Perfect Season Ends for McNeese Cowboys

A stretch in the middle of the game, then a disastrous series of downs in the 4th quarter ended the McNeese Cowboys' season Saturday evening at Cowboy Stadium as the Sam Houston State Bearkats beat them 34-29 in round 2 of the FCS playoffs. The loss ended the Cowboy's season at 10-1 and further extended their playoff losing streak to six games. McNeese has not won a playoff game since 2002.

The Pokes led 17-7 early in the second quarter when Sam Houston went on a 20-0 run that ended with a Cowboy touchdown late in the third to make it 27-23 Bearkats. Sam increased the lead to 34-23 at the end of the 3rd quarter. The Cowboys got to within five with 11:20 left in the game, and were poised to take the lead a few minutes later. After a long pass completion, the Cowboys had the ball at first and goal at the 1-yard line with a little over seven minutes left. But three penalties, and two sacks later, the Cowboys were forced to punt on 4th and goal to go from the 39 with 6:00 left. Mcneese never got the ball back.

The 34 points were the most the Cowboy defense had given up in any game this season. Sam picked up 494 yards on 83 plays, also season highs.