 lbs.)

The front 6 of the Blue Gang is admittedly very young and smaller in size. Their success and improvement this season have relied on a blend of quickness, speed, and scheme to be in the right place at the right time.

MOVERS AND SHAKERS/THE BACK LINE:

Colonel Movers and Shakers: 5’11” 187 lbs.

Blue Gang Back Line: 5’10” 173 lbs.

The Colonel offense is directed by sophomore Pat McQuade (6’0″ 190 lbs.), who has completed 88 passes in 153 attempts for a 194.0-yard average with four touchdowns, a long of 84 yards, and seven interceptions.

The rushing attack is led by junior Colin Guggenheim (5’11” 205 lbs.), who has rushed for 340 yards on 82 carries with four touchdowns, and a long of 17 yards. Redshirt sophomore Jaylon Spears (5’10” 200 lbs.) has 227 yards on 35 carries, with a pair of touchdowns, and a long of 58 yards.

The Nicholls receivers are made up of sophomore Neno Lemay (5’10” 180 lbs.), who has 25 catches for 268 yards, two touchdowns, and a long of 34 yards. Senior David Robinson, Jr. (6’3″ 200 lbs.) has 11 catches for 130 yards, also two touchdowns, and long of 63 yards. Junior Terry Matthews (5’9″ 165 lbs.) has 9 receptions for 139 yards, one touchdown, and a long of 84 yards.

The Colonels, while not very flashy offensively, can be lull their opponents to sleep, then suddenly hit them with the big play. They are a solid group not to be taken lightly.

The Blue Gang back line is led by Max Epps (5’11” 182 lbs., Jr.), who is second on the team in tackles with 31 (15 solo), and lead in interceptions with four. Sophomore Jordan Polk (6’0″ 182 lbs.) is second on the team in quarterback sacks with 3.5. They are joined by senior Dariyon Taylor (5’10” 160 lbs.) who leads the team in tackles with 44 (29 solo). Sophomore Kendall Paul (5’9″ 161 lbs.) and sophomore Christian Shaw (5’10” 184 lbs.) round out this crew, who are markedly improved over the season using a combination of speed, quickness, and physical play..

VERY SPECIAL, INDEED: The Colonel punter is sophomore Kylan Dupree, who has a 39.4-yard average on 29 punts, with a long of 71 yards. Gavin Lasseigne, who is the all-time scoring leader for Nicholls, is 5 of 6 on field goals, with a long of 47 yards, and is 13 of 13 on PAT attempts.

Junior wideout Jerome Buckner (5’8″ 171 lbs.) is the leading punt returner for the Lions, with a 17-yard average. Junior DB Sean Krystoff-King (5’9″ 184 lbs.) leads the Lions in kickoff returns, with 7 for a 19.2-yard average, and a long of 26 yards.

THE LIONS WIN THIS MATCHUP IF: The mantra repeats itself this week. If the offensive line can give Josh Magana time to locate receivers and establish a run game. There’s hope that sophomore running back Reggie Branch (5’11” 195 lbs.) is able to return from an ankle sprain which would certainly boost that run game. In addition, ball security is mission critical. It’s a known fact that it is much harder for any team, at any level, to have to drive the ball the length of the field without a mistake against a solid defense, which the Lions certainly have. If they are able to generate some pressure, and make McQuade uncomfortable, if not able to sack him, then there are chances for the Blue Gang to get some turnovers and set their own offense up with a short field.

It’s Homecoming Week, Lion fans, and Coach Ernest Hawkins’s last hurrah, the 1983 Lone Star Conference Champions, will be honored. Add to these festivities, the reminder that this was a game the current team could and should have won last season, and you’ll know the Lions will be out for a reckoning.

See You at The Hawk