Before we can even begin to talk about McNeese State rejoining the elite nationally on the FCS level, the Cowboys must first recapture the Southland Conference.

McNeese’s true rise back to football relevance won’t begin with a giant leap back into the national spotlight but rather baby steps up the SLC ladder.

That can begin this weekend.

If the Cowboys truly want to rebuild, the foundation can be laid Saturday night when they host Stephen F. Austin on its return to the league. 

This is a simple case of the Cowboys must first relearn how to walk before they run again. 

It has been a giant fall for McNeese, which nine seasons ago rolled through the Southland undefeated only to be upset in its playoff opener by a league foe at home. 

Since then there have been no SLC championships and no playoffs. The Cowboys have also watched as other programs have raced by them and into the nation’s attention.

Meanwhile, McNeese has been left cleaning up the mess and dropping in the standings.

So it is important that before we talk about any greatness regained or power restored, a league must be conquered. 

There does seem to be improvement this year. A missed upset chance in the opener against a ranked FCS team on the road is a good step. 

Winning at home against Southern while not playing great is another step. A comeback victory hasn’t been seen around these parts in some time.

There are also 59 newcomers and, if you look closely, the talent is much improved. Yet something is missing and it can happen Saturday night for the 1-2 Cowboys.

Before we all drink the Kook-Aide we need a sip of success. We need to see this team of promise fulfill some of that on the field within the league. Only then can the turnaround really begin. 

That’s the moment we can believe the program is stepping in the right direction. McNeese hasn’t won back-to-back games since ending the 2022 campaign with three straight victories. With the next two at home, there is a chance. 

Cowboy faithful can’t fully throw last season in the trash, where it fully belongs until they can smell some sweet success. 

While McNeese is trying to reestablish itself in the Southland, SFA will re-introduce itself after taking a three-year sabbatical in the Western Athletic Conference and its offspring the UAC (United Athletic Conference).

Proving the grass isn’t always greener, SFA returned to the Southland and became a great reminder to McNeese what could have been had they followed the same path, which almost happened.

Ironically, you can say both programs have been rather invisible since the decade began when it comes to SLC football. 

Yet somebody Saturday night will take a first step back to league relevance. 

The Cowboys need to make sure it is them.

Jim Gazzolo is a freelance sports writer who covers McNeese State athletics for the American Press. He can be reached at jimgazzolo@yahoo.co