The result of Northwestern State’s season opener a week ago was a big disappointment.
The performance, however, gave the Demons plenty to build on.
NSU takes the lessons from its season-opening loss to Louisiana Christian into its first road game of the season Saturday when it visits Louisiana Tech (0-0) at Joe Aillet Stadium.
Kickoff is set for 6:30 p.m. with the game streaming on ESPN+ and airing locally in Natchitoches on 100.7 FM KZBL.
The Demons’ 37 points and 525 yards of offense against LCU were the most in a single game under third-year head coach Blaine McCorkle, who took over a program whose last four games of 2023 were cancelled, resulting in a massive rebuilding project still ongoing. The 525 yards were the most in a game since 2022, while the 37 points were tied for the second-most the Demons have scored in a game since 2021.
Northwestern scored on each of its first five possessions, finding the end zone three times while adding a pair of field goals. It marked the first time in more than 15 years the Demons had scored on their first five possessions of a game.
“Statistically there were some really good things from that game, on both sides of the ball,” McCorkle said. “Our defense outside the penalties only gave up about 25 yards in the first half. There are a lot of really good things to build on from the game. But the bottom line is you have to finish the game to get the win.”
The offensive production was led by a career performance from Zay Davis.
Davis accounted for 199 all-purpose yards, including the first 100-yard rushing game of his career. His 126 rushing yards made him the first Demon to rush for at least 100 yards in a game since Kennieth Lacy did so at Houston Christian in 2022.
Davis’ 199 all-purpose yards were the third-most by a Northwestern State player in the past five seasons and the second-most by a player under McCorkle.
Add the 300-yard passing performance from quarterback Abram Johnston who completed throws to 10 different receivers in the game and the Demons had an offensive rhythm working through most of the night.
Now the Demons turn their attention toward an experienced Louisiana Tech team playing its season opener.
The Bulldogs are coming off an 8-5 season in 2025, their first winning record during Sonny Cumbie’s tenure. Tech capped the season by defeating Coastal Carolina in the Radiance Technologies Independence Bowl in Shreveport.
Among the Bulldogs’ returning standouts is tight end Eli Finley, a John Mackey Award watchlist selection who led Louisiana Tech in 2025 with 38 receptions for 444 yards.
For Northwestern, the key is carrying the positives from its opener forward while eliminating mistakes that ultimately prevented the Demons from finishing the job.
“Just do our job,” offensive lineman Caleb Billiot said. “Communicate up front. They throw similar things that we see from our defense so taking everything over from practice into the game. And both sides of the ball eliminate penalties. Eliminate turnovers and go play our game.
“We can’t let this last one get to us. Coach said we have 11 weeks left in the season, so what can we do now to change what happened. You can’t do anything but get back up and go to work. We have a new opponent ahead of us. They’re a really good team and let’s go find a way to get a win.”
That mindset has been a focal point for the Demon defense as well.
Transfer defensive line Donovan Dozier, who played against Tech a year ago with Liberty, said the team has locked in on the importance of every player handling his individual responsibility rather than trying to do someone else’s job.
“Defensively, and really the whole team, this week we’re really focusing on and emphasizing doing your one of 11,” Dozier said. “Focusing on doing your part every time you’re on the field. I’m doing my part, then I’m helping my brother and my team.”
The opportunity to respond comes against a program with which the Demons have a long history, another point of emphasis this week.
Saturday’s meeting is the first between the rivals since 2023, but the history between them stretches much further back. The schools have played for more than a century, including memorable meetings at the Louisiana State Fair in Shreveport.
“It’s an exciting week for any Northwestern State fan because this game has such a long history and the rivalry between the schools,” McCorkle said. “Obviously it’s not what it used to be because we’re not the same level anymore, I think people forget that sometimes. Just tremendous history from those old State Fair games.
“I want our guys to know that and know that this is more than just playing a regional FBS opponent. There’s a lot of history and a lot of people take a lot of pride in this game and I think our guys will too.”
Davis knows the Demons have a chance to turn the tables on the type of comeback that spoiled their opener.
“We’re focused on the team,” Davis said. “It’s not fun losing a game you feel like you could and probably should have won. But going up against Tech we’re excited. There is a chance to do what LC did to us. We’re going to go to work this week. Practice really hard. Watch a lot of film against these guys and be ready to play Saturday night.”
The Demons will look to carry the offensive rhythm they established in their opener while cleaning up the penalties and turnovers that proved costly.
More than anything, McCorkle wants his team to understand that one result does not define what he believes is the most complete team he has had during his tenure.
“I believe in who we are and what we’re doing,” he said. “The core of our program is what it is and it’s not going to change. I think our guys are maturing and starting to understand exactly what it takes to do that. I think they’re in a good spot and ready to move forward.”
