McNeese State runs past Nicholls State 55-30

THIBODAUX, La. -- Dylan Long and Marcus Wiltz each had two rushing touchdowns to help McNeese State put away Nicholls State 55-30 in a Southland Conference matchup Saturday. Facing an early 3-0 deficit, the Cowboys (7-1, 3-0 Southland) scored touchdowns on three straight drives as Cody Stroud hit Diontae Spencer for a 5-yard score and Dylan Long had touchdown runs of 2 and 4. The Colonels (4-4, 1-2) responded with a 42-yard strike from Kalen Henderson to Erik Buchanan . McNeese State added two late field goals to take a 27-10 lead at half. Wiltz ran for touchdowns of 17 and 5 in the third quarter. Following a 4-yard score from Henderson to Buchanan, McNeese State's Khalil Thomas returned the ensuing kickoff 94 yards for a touchdown to fuel the rout. Wiltz finished with 98 yards rushing on 14 carries. Kelvin Bennett ran for 169 yards on 13 attempts.