McNeese vs. Louisiana: Rivalry Game Preview and Notes

(KHLA - Lake Charles, Louisiana) - The Cowboys visit the ULL Ragin' Cajuns at the recently renovated Our Lady of Lourdes Stadium on Saturday; McNeese heads east on I-10 to reignite a long-standing rivalry.

McNeese State University

After the Cowboys (1-0) defeated Louisiana Christian 54-9 in their season opener on Saturday, head coach Matt Viator became the school's all-time winningest coach and recorded his 79th victory as McNeese's head coach. In its first game, ULL (0-1) lost to Rice 14–12 at home on Saturday.

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It's the 39th meeting between to two South Louisiana schools (McNeese leads 20-16-2).

Week 2 Game Notes For McNeese vs ULL:

MORE ON SEASON OPENING WIN OVER LOUISIANA CHRISTIAN:

• Snapped a four-game losing streak in season openers.

• Most points scored in a season opener since putting 53 up against South Florida in a 53-21 win to begin the 2013 season, and it’s the 2nd most scored all-time in season openers (57 vs. Prairie View in 1986).

• 30 players made their McNeese debut in the game.

• 72 players saw action.

• The 31 points scored in the second quarter tied as the second-most scored in a quarter in school history, matching the 31 scored in the 2nd against South Florida in 2013 in a 53-21 McNeese win... the record is 35 points scored in the 2nd quarter in a 59-28 win at Central Arkansas, also in 2013.

• 359 passing yards were the 2nd-most in school history in a season opener (361 vs. West Florida to open the 2021 season).

• 305 rushing yards were the most to start the season since running for 298 in a win at Middle Tennessee in 2012.

• 10 different players made at least one catch.

SUCCESS AGAINST THE FBS

• Up until 2014, McNeese was at the FCS fore-front for most wins over FBS teams until it was overtaken by North Dakota State.

• Saturday’s game at UL will mark the fifth straight season the Cowboys will play an FBS squad and just the first since 2022 to not be taking on a Power 4 team.

• Since 2000, McNeese has compiled a 6-22 record against the FBS and hasn’t defeated a team from the highest division since 2013 (53-21 win at South Florida which is still an NCAA record for largest win by FCS over FBS).

• McNeese has posted some near misses as well - L, 30-22 at UL in 2016; L, 31-24 at Nebraska in 2014; L, 31-24 at UTSA in 2012; L, 42-32 at Tulane in 2009; L, 35-27 at North Carolina in 2008; L, 38-24 at Texas A&M in 2001.

SERIES VS. LOUISIANA

• Saturday will mark the 39th meeting in the series with McNeese leading 20-16-2 all-time.

• It’s the first time the two former Southland rivals will meet since the 2016 season (a 30-22 win by UL in Lafayette).

• This will mark only the third time the two will play since their yearly matchup ended following the 1986 season.

• McNeese is 10-7-1 all-time in Lafayette.

• Head coach Matt Viator is 1-0 vs. the Ragin’ Cajuns as McNeese’s head coach (W, 38-17 in 2007) and is 2-4 overall as a head coach (1-4 while at ULM).

STRONG DEBUT FOR JAKE

• Transfer quarterback Jake Strong had an impressive debut for McNeese in the season opener, setting a school record for most passing yards by a player making his debut with 329 yards on 22 of 28 passing, three touchdowns and no interceptions.

• He ran for another 26 to finish with 355 total offensive yards.

• He completed his first 8 passes and was 11 of 15 for 187 yards and 2 TDs in the first half.

FAMILIAR FACES

• The UL coaching staff has a couple of familiar faces to McNeese - offensive coordinator Tim Leger and inside linebackers coach Scott Stoker.

• Leger is in his sixth season on the UL staff and second as the offensive coordinator.

• Prior to UL, the coached under Viator at ULM for two seasons.

• He began his coaching career at McNeese from 2007-15.

• Stoker is in his first season with the Ragin’ Cajuns after spending two years at Tarleton State.

• Stoker coached on the McNeese staff from 1994-2001.

BAND OF BROTHERS

• The 2025 McNeese Football team has five sets of brothers on its roster or coaching staff.

• Offensive Coordinator Tyler Bolfing and his brother, offensive analyst Brock Bolfing; junior DE Phillip Bradford and freshman TE Trevon Bradford; junior DE Masey Lewis and freshman DL Sandy Lewis; senior offensive lineman Aaron Session and sophomore offensive lineman Zach Session; and twins, freshman quarterback Gavin Stout and freshman wide receiver Ty Stout.

92.9 The Lake is the official radio home of McNeese Football. Join Tom Hoefer this season for pregame coverage, all the bone-crushing action on the field, and postgame analysis. Tune in your radio every gameday to 92.9 FM, listen on our free mobile app, or stream the Pokes online on our website. Geaux Pokes!Pregame: 6:00pm Kickoff: 7:00pm