Nicholls increases votes in both Top 25 FCS polls

THIBODAUX, La. – After earning votes in the Top 25 Coaches and STATS FCS preseason polls, the Nicholls State University football team inched closer to cracking the top 25 in both polls following its season-opening win over McNeese.

The Colonels made the jump up to 30th in the coaches poll with a total of 32 votes and placed 36th in the STATS FCS poll with 97 votes. Nicholls had just six votes in the preseason coaches poll and 21 in the STATS FCS.

Nicholls took down the rival Cowboys on a last-second field goal for a 37-35 victory, snapping an eight-game losing streak in the series. McNeese is one of three Southland teams that received votes in both polls, along with Southeastern Louisiana, and No. 3/3 Sam Houston State and No. 16/15 Central Arkansas remained inside the top 25. Sam Houston won its top 10 matchup with Richmond, while Southeastern Louisiana and UCA fell to FBS opponents Louisiana-Lafayette and Kansas State, respectively.

The Colonels will take the national stage this coming weekend with a matchup against SEC member Texas A&M on ESPNU. Kickoff on Saturday, Sept. 9 is scheduled for 6 p.m.

The next home game will be Family Day on Sept. 16 against Prairie View A&M. Kickoff at John L. Guidry Stadium is slated for 6 p.m. For tickets, call 985-448-4790 or visit nichollstickets.com.

For the latest news on Colonel football, follow the team on Twitter @Nicholls_FB.