The McNeese Cowboys fell 24-19 to the Nicholls Colonels on Saturday evening in Thibodaux. The loss is the third straight for the Cowboys who now fall to 4-5 overall.
HOW IT HAPPENED:
The game began with a fairly strange sequence of events. With McNeese quarterback Clifton McDowell unable to go, Kamden Sixkiller got his second consecutive start. A turnover on downs was followed by a Nicholls punt. Then, backed up in their own territory, Sixkiller was sacked for a safety to give the Colonels an early 2-0 lead.
The Cowboy defense responded, getting a stop and allowing the offense another chance. Then a nine play, 55-yard drive resulted in a made 47-yard field goal by Tyler Larco. That made it 3-2 McNeese.
After a couple of long drives did not result in points, the Cowboys struck quickly. Joshon Barbie took it 69 yards to the house for a touchdown and put the Cowboys up 10-2. However, the Colonels responded quickly as well. Four plays and 75 yards later, a 66-yard touchdown run from Miequle Brock made it 10-8 with a failed two-point conversion.
The Cowboy offense sputtered, and Nicholls had another response. Eight plays and 82 yards later, Collin Guggenheim caught a 39-yard touchdown pass from Pat McQuaide. Another failed conversion attempt made it 14-10 Nicholls heading into the half.
Nicholls was able to get the first points of the second half, driving 40 yards and converting another field goal. That made it 17-10, but the Cowboys immediately responded. They ended up adding a field goal of their own to make it 17-13.
Another scoring drive ensued as Nicholls worked their way into the end zone. McQuaide scored from a yard out and extended it to 24-13.
The Cowboys answered again with the help of good field position. A 28 yard drive ended with a two yard touchdown from Bryce Strong. That made it 24-19 after a failed conversion.
The Cowboys would get it back with a chance to win, but an interception quickly spoiled the drive. The Colonels held on to win.
BIG NUMBER: 401
McNeese had 401 yards of offense and actually outgained Nicholls by 30. However, they did not convert enough of their drives into points.
PLAYER OF THE GAME: Miequele Brock
Brock ran for over 100 yards on just nine carries. He also had a critical touchdown for Nicholls in their close victory over McNeese.
UP NEXT: The Cowboys will finally return home as they play host to Texas A&M Commerce on Saturday, November 2nd at 7:00 PM.
