Nicholls to open 2017 season in Southland

(STATS) - The Nicholls football coaches and players are hoping their first season-opening conference game in 25 years will jump-start them toward title contention.

The Colonels announced an 11-game schedule on Thursday, including five home games. The first one is their Southland Conference opener against McNeese State on Aug. 31.

In addition, the Colonels will play home games against SWAC member Prairie View A&M (Sept. 16) and Southland foes Northwestern State (Oct. 7, Homecoming), Abilene Christian (Oct. 14) and Houston Baptist (Nov. 4).

Nicholls' road schedule includes a Sept. 9 trip to Texas A&M.

The Colonels went 5-6 under coach Tim Rebowe last year, including 5-4 in Southland games - just two years after a winless campaign.

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2017 Nicholls Schedule

Aug. 31, McNeese*

Sept. 9, at Texas A&M

Sept. 16, Prairie View A&M

Sept. 23, at Sam Houston State*

Sept. 30, at Lamar*

Oct. 7, Northwestern State* (Homecoming)

Oct. 14, Abilene Christian*

Oct. 28, at Incarnate Word*

Nov. 4, Houston Baptist*

Nov. 11, at Stephen F. Austin*

Nov. 18, at Southeastern Louisiana*

* - Southland Conference game