The Northwestern State University of Louisiana Demons will face the Southeastern Louisiana University Lions, an in-state and Southland Conference foe, for their homecoming game.

Students like Matthew Courville, junior communications major, are hopeful to see the Demons continue to implement changes in the way they take on the field.

“I loved how the coaching staff called plays and made changes versus Incarnate Word,” Matthew Courville, junior communications major, said. “I hope they continue to mix up plays and shake the defense a little more against SLU.”

NSU averages about 15 points per game this season. The Demons look to improve those numbers heading into the first of two matches against the Lions.

SLU averages 46 or more yards a game. The team’s quarterback, Cole Kelley, passes for about 400 yards a game. The Lions defensively, however, allow at least 30 yards a game and have given up 600 rushing yards in four games.

“If we can create pressure and make Kelley produce some mistakes, we have a good chance of winning,” Tanner Thibodaux, senior education major, said. “The matchup between our defense and their offense works in our favor.”

Thibodaux said that bringing some busted screens will give NSU a great passing defense and an excelling run game offensively.

This is another game to look out for the team’s front seven. The game will also prove to be a major test for the demons’ defensive backs.

“Both teams have a strong defense which might not allow for a lot of scoring, but either defense could get tired and start to slow down, which will allow for both teams to make mistakes,” Caroline Bland, sports media communications major, said. “Southeastern’s defense has shown what they are capable of, but I think that if we can start attacking on offense and finishing games, we will be able to pull off a win for our homecoming.”

The last matchup between the Demons and the Lions ended in a 27-24 Lions victory during the Spring 2021 season in Hammond. NSU came out with the lead early, controlling the game with a 14-0 first quarter and keeping the lead heading into the fourth quarter.

The end result, followed by losses in all except one game last season and this season, can be summarized under the inability to finish and score winning drives for the Demons.

This season, with the subtraction of five Southland Conference teams, will provide the opportunity to see three teams, Southeastern Louisiana University, Houston Baptist University and McNeese State University, play against Northwestern State twice. Ideally, the Demons get to see how SLU plays at home compared to playing in Hammond and how to prepare for those games differently.

Catch the NSU Demons as they take on the Southeastern Louisiana Lions in NSU’s Homecoming game on Saturday, Oct. 23 at 3 p.m. in Harry Turpin Stadium. The game will also be live-streamed on ESPN +.