Cowboys Fall To Cajuns

McNeese had their 11 game regular season winning streak snapped in Lafayette last night 30-22. The Pokes had not lost a regular season game since the season finale against Lamar in 2014. The Cowboys are now 1-1.

McNeese scored early on the first of Trent Manuel's 3 field goals to take a 3-0 lead in the 1st quarter. The Cajuns quickly responded with their first score to make it 7-3. McNeese scored just before the end of the 1st half, but failed on the 2pt conversation attempt and trailed 14-12 at halftime. McNeese again scored fist in the second half to go back on top 15-14. But the Cajuns scored 16 straight to go up 30-15 following a 30 minute lightning delay. The Cowboys finished the scoring with :12 seconds remaining for the final 30-22 score.

Statistically, the Cowboys finished with 364 yards to the Cajuns 390. And the Cowboys led in time of possession 36:55 to 23:05. But the Cowboys settled for 3 field goals while the Cajuns were putting the ball into the end zone. McNeese had the game's only turnover.

Ryan Ross led the Pokes in rushing with 112 yards on 21 carries, most of it in the first half. Dylan Long scored the 2 Cowboy touchdowns on the ground. James Tabary was 25-38 for 237 yards. Kent Shelby led the Cowboys in receiving with 6 for 75 yards. For the Cajuns, Elijah McGuire had 139 yards rushing on 19 carries. Anthony Jennings completed 15 of 21 passes for 170 yards and a score.

The Cowboys return to Cowboy Stadium to begin Southland Conference play against Stephan F. Austin next Saturday at 6.