Nicholls now in coaches top 10, McNeese rises in FCS polls

A season-opening win over an FBS program paid dividends for Nicholls State as the Colonels moved up seven spots in both FCS polls.

Following the first full week of play, Nicholls earned a No. 10 ranking in the AFCA FCS Coaches’ Top 25 Poll and landed at No. 11 in the STATS FCS rankings. The Colonels ranked 18/17, respectively, in the preseason polls after winning eight games and claiming an at-large berth in the 2017 FCS playoffs.

In its opener, Nicholls defeated Big 12 member Kansas in overtime, 26-23, for the program’s fourth win against the FBS since 2000. The Red and Gray had lost the last nine meetings against the division, although the previous three contests were decided by a combined 13 points.

The win led to 392 points in the coaches poll as the Colonels edged Villanova (368) for the tenth spot, which also had an FBS win over Temple. Nicholls received 2,297 points in the media poll, finishing at No. 11 behind Weber State (2,388).

McNeese moved up in both national FCS Top 25 polls on Monday, climbing one sport to No. 16 in the STATS poll while moving up four spots to No. 14 in the AFCA Coaches rankings.

The Cowboys defeated Northern Colorado 17-14 in Saturday’s season opener in Greeley, Colorado.

Nicholls will play its final nonconference game of the season Saturday, Sept. 8 at Tulane in New Orleans. Kickoff at Yulman Stadium is scheduled for 7 p.m.

McNeese will visit HBU this Saturday at 6 p.m. in the Southland Conference opener for both teams live on Eleven Sports as well as simulcast on Cox Sports TV.