Lamar University jumped out to an early lead, due in large part to a 40-yard punt return for a touchdown from junior Kyndon Fuselier early in the first quarter, and never looked back and the Cardinal defense only allowed one score as Big Red defeated Nicholls, 24-7, Nov. 17, at Provost Umphrey Stadium.
The Cardinals ended the night with 301 yards of total offense while holding their guests to 266 yards. With the win, Lamar improves to 6-5 on the year and 3-3 in Southland Conference play and now head to Lake Charles with a shot at recording back-to-back winning seasons for the first time since 1966 and 1967.
Senior Robert Coleman completed 12-of-21 passes for 151 yards and two scores, but he was picked off twice. Just like the previous game at UIW, despite the turnovers the defense stepped up big not allowing a point off either interception.
Junior Khalan Griffin led the Cardinals ground attack with 21 carries for 86 yards, and it appeared he had recorded his sixth 100-yard rushing game of the season but had a long touchdown run called back due to a penalty.
Coleman connected with six different receivers on the day. Junior Devyn Gibbs hauled in a team-high four passes for 25 yards and a touchdown – his second in as many weeks – while Fuselier hauled in three passes for 84 yards and a score.
Outside of a late second quarter touchdown, Lamar's defense was an immovable force throughout the contest. The Cardinals surrendered just 266 yards and only 68 of those came on the ground. Lamar's defense picked off three passes and forced one fumble. All three interceptions came from different players – Damian Alexander, Ramond Stevens and DeJuan Lewis – while Lewis' came immediately following an LU interception and put an exclamation point on the victory.
Ronnie Hamrick led the defense with 10 tackles and a pass breakup while Alexander added five tackles and the interception.
The Cardinals now turn their attention to the regular-season finale at McNeese. Big Red enters the annual Battle of the Border looking to make it two in a row. The contest is slated for a 7 p.m. kick off from Cowboy Stadium. It will be broadcast live on Newstalk 560 KLVI and streamed live on ESPN+.
