The McNeese Cowboys defeated the Texas A&M Commerce Lions 31-3 on Saturday night inside Cowboy Stadium. The victory moves McNeese to 5-5 overall on the season with a couple of games left to play.
HOW IT HAPPENED:
The game began in a near disaster for the Cowboys. They fumbled their very first snap of the game, giving the Lions great field position. However, the Cowboy defense came up big, holding them to just a field goal try and limiting the turnover to three points. That made it 3-0 Commerce.
The Cowboy offense had a quick response in the works as well. They went right down the field, scoring in seven plays and 75 yards. Joshon Barbie punched it in from six yards out to give McNeese a 7-3 lead.
The teams would trade punts for the next three possessions, keeping the score where it was. However, McNeese struck quickly after that, as Bryce Strong put together an electric 78 yard touchdown run. That gave the Cowboys a 14-3 advantage.
More points were on the way quickly, as Commerce fumbled the ensuing kickoff. While the Cowboys could not punch it in the end zone, they did add an 18 yard field goal from Tyler Larco. That made it 17-3 early in the second quarter.
Despite a lengthy drive, Commerce was eventually forced to punt. McNeese put together a well executed nine play, 84 yard touchdown drive before the half to extend the lead to 24-3. Kamden Sixkiller found Jonathan Harris for that score.
The Lions had a nice drive early in the second half, moving it 14 plays and 51 yards. However, a missed field goal ensured that the lead would stay at three touchdowns.
Eventually, McNeese was able to put together yet another scoring drive. This one only took six plays and 55 yards as it was set up by good field position. Devin Lippold’s 17 yard run made it 31-3, and the Cowboys were firmly in control.
It was a strange game, as McNeese only completed two passes. However, they cruised to the 31-3 win.
BIG NUMBER: 367
The Cowboy offense did it all on the ground in this one. They racked up 367 yards, with Barbie and Strong both going over 100.
PLAYER OF THE GAME: McNeese O-Line
It takes a pretty good effort from the men up front to run for 367 yards in a game. The Cowboys’ offensive line handled their business all night and imposed their will against the Lions.
UP NEXT: McNeese will be off next weekend before traveling to Natchitoches to face the Northwestern State Demons on Saturday, November 16th at 1:00 PM.