The McNeese Cowboys (1-2) are set to face the Utah State Aggies (2-1) in a week four matchup.
After coming up short at home last week versus the Weber State Wildcats, the Cowboys will travel to take on the Utah State Aggies—their second and final FBS opponent for the 2025-26 season. This will be the first time this season that the Pokes will travel to play outside of the state of Louisiana.
The Aggies rebounded in week three, taking down Air Force at home 49-30. That win followed a tough loss to the Texas A&M Aggies, where they were outscored 44-22 on the road.
Kickoff between McNeese and Utah State from Maverik Stadium in Logan, Utah, is scheduled for 7:00 PM on Saturday, September 20th.
BACK TO THE BASICS
Back in week one, the McNeese Cowboys dominated on the ground versus Louisiana Christian. In that win at home, the Pokes rushed for 313 yards on 42 carries and scored four times on the ground en route to a 54-9 win. The last two weeks have been very different.
Against the Cajuns, the Cowboys only recorded 47 rushing yards on 26 attempts. The longest run in that game was seven yards from Bryce Strong as the team had a 1.8 yards per carry average. Last week, versus Weber State, McNeese’s rushing numbers increased substantially, going for 259 yards on 33 carries after wearing down the Wildcats’ defense in a narrow loss.
Utah State’s run defense has struggled since week two. That week, the Aggies allowed 235 yards on the ground and a pair of touchdowns to Texas A&M. Then, last Saturday, Air Force ran all over the field, totaling 266 rushing yards on 61 attempts.
CONTINUE TO DEVELOP
There is no doubt that the McNeese Cowboys want to win this game against Utah State. This wouldn’t be the first time an FCS team, or more specifically, McNeese, has beaten an FBS team. But winning Saturday’s matchup isn’t the most important thing.
The Cowboys need to worry about doing the little things right. Head coach Matt Viator and his staff need to make sure the team does the little things correctly. No self-inflicted wounds, such as penalties or turnovers. That can spiral a game out of control in a hurry, especially when there is a talent gap.
Jake Strong has been impressive for the Cowboys under center. He nearly led an improbable fourth-quarter comeback that was one play away from being completed. McNeese will need Strong to continue in his development and make smart decisions against the Aggies to give his team a chance at a conference championship later in the season.
ROUGH HISTORY
It hasn’t been sunshine and rainbows for the McNeese Cowboys when they have to take a step up in competition. When facing FBS opponents all-time, the Pokes have a 7-28-1 record.
The last time McNeese got the better of an FBS opponent was in 2013, when the Cowboys upset the South Florida Bulls 53-21. In that season-opening win, McNeese put up over 420 yards of offense and forced South Florida to turn the ball over three times.
Since then, the Cowboys have hit a cold streak against higher-ranked opponents. After that win over South Florida in 2013, the Pokes have lost nine straight games against FBS opponents. Their last three losses were to the Florida Gators, Texas A&M Aggies, and, most recently, the Louisiana Ragin’ Cajuns.
SERIES RECORD: This will be the first-ever matchup between the two programs.
STAT LEADERS:
McNeese
Jake Strong: 61-97, 798 Yards, 5 TD, 3 INT
Tre’Vonte Citizen: 25 Carries, 201 Yards, 2 TD
Josh Jackson: 12 Catches, 171 Yards
Phillip Bradford: 2 Sacks
Shyaub Brinkley: 28 Tackles (17 Solo)
Shyaub Brinkley, Javon Davis & Mason Edwards: 1 INT
Fabrizio Pinton: 2-of-3 Field Goals, Long of 45, 13-of-13 PAT
Utah State
Bryson Barnes: 51-80, 689 Yards, 5 TD
Miles Davis: 31 Carries, 192 Yards, 1 TD
Braden Pegan: 14 Catches, 208 Yards, 3 TD
John Miller: 4 Sacks
John Miller: 33 Tackles (11 Solo)
Noah Avinger: 2 INT
Tanner Rinker: 2-of-2 Field Goal, Long of 49, 9-of-9 PAT