(RV) STEPHEN F. AUSTIN STATE (2-2; 0-0) VS. MCNEESE STATE (1-3; 0-0)
WHEN: SEPT. 27 (SAT.) 7:00 P.M.
WHERE: NACOGDOCHES, TEXAS (HOMER BRYCE STADIUM)
MEDIA: ESPN+/JACKS RADIO NETWORK
SERIES:
MCNEESE STATE
FOOTBALL HISTORY VS MCNEESE STATE UNIVERSITY FROM SEPTEMBER 29, 1951 - SEPTEMBER 14, 2024
The Cowboys lead the overall series 13-18-2, having won the last 4 meetings, and 5 of the last 6.
It's a new season, it's the SLC season, where it all counts now, put up or shut up time, and we start things off with the 1-3 Cowboys of McNeese State, who come into Homer Bryce Stadium with their 4-game winning streak against the Lumberjacks.
But don 't let that 1-3 record fool you, as this is a well battle tested football team where McNeese in their last three games have played two FBS teams including a one point loss (40-41) on the road against Big Sky Conference member Weber State.
Head Coach Matt Viator makes his return to the blue and gold, where from 2006-2015, Viator helped lead the Cowboys to 78 victories, 4 SLC Championships, 5 trips to the FCS Playoffs, and 3 SLC Coach of the Year honors. Against the Lumberjacks Viator was 4-5 in nine meetings.
The offense is lead by duel threat QB #4 Jake Strong, the 6-2; 215 pound sophomore out of Justin, Texas. Against Weber State Strong threw for 278 yards and 2 TD's, completing 20 of his 39 passes, but also throwing 2 INT's. On the season Strong has completed 68 passes (57%) for 887 yards and 6 TD's while throwing 3 INT's. When he scrambles Strong averages over 5 yards, a carry, having rushed for 156 yards and 2 scores. Strong's favorite target is senior WR #3 Jonathan Harris 6-0; 175 who leads the team in catches (14) yards (185) and TD's (4)
Overall on offense McNeese State averages 420 yards a game (180 rushing, 240 passing) (6.1 per play)
The ground game is lead by hometown player #7 Tre'Vonte Citizen, a big 6-2; 223 pound sophomore RB who against Weber State ran for 117 yards and 1 TD. On the season Citizen averages over 7 yards a carry on 37 carries for 272 yards and 2 scores.
On the defensive side the Cowboys sport a strong pass rush front line lead by #44 Phillip Bradford, the big 6-6; 280 pound junior DE with his 6 TFL's and 2 sacks of his 14 total tackles on the season.
It's hard to gage the defensive numbers as I mention they have played two FBS teams, but for the season the Cowboys have given up 33 points a game, 224.3 yards a game on ground, and 180 yards through the air.
Needless to say, the Cowboys have had the Lumberjacks number in the last 6 season, and last season was one for the books, where the voodoo was a simmering on a humid Louisiana Saturday night, a game where the most bizarre, the most improbable plays had happened, where the Jacks let one get away.
So, bring the garlic and the wood for this one as SFA looks to finally break through the Cowboy's hold down in the Nac.
Axe'Em!
