The McNeese Cowboys defeated the Alcorn State Braves 42-14 on Saturday night inside Cowboy Stadium. The win moves McNeese to 3-2 on the season as they will begin a long stretch of road games.
HOW IT HAPPENED:
The game started with Alcorn State getting the football but not moving it at all. After their three and out, McNeese got great field position due to a poor punt. Then, thee Cowboys struck immediately. A 50-yard touchdown pass on the very first play connected from Clifton McDowell to Kameron Senegal.
The Braves’ offense struggled mightily in the first half. Despite a McDowell interception, two punts gave McNeese a chance to extend their lead. A nine play, 65-yard drive ended with a five-yard touchdown run from Joshon Barbie to make it 14-0.
After a couple more punts, the McNeese defense made a big play. A fumble return for touchdown extended the lead to 21-0 as the Cowboys took full control.
Alcorn State did find their way into the end zone before the end of the half, as Xzavier Vaughn connected with Tyran Warren. However, the Cowboys answered in just 31 seconds, as D’Angelo Durham plunged in from two yards out. That made it 28-7 at the half.
To begin the second half, the Cowboys took advantage of a Braves fumble and extended the lead further. McDowell ran in from 14 yards out to make it 35-7 Cowboys. That was answered by Alcorn State to make it 35-14, but a third consecutive touchdown drive regained a 28-point lead for McNeese.
The fourth quarter was mostly a formality. The clock ran and the Cowboys took home a comfortable 42-14 victory at home.
BIG NUMBER: 42
The Cowboy offense was finally in sync for a full game. McDowell led the offense to their highest output of the season, helping them cruise to a non-conference win.
PLAYER OF THE GAME: Clifton McDowell
The signal caller threw for 229 yards with two touchdowns. In addition, he ran for 76 more yards and added one more score.
UP NEXT: McNeese will hit the road for a game against Weber State on Saturday, September 28th at 7:00 PM.