McNeese Football Opens Southland Play Against Veteran SFA Team

Lake Charles, Louisiana (KNGT-FM) - It hasn't all been roses for McNeese State through four weeks of the College Football season, but there have certainly been signs that get Cowboy fans excited. This week begins a new stretch for McNeese as the Cowboys are set to begin conference play with a trip to take on Stephen F Austin.

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It's been a disappointing start to the 2025 season for McNeese, but everything the Cowboys want to accomplish still sits ahead of them. Since arriving back on campus, Matt Viator has stressed to his players the impact of winning the Southland Conference.

The Cowboys' first test in the Southland Conference will be one of the conference's best right out of the gate. Last season, Stephen F. Austin made its return to the Southland Conference with high expectations. But the Lumberjacks quickly found out the league wasn’t the same one they had left behind. SFA finished their first year back in the conference with a 7-5 overall record and a 4-3 mark in conference play.

This year's Lumberjacks team brings back a ton of veteran talent in 2025.

“I’m impressed,” Viator said. “They’ve got 14 senior starters out of 22, which is almost unheard of in today’s football with the transfer portal. Their top three running backs are seniors, most of their receivers are seniors, and their whole defensive front is seniors—including backups. That’s impressive roster management.”

SFA has shown balance on both sides of the ball, with players stepping up in big ways. Quarterback Sam Vidlak, who missed part of last season due to injury, has thrown for 689 yards and four touchdowns while completing 65 of 103 passes with just two interceptions.

At wideout, Kylon Harris leads the team with 19 catches for 185 yards and a score. The ground game has leaned heavily on senior Jerrell Wimbley, who rushed for 206 yards so far, including 130 in last week’s win over Cal Poly.

“Offensively, it starts with their quarterback. He’s a really good player. They rotate three running backs who are all seniors and productive. They’ve got size on the outside and a playmaker inside,” Viator said. Defensively, their front is really impressive. They’ve been stingy, giving up around 250 yards a game. We’ll have to play better, no question.”

MCNEESE TAKES ON STEPHEN F AUSTIN ON SATURDAY

McNeese will take on Stephen F Austin on Saturday Night with the action slated for a 7:00 p.m. CT kickoff and can be seen on ESPN+ or heard on the McNeese Sports Network, featuring Tom Hoefer and Mark Young on 92.9 The Lake.