2021 FCS Season Preview: Northwestern State Demons
Northwestern State (1-5, 1-5) is poised for a breakout season this year despite a tough spring season.
The Demons’ five losses in the spring were by an average of eight points, with only one loss by more than eight points. UTSA transfer quarterback Bryce Rivers (1,091 yards, 6 TDs) showed an ability to limit turnovers while leading an improved Demon offense.
JUCO transfer running back Scooter Adams (Kilgore College) led NSU with 681 yards and seven rushing TDs.
The Demon defense will be led by a pair of former Texas high school standouts at linebacker. Jomard Valsin (Port Arthur Memorial HS) led the team in tackles (54), tackles for loss (8) and sacks (3). Trinity Valley transfer Blake Stephenson (Deer Park HS) was second on the team with 46 tackles, 3.5 tackles for loss, one sack, and one interception.
Impact Players
QB Bryce Rivers: Threw for 477 yards and three TDs in the spring season finale, a 49-47 win over UIW.
RB Scooter Adams: Ran for 212 yards in a 31-23 loss to Lamar last spring.
WR Marquise Bridges: Caught seven passes for 103 yards and a touchdown against Sam Houston last spring.
Key Game: October 23 vs. Southeastern Louisiana
Northwestern State
| Home | Away | Venue | Match Day | TV/Streaming | Highlights |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Northwestern State  |  North Texas | Apogee Stadium | Denton, TX | - | - |
| Northwestern State |  Alcorn State | Spinks-Casem Stadium | Lorman, MS | None | - |
UT Martin  | Northwestern State | Turpin Stadium | Natchitoches, LA | - | - |
| Northwestern State |  Southeastern Louisiana | Strawberry Stadium | Hammond, LA | - | - |
Incarnate Word  | Northwestern State | Turpin Stadium | Natchitoches, LA | - | - |
| Northwestern State |  Houston Christian | Husky Stadium | Houston, TX | - | - |
McNeese  | Northwestern State | Turpin Stadium | Natchitoches, LA | - | - |
| Southeastern Louisiana | Northwestern State | Turpin Stadium | Natchitoches, LA | - | - |
| Northwestern State |  Nicholls | Guidry Stadium | Thibodaux, LA | - | - |
| Houston Christian | Northwestern State | Turpin Stadium | Natchitoches, LA | - | - |
| Northwestern State | McNeese | Cowboy Stadium | Lake Charles, LA | - | - |
Worst Case: Same old, same old – Northwestern State still a year away from getting back into the Southland title discussion.
Best Case: In a wide-open Southland race, the Demons get in the title conversation as Rivers, Adams, and Bridges torch conference defenses.
Rob Butler is a lifelong Texas A&M football fan – his family is full of A&M graduates. He graduated from Lamar University in Beaumont, Texas with two degrees – a BBA in Finance and an MBA. His hobbies include jogging and reading books pertaining to college football.
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