THIBODAUX, La. -- Cody Stroud threw for 274 yards and three touchdowns, and McNeese State's balanced attack overwhelmed Nicholls State 42-10 in a Southland Conference game on Saturday.

The Cowboys (6-3, 3-3), who led 21-3 at the half and built a 35-3 advantage in the fourth quarter, also rang up 276 yards rushing for an offensive output of 550 yards.

Darius Carey led the Cowboys' receiver corps -- eight players caught at least one pass -- with six catches for 125 yards and a touchdown.

McNeese State limited the Colonels (1-7, 0-5) to 375 total yards. Landry Klann passed for 177 yards for Nicholls State, but he threw two interceptions. Backup Beaux Hebert also threw two picks.

Dalton Hilliard Jr. scored Nicholls State's touchdown on a 10-yard run, his only carry of the game.

The Colonels have lost 12 consecutive conference games.