Yes, it is finally football season.

Northwestern State University of Louisiana’s football squad is gearing up for their season opener against No. 2 ranked Montana on Sept. 3. The start of any season has its uncertainty, but with a new spotlight on the Demons’ coaching staff and new expectations, it is an exciting time to be a Demon.

“It’s been eight months since we’ve had the opportunity to say it’s game week,” fifth-year head coach Brad Laird said. “You work so hard since January for eleven-plus opportunities in the fall, and this is the first opportunity.”

Joining NSU in his first season as offensive coordinator is Beau Blair, who switched to OC after former OC Cody Crill resigned from his position over family reasons.

Blair will enter a new offensive scheme in a new state. The former New Mexico Highlands offensive coordinator and offensive line coach sees the same offensive style as he did in New Mexico and is excited for the challenge ahead.

“Our objective is to get a lot of snaps,” Blair said. “After a big explosion, keep it simple, play fast and have great tempo on offense.”

Also joining the Demons in 2022 is quarterback Miles Fallin, a transfer from the University of Kansas. Fallin was on the Big 12 Commissioner’s Honor Roll three times at Kansas and was named the starter for NSU on August 25.

“When you get to campus, there’s two big things you run into and that’s adjustment to football and an academic schedule,” Fallin said. “Quarterback is something you have to earn every day, so my expectations are to keep earning it every day and keep working.”

The question remains whether or not NSU will scoop up a winning season, and with Laird’s one-year contract ending after this season, it is unclear what will happen in DemonLand.

Nonetheless, expect to be surprised by what the Demons can accomplish this season.

NSU starts its season against No. 2 Montana on Saturday, Sept. 3 at 2 p.m.