The McNeese Cowboys (4-6, 3-3 SLC) are set to face the UT Rio Grande Valley Vaqueros (7-3, 3-3 SLC) on Saturday night in Lake Charles, Louisiana.
Last week, McNeese was able to win their second straight, controlling the pace in a 35-20 win over East Texas A&M. The win was the first of the year away from home for the Cowboys.
The Vaqueros got a home win over Nicholls 28-21 in their last time out. Despite being penalized nine times for 72 yards and the Colonels only being penalized once for five yards, UT Rio Grande Valley was still able to hold on for the one-score win.
Kickoff between McNeese and UT Rio Grande Valley from Navarre Stadium in Lake Charles is scheduled for 6:00 PM on Saturday, November 15th.
LATE SEASON MOMENTUM
Just a few of weeks ago, McNeese was 2-6 and it seemed like their season might be spiraling out of control.
The Cowboys rattled off back-to-back double-digit victories and now have the chance to win a third straight game and continue back towards even .500 on the season.
It would be a great step in the first year of Matt Viator’s second tenure in charge of the Cowboys.
HOW GOOD ARE THE VAQUEROS?
The Vaqueros just began play in FCS football this season. Therefore, they played a soft non-conference schedule to prepare themselves for their first Southland Conference slate.
They went 4-0 in those non-con games, but they are just 3-3 in the SLC. That makes them a difficult team to gauge. They definitely seem to have an appropriate amount of talent to compete, but they might not quite be as good as their 7-3 overall record suggests.
GROUND GAME
One of the reasons McNeese has started to find success again is their rushing attack. They ran for over 300 yards in last week’s win, and also topped three bills in the week prior.
In addition to getting their backs going, Jake Strong has been a factor as well, leading the team with 136 yards last week. If they are to continue this late season push, look to the rushing total to remain a strength for this group.
SERIES RECORD: First Ever Meeting
STAT LEADERS:
McNeese
Jake Strong: 139-243, 1,733 Yards, 10 TD, 11 INT
Coleby Hamm: 87 Carries, 455 Yards, 5 TD
Jonathan Harris: 25 Catches, 297 Yards, 5 TD
Masey Lewis & Phillip Bradford: 5.5 Sacks
“Shoes” Brinkley: 71 Tackles (43 Solo)
Javon Davis: 3 INT
Fabrizio Pinton: 5-of-7 Field Goals, Long of 47, 24-of-24 PAT
UT Rio Grande Valley
Eddie Lee Marburger: 164-253, 2,333 Yards, 25 TD, 7 INT
Nathan Denney: 101 Carries, 446 Yards, 4 TD
Xayvion Noland: 31 Catches, 712 Yards, 7 TD
Ian Box: 4.5 Sacks
Jaiden Haygood: 87 Tackles (34 Solo)
Elijah Graham: 3 INT
Brysen Gardner: 9-of-12 Field Goals, Long of 49, 41-of-41 PAT