Ever since he stepped off the plane in Lake Charles, Gary Goff has been searching for somebody to drive his offense.

This season Goff believes he has found his man.

Goff is handing the keys to his car to transfer quarterback Clifton McDowell. 

Truth be told, McDowell is likely the key to the Cowboy season, not just the offense.

“He is a special talent,” Goff said. “He brings a lot of confidence to that offense. He is calm and he doesn’t get rattled back there.”

The fact is, this is not McDowell’s first test drive.

McDowell is a six-year senior who is coming off a season where he led Montana to the FCS title game last January. He has the experience and talent the Cowboys have been lacking at the QB position.

“It is nice to have a quarterback who has played a lot of football,” said Goff. “He has seen a lot and he has won a lot.”

In his only year at Montana, McDowell was named the Big Sky Newcomer of the Year last season. He completed 160 passes for 2,026 yards and 13 touchdowns. He also ran for an additional 753 yards and nine scores as Montana went 13-2.

He entered the transfer portal after last year hoping to land at an FBS program. But things didn’t feel right at Temple so he wound up at McNeese, just down the road from where his college career started at Louisiana-Lafayette.

“I have been through a lot,” said McDowell. “I have been in college for six years. I have seen a lot of things and have experience in a lot of offenses.

“This place is the right fit for me to end my college journey.”

Goff believes that as well. He has always wanted a quarterback who is an extension of the coaching staff, a true leader in the huddle. 

He’s counting on McDowell to be that guy.

“Clifton is a leader, he has some fire, he’s a competitor,” said Goff. “It is a completely different feeling to have a quarterback who has experience and confidence running the offense.”

Players also see the difference.

Sophomore receiver Jer’Michael Carter has meshed well with McDowell during camp. He feels the difference in the huddle.

“The new QB, he brings a lot to the table,” said Carter. “He gives everybody confidence he will make the right plays.”

As for what is driving McDowell this year, he said it is simple.

“I’m not on any of the preseason player watch lists,” he said.

McDowell has also admitted to being more of a vocal leader this season, saying it is up to him to help “set the standard” for the Cowboys. He has also said he is ready for this challenge.

“I feel like I am in control,” said McDowell. “I’m driving the boat.”

Boat, car, doesn’t matter what McDowell is driving, Goff just hopes it leads the Cowboys to victory lane enough to turn the program around.

If he does that, McDowell could get keys to the campus.