With Friday’s practice, the Cowboys will officially end their camp and begin work for the season opener at Tarleton State a week from Saturday.

It has been an extended offseason, full of changes and new faces. 

“We are excited to start the new season,” said head coach Gary Goff, who enters his third season with the Cowboys. “This has been a very long offseason and a long camp. We are all ready to go.”

It will also be a long season for McNeese, which opens the 12-game campaign a week earlier than most. Because of that, it will include two bye weeks as well. 

Here are five things we have learned about the Cowboys.

1. Talent is better.

There is no question McNeese was limited in talent last season, especially after injuries and departures took their toll. That should not be a problem this year.

The Cowboys have added key players from all over who will bring skills, experience, and, most importantly, depth to a desperately needed roster.

“I feel we are two and sometimes three deep at a lot of positions,” said Goff. 

With it being a longer season than usual, all teams will likely be tested when it comes to their depth charts. McNeese coaches and players believe they have added enough talent to survive a long campaign.

2. Running is key.

This goes for both sides of the football. Last year McNeese could not stop the run, giving up almost 250 yards a game on the ground. That limited the offense’s time with the football.

Adding four new defensive linemen to the front from the FBS level should help change all that and give help to a linebacking group that could be one of the best in all of FCS.

Led by sophomore All-American Micah Davey, this defense has the look of a good one.

“We got guys back there who can make plays all over the field,” said McNeese defensive coordinator Tony Pecoraro. “And they all attack the guy with the football.”

As for McNeese’s ground game, it is at least five runners deep, each with a different style. 

3. Tackling has to get better.

While the first group of defenders has been solid during scrimmages, the backups had some early hiccups. Though it was better in the second scrimmage, tackling needs to be crisp this season.

A year ago the Cowboys did a lot of grabbing and missing, turning short runs into big plays and forcing Davey to make about after stop, which he did.

However, too many were downfield. If McNeese is to get back into contention for the postseason, tackling will need to be solid and keep from leaving Davey out on an island. He has more help this year, and playing downhill will be a big plus.

4. Playmakers need the ball.

With the addition of receiver Curtis Deville from Purdue and tight end Logan Mauldin from Coastal Carolina, the Cowboys have weapons inside and outside for the passing game. 

Goff and offensive coordinator Adam Neugebauer have a few new toys to play with.

“We want to get the ball to our playmakers,” said Neugebauer. “That is our job. It is my job to make that happen.”

Improving receiver Jer’Michael Carter and speedster Jamaal Lewis could also provide big-play options.

5. Quarterbacks hold the key.

Super senior Clifton McDowell was brought to town to fill the Cowboys’ biggest hole, that at quarterback. It has been a revolving door under Goff, in part because of injuries but also poor play. Hope is McDowell can change all that.

While redshirt freshman Kamden Sixkiller is bigger and has improved, this is McDowell’s team after he led Montata to the FCS title game.

McDowell has the tools to do it all. He can run, throw from the pocket, and appears to be able to check to the right receiver and get the Cowboys out of trouble.

If McDowell hits, the Cowboys may have the quick turnaround they are hoping for. 

If not, well let’s not go there just yet.