The McNeese Cowboys (1-4, 0-1 SLC) return home for a Southland Conference matchup against an in-state foe: the Southeastern Lions (3-2, 1-0 SLC).
McNeese started SLC play a week ago against the Stephen F. Austin Lumberjacks. SFA may be the best team in the conference, and they proved a tough matchup as the Cowboys fell on the road.
Southeastern also has an argument that they may be the SLC’s top club, and they opened league play with a high-scoring victory over UT Rio Grande Valley.
Kickoff between McNeese and Southeastern from Navarre Stadium in Lake Charles is scheduled for 6:00 PM on Saturday.
SOUTHLAND COMPETITION
While McNeese enters this game with a 1-4 record, that does not truly tell the whole story. Two of their games have come against FBS competition, and one of their matchups was against an NAIA school. That leaves just two games against FCS opponents, with one of those against the SLC.
The rest of the season features nothing but SLC opponents, with Saturday’s coming against a formidable opponent in Southeastern. Matt Viator’s team will surely find out where they stack up over the next month of play.
IN A DROUGHT
Despite still leading the all-time series, McNeese has dropped five straight to the Lions. That is one off the longest streak in series history, which was six straight by the Cowboys from 2006-2011.
While the Cowboys have dropped those five, four of them were within five points. This rivalry has produced tons of competitive games, and Saturday is expected to be another tight battle.
GROUND ATTACK
While McNeese has run the ball fairly well from a yardage standpoint, coach Matt Viator is looking for more consistency on the ground. he spoke about it this week, saying they need to be able to pick up solid gains more often.
Standing in their way this week is a talented Southeastern front led by Kaleb Proctor, who had a breakout game against LSU earlier this season.
SERIES RECORD: McNeese leads the series 21-19
Last Five Meetings
2023: McNeese 24 — Southeastern 38
2022: McNeese 27 — Southeastern 28
2021: McNeese 20 — Southeastern 23
2021: McNeese 35 — Southeastern 38
2021 (Spring): McNeese 20 — Southeastern 25
STAT LEADERS:
McNeese
Jake Strong: 89-154, 1,101 Yards, 7 TD, 4 INT
Tre’Vonte Citizen: 47 Carries, 304 Yards, 3 TD
Jonathan Harris: 14 Catches, 185 Yards, 4 TD
Masey Lewis: 3 Sacks
Shoes Brinkley: 41 Tackles (25 Solo)
4 Players Tied: 1 INT
Fabrizio Pinton: 3-of-4 Field Goals, Long of 45; 16-of-16 PAT
Southeastern
Carson Camp: 55-85, 659 Yards, 6 TD, 2 INT
Kyle Lowe: 38 Carries, 257 Yards, 4 TD
Jaylon Domingeaux: 19 Catches, 275 Yards, 4 TD
Kaleb Proctor: 3 Sacks
KK Reno: 43 Tackles (17 Solo)
4 Players Tied: 1 INT
Guillermo Garcia Rodriguez: 3-of-5 Field Goals, Long of 37; 21-of-21 PAT