The McNeese Cowboys (1-1) are set to face the Weber State Wildcats (0-2) in a week three FCS matchup.
Last week, the Cowboys held strong through the first three quarters against an in-state foe, the Louisiana Ragin’ Cajuns, before the game became out of hand in the fourth. They’ll look to bounce back at home after a 24-point loss in Lafayette.
For the Wildcats, they’re looking for their first win of 2025. To this point, they’ve gone on the road twice and will close out this three-game road trip to open the season in Lake Charles.
Kickoff between McNeese and Weber State from Navarre Stadium is scheduled for 6:30 PM on Saturday, September 13th.
TOUGH START FOR THE WILDCATS
This season hasn’t been the most optimal to start for Weber State. The Wildcats have had to step up in competition not once but twice so far in 2025, playing James Madison and Arizona on the road.
In those two matchups, Weber State has been outscored by the Dukes and Wildcats by a combined 93-13. The dominance has not only been reflected in the score but also on the stat sheet. The Wildcats have recorded just 332 yards of offense, and the defense has allowed over 1,000 yards to opposing teams.
After getting beaten up by better-quality FBS opponents, the Weber State Wildcats will play a fellow FCS program and close out a three-game, 9,000+ mile road trip to open the season against McNeese.
GETTING BACK TO THE RUN
The emphasis for the Cowboys will be the ground game. In week one versus Louisiana Christian, McNeese gashed the Wildcats in the run game, rushing for 313 yards on 42 carries, good for a team average of 7.5 yards per carry. Three of the team’s running backs rushed for at least 69 yards, with Marquez Davis being the leading rusher in the game with 97 yards.
In week two, the complete opposite happened on the road. The run game was shut down against the Louisiana Ragin’ Cajuns. In last Saturday’s contest, the McNeese Cowboys struggled to have a balanced offense, rushing for 47 yards on 26 attempts, good for a 1.6 yards per carry average.
Establishing the run and imposing your will is the key to winning Saturday’s game if you’re McNeese. Weber State is more likely than not physically and mentally exhausted from facing better competition and the countless miles traveled in two weeks. The three-headed monster at running back for the Cowboys can beat up on the Wildcat defense and handle the load, leading to another home win.
VS BIG SKY OPPONENTS
The McNeese Cowboys have a favorable history against programs from the Big Sky Conference. All-time, the Pokes are 14-9 versus current members of the other conference and are 18-13 overall against current and former members of the Big Sky. Eleven of those match-ups have occurred in the playoffs, with McNeese winning six.
McNeese also has a home advantage as it secured its 225th all-time win in Navarre Stadium in its season-opening win over Louisiana Christian and has compiled a 225-107-5 record in “The Hole” since making its debut in 1965. The Cowboys are 105-36 at home against non-conference opponents.
SERIES RECORD: McNeese leads 4-1
All 5 Meetings:
2024: MCNEESE 28 – WEBER STATE 26
2013: MCNEESE 43 – WEBER STATE 6
2012: MCNEESE 35 – WEBER STATE 21
1992: MCNEESE 23 – WEBER STATE 22
1990: WEBER STATE 27 – MCNEESE 7
STAT LEADERS:
McNeese:
Jake Strong: 41-58, 520 Yards, 3 TD, 1 INT
Marquez Davis: 12 Carries, 97 Yards, 1 TD
Josh Jackson: 8 Catches, 145 Yards
AJ Thomas, Keenan Landry, Shyaub Brinkley, Phillip Bradford, & Masey Lewis: 1 Sack
Shyaub Brinkley: 17 Tackles (12 Solo)
Shyaub Brinkley: 1 INT
Fabrizio Pinton: 2-of-2 Field Goals, Long of 45, 8-of-8 PAT
Weber State:
Jackson Gilkey: 20-48, 152 Yards, 1 TD, 5 INT
Zach Hrbacek: 23 Carries, 63 Yards
Noah Bennee: 3 Catches, 36 Yards
Keahnist Thompson: 1.5 Sacks
Angel King: 14 Tackles (7 Solo)
Angel King: 1 Sack
Sloan Calder: 2-of-3 Field Goals, Long of 51, 1-of-1 PAT