College Football

Nicholls not easing into 2018 schedule

Updated Mar. 5, 2020 12:22 a.m. ET

(STATS) - As Nicholls tries to build on its first postseason appearance in 12 years, it begins the 2018 season with one of the most competitive opening stretches in the FCS.

The Colonels open their 11-game regular season with three straight road games - the first two against FBS opponents in Kansas and Tulane - and then in their Southland Conference opener against McNeese, a nine-game winner last season.

Coach Tim Rebowe's team will then host Sam Houston State, a 2017 FCS playoff semifinalist for the fifth time in the last seven seasons. It's the first of five home games at John L. Guidry Stadium.

The Colonels could be up to the challenge. Last year, they went 8-4, had the most Southland wins (seven) in team history and reached the playoffs for the first time since 2005. All 10 of their players who were all-conference honorees are returning.

2018 Nicholls Schedule

Sept. 1, at Kansas

Sept. 8, at Tulane

Sept. 15, at McNeese*

Sept. 22, Sam Houston State*

Sept. 29, Lamar*

Oct. 6, at Northwestern State*

Oct. 13, at Abilene Christian*

Oct. 27, Incarnate Word*

Nov. 3, at Houston Baptist*

Nov. 10, Stephen F. Austin*

Nov. 15, Southeastern Louisiana*