Five McNeese turnovers contributed to a 35-0 loss to Central Arkansas last night at Cowboy Stadium. It was the first time the Pokes had been shut out at home since October 3rd 1987 when Arkansas State beat the 17-0. The Cowboys fell to 3-4 on the year, and 2-3 in Southland Conference play.

The Pokes took the opening kickoff and moved to the UCA 38 before the first of 3 fumbles ended that drive. The Bears moved all the way to the Cowboys 1 before the Cowboys defense held on a 4th and goal. McNeese moved the ball to their 38 before losing their 2nd fumble in as many possessions. This time UCA scored and the rout was on. UCA led 14-0 at the half and 28-0 after 3.

McNeese had the ball inside the UCA 25 only once and failed to score on that possession early in the 4th. Central Arkansas came into the game with the 11th best defense in the FCS and allowed McNeese just 309 total yards, right at their season average. The Pokes were just 4-16 on third down while UCA converted 8-14. The 5 McNeese turnovers led to 21 UCA points.

Next week the Cowboys travel to Natchitoches to take on Northwestern State. The Demons gave up 14 points in the last 2 minutes in Beaumont to fall to Lamar 32-31. NSU is 1-5 on the season. Kickoff from Turpin Stadium is 6pm.

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