As the McNeese Cowboys prepare to face off against the Houston Christian University (HCU) Huskies in a pivotal Week 7 Southland Conference matchup, anticipation is building for what promises to be an exciting and hard-fought contest. Both teams come into this game with something to prove, and the stakes are high as the Cowboys aim to continue their winning streak, while HCU looks to build on recent momentum.
With McNeese holding a 5-1 all-time series lead, including a 21-10 victory over HCU in Houston last season, the Cowboys are favored to extend their dominance. However, the Huskies are riding high after a thrilling road victory against Indiana State and will look to bring their A-game as they return to Southland action.
McNeese Cowboys: Riding High on Momentum
The McNeese Cowboys enter this matchup with a 4-2 record, fresh off an exhilarating 28-26 win over nationally ranked Weber State. Head Coach Gary Goff has his team riding a three-game win streak, and the Cowboys are eager to keep that momentum going. The Cowboys have found their groove offensively, with senior quarterback Clifton McDowell leading the charge.
McDowell has been exceptional this season, with 1,018 passing yards, six passing touchdowns, and six rushing touchdowns, making him one of the top dual-threat quarterbacks in the Southland Conference. His leadership has been critical to McNeese’s success, and his ability to stretch the field with deep passes and make plays with his legs will be key against the Huskies.
In addition to McDowell, McNeese has a dangerous weapon in wide receiver Jamaal Levi. The redshirt freshman wideout has already made a name for himself with explosive plays, including a 43-yard touchdown reception in his collegiate debut. Levi’s speed and elusiveness make him a constant threat, and he will be a focal point of the Cowboys’ passing attack against HCU’s secondary(Game_7_vs._HCU).
On the ground, running back Joshon Barbie has emerged as a standout, rushing for four touchdowns this season. The Cowboys have consistently produced big plays, recording over 80 offensive plays of 10 yards or more this season, which has kept opposing defenses on their heels.
HCU Huskies: Looking for an Upset
The HCU Huskies enter the game with a 2-3 record and are coming off a hard-fought 27-24 win over Indiana State. Head Coach Jason Bachtel, in his first year at the helm, has the Huskies showing flashes of potential, particularly on offense, where they are averaging 25.8 points per game.
The Huskies’ offensive attack is led by running back Champ Dozier, who has been a consistent performer this season. Dozier’s ability to break tackles and make plays in the open field makes him a key player to watch in this matchup. With McNeese’s defense allowing over 218 rushing yards per game, Dozier will look to take advantage and spark the Huskies’ ground game.
Quarterback Cutter Stewart has also shown promise, throwing for 490 yards and four touchdowns. While HCU’s passing attack has been inconsistent, Stewart has the weapons to make big plays downfield, particularly with wide receiver AJ Wilson, who leads the team with 218 receiving yards and two touchdowns. Wilson’s ability to stretch the field will test McNeese’s secondary, which has been one of the strengths of the Cowboys’ defense.
Key Matchups to Watch
1. McNeese WR Jamaal Levi vs. HCU Secondary
Jamaal Levi has proven to be a dynamic playmaker for McNeese, and his ability to get open deep will be a significant challenge for HCU’s secondary. With his speed and route-running skills, Levi will look to exploit any gaps in the Huskies’ defense, especially if they fail to apply consistent pressure on Clifton McDowell.
2. HCU RB Champ Dozier vs. McNeese Run Defense
Champ Dozier’s physical running style will be a test for McNeese’s defense, which has struggled at times to stop the run. If Dozier can find success on the ground, it could open up the play-action passing game for HCU and create opportunities for big plays downfield.
3. Clifton McDowell vs. HCU Defense
Clifton McDowell’s dual-threat ability makes him a difficult quarterback to contain. HCU’s defense will need to be disciplined in both their pass rush and run defense to prevent McDowell from breaking off long runs or making deep throws on the run. If the Huskies cannot contain McDowell, it could be a long day for their defense.
What’s at Stake
This game carries significant implications for both teams as they enter the heart of Southland Conference play. For McNeese, a win would solidify their position as a conference contender and extend their winning streak to four games. The Cowboys have their sights set on a strong finish to the season, with tough matchups against UIW and Nicholls looming on the horizon.
For HCU, this game represents an opportunity to build momentum and prove that they can compete with the top teams in the conference. A win over McNeese would be a statement victory for the Huskies and give them a boost as they continue Southland play.
Prediction
While HCU has shown improvement under Coach Bachtel, McNeese’s balanced attack and the playmaking ability of Clifton McDowell give the Cowboys the edge in this matchup. Look for McNeese to continue their winning ways, with McDowell and Levi leading the charge on offense.
Prediction: McNeese 31, HCU 17.
