Nicholls vs Mississippi Valley State

Nicholls (1-0) scored on five of its six first-half possessions, with quarterback Ean Rodrigue throwing three touchdown passes and running back Tamaj Hoffman adding two rushing scores. The defense created four takeaways in the opening two quarters, repeatedly setting up short fields for the offense.

The first quarter ended 14-0 as the Colonels established control on both sides of the ball. The second quarter was a 23-point avalanche that put the game out of reach at 37-0 by halftime.

Nicholls added a third-quarter touchdown to stretch the lead to 44-0 before Mississippi Valley State (0-1) finally got on the board in the fourth.

The Delta Devils' lone score came on a 95-yard interception return for a touchdown by defensive back Tyrell Johnson — the longest play of the night for either side. MVSU added a field goal to close within 44-10, but the game had long been decided.

The game turned in the first half, when Nicholls' defence forced four turnovers — interceptions and fumble recoveries that gave the Colonels' offence short fields and kept Mississippi Valley State from building any rhythm. The Delta Devils managed only 10 first downs for the game and had no answer for Nicholls' pass rush or secondary.

• Ean Rodrigue (QB, Nicholls): Three touchdown passes in the first half, orchestrating a balanced attack that piled up 26 first downs.
• Tamaj Hoffman (RB, Nicholls): Two rushing touchdowns as the Colonels established the run early and often.
• Nicholls defence: Four first-half turnovers set the tone. The unit held MVSU scoreless through three quarters.
• Tyrell Johnson (DB, Mississippi Valley State): A bright spot for the Delta Devils — a 95-yard pick-six that showed his speed and instincts in space.

Player of the Match: Ean Rodrigue (Nicholls)

Nicholls outgained Mississippi Valley State handily, racking up 26 first downs to MVSU's 10. The Colonels leaned on a balanced offensive approach: Rodrigue's three touchdown passes complemented Hoffman's two scores on the ground. Mississippi Valley State found some rushing success late, finishing with 149 rushing yards at five yards per carry according to MVSU's official recap, but the damage was done long before. The decisive margin was built in the first half, when four defensive takeaways created short fields and the offence converted them into 37 points.

Nicholls opens its 2026 campaign at 1-0 and will look to build on the dominant performance when they face their next opponent. Mississippi Valley State falls to 0-1 and must regroup quickly, though the 10-point fourth quarter — highlighted by Johnson's 95-yard return — offers a small foundation to build on for a team that was thoroughly outplayed for three quarters.

Next up: Nicholls continue their non-conference schedule on 5 September 2026 (home opener); Mississippi Valley State also return to action on 5 September 2026.

This was as one-sided as the score suggests. Nicholls imposed its will from the opening kick-off, the defence created four first-half turnovers, and the result was never in doubt after the first quarter. Mississippi Valley State's fourth-quarter fight — particularly Johnson's long interception return — was too little, too late against a team that had already emptied its bench.