McNeese Cowboy Named Southland Conference Player Of The Week

LAKE CHARLES, LOUISIANA: McNeese quarterback Clifton McDowell has been named this week’s Southland Conference Offensive Player of the Week, the league office announced on Monday.

McDowell led the Cowboys to a come-from-behind 28-24 win over Stephen F. Austin on Saturday in the league opener for both teams as he threw for two touchdowns and ran for another two, both of those coming in the fourth quarter with the game-winner occurring with 31 seconds to play.

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A native of Spring, Texas, McDowell completed 18 of 29 passes for 313 yards while rushing for another 35 to account for 348 total offensive yards.

His touchdown passes went for 54 and 23 yards – the 54-yarder on a Hail Mary to end the first half, while his running scores were 6 and 11 yards respectively.

He became the first quarterback to throw for 300 yards or more since the 2021 season opener when Cody Orgeron threw for 361 yards against West Florida.

Also on Monday, safety Boogsie Silvera earned honorable mention honors by Stats Perform for national defensive player of the week. Silvera tied a career-high with 12 tackles while also forcing a fumble.

COWBOYS RECEIVE VOTES IN BOTH FCS TOP 25 POLLS
For the third straight week, McNeese has received votes in the AFCA Coaches Top 25 poll while for the first time this season, picking up votes in the Stats Perform Media Poll.

Two Southland Conference teams are ranked in the Stats Perform poll – UIW at No. 15 while Lamar broke in for the first time and is ranked 22nd. Also ranked is season opening opponent Tarleton State (No. 16) while future opponents Weber State (Sept. 28) and Nicholls (Oct. 26) are receiving votes.

In the AFCA poll, UIW (No. 18) is the only ranked league team while Tarleton State is 17th. Weber State, Lamar and Nicholls are all receiving votes.