McNeese State Cowboys
Southland
McNeese State has an interesting playoff history. During their last four appearances, spanning from 2003 to 2009, the Cowboys have failed to win a game. In 2002, McNeese State made a nice run to the championship game where they lost to Western Kentucky. Five years earlier, with a few more first round losses in-between, the Cowboys were again in the finals. The program has been boom or bust during their recent playoff appearances and this group has more boom potential than bust. Coach Matt Viator has had some great wins this year, most notably against AAC member South Florida and recent Southland dominator Sam Houston State.
2013 Record: 10-2, 6-1
Coach: Matt Viator
Big Wins: 8/31 at South Florida (53-21), 10/19 Sam Houston State (31-23)
Bad Losses: 9/28 at Northern Iowa (6-41), 11/2 Southeastern Louisiana (7-41)
Strengths:
There are not many more efficient offenses than the one at McNeese State. Quarterback Cody Stroud has thrown 27 touchdown passes and just five interceptions. Receivers Diontae Spencer, Ernest Celestie and Nic Jacobs are all proven pass catchers who help make Stroud look even better. But this is not a pass happy offense. Coach Viator wants balance and he gets it from running back Marcus Wiltz. The senior averages over 100 yards per contest and is capable of taking over a game. Wiltz is a great talent and the Cowboys main rusher, but he rarely tallies over 20 carries a game. Kelvin Bennett and touchdown vulture fullback Dylan Long have successfully supplemented Wiltz’s carries.
Weaknesses:
Statistically, the defense has plenty of room to improve. The unit allows over 410 yards per game and there have been some very close calls this season. Most notable is against West Alabama when the Cowboys defense allowed 42 points and 565 yards of offense. Turnovers and a late touchdown by Stroud to Spencer saved McNeese State from a shocking upset. Other not so strong teams like Nicholls State and Stephen F. Austin dropped at least 30 points on the defense. Yet, oddly enough, the only two times this team lost this year it did not have everything to do with the defense. Against Northern Iowa and Southeastern Louisiana the defense did allow 41 points in each contest, but the offense was absolutely shut down and mustered just a mere touchdown in each blowout loss. Against the quality teams McNeese State will run into during the playoffs, the offense cannot afford to commit turnovers or fail to move the chains like they did against UNI and Southeastern Louisiana. The defense is not going to make up the difference.
Statistical Leaders:
Rushing: Marcus Wiltz, RB, 1,261 yards
Passing: Cody Stroud, QB, 2,680 yards
Receiving: Diontae Spencer, WR, 739 yards
Tackles: Aaron Sam, CB, 79
Sacks: Bo Brown, LB, 5.0; Everett Ellefsen, DE, 5.0
Interceptions: Guy Morgan, CB, 4
2013 Team Stats:
Rushing Offense: 214.3 (21st in nation, 3rd in conference)
Passing Offense: 247.4 (32, 4)
Total Offense: 461.6 (14, 3)
Scoring Offense: 42.5 (4, 1)
Rushing Defense: 167.5 (63, 5)
Pass Defense: 246.2 (95, 6)
Total Defense: 413.6 (81, 5)
Scoring Defense: 27.4 (73, 4)
Turnover Margin: 0.5 (27, 3)
Sacks: 1.64 (86, 6)
Sacks Allowed: 1.27 (24, 4)
Recent Playoff Appearances:
2009 First Round Lost to New Hampshire
2007 First Round Lost to Eastern Washington
2006 First Round Lost to Montana
2003 First Round Lost to Northern Arizona
2002 First Round Defeated Montana State
2002 Quarterfinals Defeated Montana
2002 Semifinals Defeated Villanova
2002 Championship Lost to Western Kentucky
2001 First Round Lost to Maine
2000 First Round Lost to Georgia Southern
1998 First Round Lost to Massachusetts
1997 First Round Defeated Montana
1997 Quarterfinals Defeated Western Illinois
1997 Semifinals Defeated Delaware
1997 Championship Lost to Youngstown State
1995 First Round Defeated Idaho
1995 Quarterfinals Defeated Delaware
1995 Semifinals Lost to Marshall
1994 First Round Defeated Idaho
1994 Quarterfinals Lost to Montana
1993 First Round Defeated William & Mary
1993 Quarterfinals Lost to Troy
1992 First Round Defeated Idaho
1992 Quarterfinals Lost to Northern Iowa
1991 First Round Lost to Nevada
*all team stats through 11/16
