At the midway point of the 2024 season, the Nicholls State Colonels hold a 2-4 record, reflecting a challenging start but with notable bright spots. Under head coach Tim Rebowe, the Colonels have endured tough non-conference competition while demonstrating resilience, particularly in their running game. With standout individual performances and flashes of team brilliance, Nicholls State is looking to regroup and refocus as they head into conference play.
Season Overview
The season began with a difficult non-conference slate, including matchups against Louisiana Tech, LSU, and Sacramento State. Despite the rough start, Nicholls delivered a commanding 66-0 victory over Mississippi Valley and followed it up with a 51-7 blowout win against Southern University. Their most recent contest resulted in a 55-10 loss to Incarnate Word, bringing their overall record to 2-4 and 0-1 in the Southland Conference.
Despite the ups and downs, the Colonels have remained competitive, scoring an average of 28.67 points per game while allowing 27.5 points. Nicholls has been efficient on the ground, rushing for an average of 170.7 yards per game, while their defense has been tough against the run, allowing just 72.5 rushing yards per contest.
Offensive Highlights
The Nicholls offense has been led by running back Collin Guggenheim, who has been a consistent force. Guggenheim has rushed for 468 yards on 97 carries, averaging 4.8 yards per attempt and scoring five touchdowns. His season highlight came in a 67-yard run against Southern, helping establish him as the workhorse of the offense.
Quarterback Pat McQuaide has also contributed, passing for 864 yards and eight touchdowns, completing 61.87% of his passes. McQuaide’s top targets have been Quincy Brown, who leads the team with 23 receptions for 295 yards and three touchdowns, and Christian McNees, who has added 146 receiving yards and two scores.
Miequle Brock has been another versatile asset for the Colonels, rushing for 230 yards and catching passes for 76 yards, scoring three total touchdowns. His explosive 80-yard touchdown reception against Mississippi Valley highlighted his ability to break big plays.
Defensive Standouts
Defensively, the Colonels have been anchored by linebacker Eli Ennis, who leads the team with 58 total tackles, including five tackles for loss. Defensive back Laurence Sullivan Jr. has been a playmaker in the secondary, contributing two interceptions and 30 return yards.
The defense has also been opportunistic, forcing 13 interceptions through six games. Ty Marsh and Malik Woodery each returned interceptions for significant yardage, with Marsh’s 49-yard pick-six being a highlight of the season.
While the Colonels have allowed 247.67 passing yards per game, they’ve been stout against the run, giving up just 72.5 yards per game. The team has recorded 11 sacks, with Quinton Sharkey leading the way with 2.5 sacks and three tackles for loss.
Special Teams Contributions
Nicholls’ special teams have been consistent, with kicker Gabe Showalter converting 4 of 5 field goals, including a long of 39 yards. Showalter has also been perfect on extra points, hitting 17 of 18 attempts. Punter Kylan Dupre has averaged 41.55 yards per punt, with a long punt of 63 yards, consistently helping the Colonels flip field position.
Key Games Recap
Nicholls vs. Mississippi Valley (66-0)
The Colonels’ most dominant performance of the season came in a 66-0 rout over Mississippi Valley. Guggenheim rushed for 118 yards and a touchdown, while McQuaide threw for 177 yards and three touchdowns. The defense was equally dominant, allowing just 159 total yards and forcing two turnovers.
Nicholls vs. Southern (51-7)
In another blowout victory, Nicholls rushed for 323 yards as a team, with Guggenheim and Brock combining for 228 rushing yards and three touchdowns. The defense held Southern to just 217 total yards and forced multiple turnovers, including a pick-six by Ty Marsh.
Nicholls vs. Incarnate Word (10-55)
The Colonels faced a tough challenge against Incarnate Word, managing just 10 points in a 55-10 loss. The offense struggled to gain traction, and the defense allowed 605 total yards. Despite the loss, Guggenheim rushed for 81 yards, and Quincy Brown caught four passes for 48 yards.
Areas for Improvement
While Nicholls has shown promise in both the running game and defense, there are areas that need improvement. The offensive line has allowed 14 sacks, and the passing game, while effective at times, needs to be more consistent. Nicholls has averaged just 160.17 passing yards per game, and they’ve struggled to convert on third downs, with a conversion rate of just 31.82%.
Defensively, the Colonels have been solid against the run, but they need to improve in pass defense, having allowed 17 passing touchdowns through six games. Nicholls’ red-zone defense has also been a concern, as opponents have converted 16 of 24 red-zone opportunities into scores.
Looking Ahead
With conference play underway, Nicholls will need to tighten up both their offense and defense to make a push in the Southland Conference. Key matchups against conference rivals will determine their path forward, and maintaining their strong running game while improving their passing attack will be crucial.
As the Colonels enter the second half of the season, their ability to capitalize on scoring opportunities and limit defensive lapses will be key to turning their season around and finishing strong.
