Nicholls to play three FBS opponents

NCAA Football Betting Lines

02/03/2012 - Thibodaux, LA (Sportsbook Betting Lines) - The Nicholls State University football program is going heavy on the FBS opposition and light on the home games in a 2012 schedule announced on Friday.

The Colonels' first three games are against FBS opponents - a first in program history - and they will play only four home games at John L. Guidry Stadium.

"We are very excited about the 2012 schedule. It's very challenging, which is what we want," Nicholls third-year head coach Charlie Stubbs said. "Playing this kind of demanding schedule will make us stretch and grow to our potential as we strive to improve as a program."

Nicholls will open the season by visiting the FBS opposition, Oregon State on Sept. 1, transitioning Sun Belt Conference member South Alabama on Sept. 8 and Tulsa on Sept. 15. Stubbs is a former Tulsa assistant coach.

The Colonels will play their home opener on Sept. 22 against Evangel, which they defeated, 42-0, last season.

Their Southland Conference home games are against 2011 conference champion and FCS runner-up Sam Houston State (Oct. 13), McNeese State (Nov. 3) and Southeastern Louisiana (Nov. 17).

Nicholls will go the road to face Southland opponents Central Arkansas (Oct. 6), Stephen F. Austin (Oct. 20), Northwestern State (Oct. 27) and Lamar (Nov. 10).

"I know the conference schedule will be super challenging and we will be tested early," said Stubbs, whose team finished 1-10 overall and 0-7 in the Southland this past season.

2012 Nicholls Football Schedule

Sept. 1, at Oregon State, Corvallis, Ore.

Sept. 8, at South Alabama, Mobile, Ala.

Sept. 15, at Tulsa, Tulsa, Okla.

Sept. 22, Evangel, Thibodaux, La.

Oct. 6, at Central Arkansas*, Conway, Ark.

Oct. 13, Sam Houston State*, Thibodaux, La.

Oct. 20, at Stephen F. Austin*, Nacogdoches, Texas

Oct. 27, at Northwestern State*, Natchitoches, La.

Nov. 3, McNeese State*, Thibodaux, La.

Nov. 10, at Lamar*, Beaumont, Texas

Nov. 15, Southeastern Louisiana*, Thibodaux, La.

* - Southland Conference game

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An important American Idol betting lines recap from February 20 Guys episode. The 12 men came out flat overall with Blake Lewis appearing to have the early edge after the first hour and a half.

Rudy - was quite good singing "Free Ride" to start off.  Randy was not impressed though.  Paula thought he started off fantastic.  "Never had anyone stop off so lively" said Paula but Simon (who does not like Rudy) does not feel he has a distinct voice and was not impressed either. 

Brandon was a little pitchy according to Randy and Paula agreed.  Simon said he was a good singer but the song was "too safe" and he needs to make an impact.  He was listed at +1200 odds or $1200 paid out on a $100 bet should he win the competition. 

Big favorite Sundance came in with a flat version of "Knights in White Satin" and the judges let him have it, including Paula.  Randy claimed the song was out of pitch throughout.

Korean American - and a Jenny Woo favorite - Paul Kim was up next.  Another pitchy flat one but Randy said he still liked his potential.  Kim at +3000 odds was said to have sung a "third rate version of that (George Michael) song" according to Simon Cowell.  He sang "Careless Whisper".

22 year old Chris Richardson was up next.  He was listed with +1100 odds coming in.  He got the best response from the judges though Simon did not believe the vocal was that great. 

Nick was boring and pitchy.  Simon didn't think he was that bad though and predicted he would be back next week.  Nick Pedro was a big +3000 dog coming into this competition. 

Beat boxer Blake Lewis was listed with early +1000 odds or $1000 payout on a $100 bet if he were to become the next American Idol winner odds .  These of course were the early odds.  He was considered original for picking an "odd song".  He did not beat box and the judges felt it was the best vocal of the night. 

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Phil - this season's military favorite - came into this competition with +1200 odds to win the competition.  He was the last to perform.  He was certainly strong enough to get through this stage of the competition and perhaps the best one after a shaky start. 

Tomorrow night, the ladies perform and I sure hope they do a better job than the boys.  Check out all the American Idol betting odds here.

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