THIBODAUX, La. — Nicholls opened Southland Conference play Saturday afternoon at John L. Guidry Stadium, but No. 15 Lamar wasted little time taking control, defeating the Colonels 49-18.
The Cardinals jumped on the scoreboard quickly behind quarterback Aiden McCown, who threw two touchdown passes in the opening 2:40 of the game. Lamar struck first when McCown connected with Blake Thomas on a 41-yard touchdown pass on just the fourth play from scrimmage.
After Nicholls was forced to punt, Lamar extended its advantage when McCown found Davin Driskell for a 48-yard touchdown, giving the Cardinals a 14-0 lead with 12:20 remaining in the first quarter.
Nicholls answered with a touchdown of its own as Ean Rodriguez helped lead the Colonels down the field before connecting with Ellis Stewart on a 3-yard touchdown pass.
Lamar immediately responded.
Caleb Holmes returned the ensuing kickoff 86 yards for a touchdown, putting the Cardinals ahead 21-7 and shifting the momentum right back to the visitors.
The Cardinals added another touchdown following a Nicholls fumble, with Cam Patterson scoring on an 11-yard rushing touchdown. Lamar led 28-7 after the opening quarter.
Lamar continued to build its advantage in the second quarter. Parker Jenkins and LaDamion McDowell each scored on short touchdown runs as the Cardinals took a 42-10 lead into halftime.
Nicholls continued to battle after the break, but Lamar’s defense and offensive efficiency kept the Colonels from mounting a comeback.
McCown finished the afternoon 13-of-19 passing for 232 yards and three touchdown passes, while also rushing for 80 yards on six carries. He added a 56-yard rushing touchdown in the fourth quarter.
Rodriguez provided a bright spot for Nicholls, completing 18 of 31 passes for 191 yards and two touchdowns.
The loss drops Nicholls to 2-3 overall and 1-1 in Southland Conference play, while Lamar improves to 3-1 overall and 1-0 in conference action.
Despite the difficult start, Nicholls will have an opportunity to regroup quickly. The Colonels travel to Houston Christian next Saturday, Oct. 3, for their next Southland Conference matchup.
Final: Lamar 49, Nicholls 18