Cowboys thinking big at Michigan
Published 12:29 pm Thursday, December 28, 2023
- Southern Miss' Victor Hart dribbles past McNeese State's Antavion Collum during a game at the Legacy Center on Wednesday, Dec. 13. (Rodrick Anderson / American Press)
Hoping their timing is everything, the Cowboys look to sneak their way into Crisler Arena Friday while most Michigan eyes are focused elsewhere.
With the Detroit Lions winning their division for the first time in 30 years, and the Michigan football team playing in the national playoffs on New Year’s Day, McNeese State may find things quieter than normal against the Wolverines Friday night.
For the first time in program history, McNeese State is traveling to play a Power 5 opponent with not just picking up a paycheck in mind.
McNeese heads to Michigan to take on the Big Ten blue bloods with a 10-2 record and rising fast in all Mid-Major polls. The Cowboys are as high as No. 7 in one of those rankings.
Off to their best start in 51 seasons, the Cowboys believe they can pull off the unthinkable and win against the Wolverines, who are going through some rough times.
“It will be a good test for us,” said McNeese forward Antavion Collum. “We are not just going there hoping to keep it close. We want to play well and try to win.”
Why not, the Cowboys have won five straight and are catching Michigan at a good time. While it is the last game for the Pokes before they open Southland Conference play it is also just before the Wolverines dive into their league play fully.
Michigan returns from the holiday at just 6-6 with rumors about the status of their coach Juwan Howard’s job status swirling.
Meanwhile, McNeese has never had so much attention thanks to head coach Will Wade, who has given life to the previously dead program. A win would match the number of victories the Pokes posted last season at 11 before Southland Conference play even begins.
“We are stepping up in weight class big time,” said Wade. “When you step up to this level the players are just bigger, faster and look different. Michigan is one of those teams.”
McNeese finds itself it a very good spot, riding lots of momentum into today’s game though.
The Pokes are led by Shahada Wells, who is averaging 18.5 points, 3.5 assists and 4.5 rebounds a game. He also picks up 2.5 steals a contest as well.
Forward Christian Shumate is just short of averaging a double-double at 12.3 points and 9.8 boards an outing. DJ Richards has found his shooting touch of late, scoring 41 points in his last two games.
Michigan is led by Olivier Nikamhoua who is averaging 17.2 points and 7.6 rebounds. He is followed by Nimari Burnett at 10.2 points and is hitting on 34.4 percent of his three-point shots.
“This is a great chance to expose our guys to this type of team and in this type of environment,” Wade said. “We will get to see how we are able to compete and execute our game against a big program.
“What we want to do is play the type of defense we have been but this will be the best offense we will see. We want to play hard and see where we are with about six minutes left and give ourselves a chance.”
The Pokes entered this week ranked third in the nation in team defense, allowing just 57.8 points a game. Michigan, which averages 83.8 a game, good for 31st in the nation, will test that.
“They are a big team that can make threes from all spots and all players,” said Wade. “They will try to stretch us out and then pound us inside. We will need to stay connected on defense and fight for the rebounds.”
This is McNeese’s only game over a three-week period between Dec. 17 when they beat Louisiana-Lafayette at home and Jan. 6 when they open Southland Conference play at Texas A&M-Commerce. Still, the Cowboys say they are ready.
