While it has been far from a normal week for the Cowboys, they have managed to stay on schedule for the most part.

McNeese State got in all its practices as it prepares to open Southland Conference play against Stephen F. Austin Saturday night inside Cowboy Stadium.

When the week began the Cowboys were ready for just about anything and everything as Hurricane Francine appeared headed straight for Lake Charles. They even canceled Wednesday’s practice.

But as the storm turned to the East, the Cowboys were able to get all their work in, including practice on Wednesday.

“It was important to get on the field,” said McNeese head coach Gary Goff. “We were blessed to wake up and get not much from that storm. We got a really good workout in.”

While the health of several players, including All-American linebacker Micah Davey is still in question, quarterback Clifton McDowell had a good week. McDowell missed last weekend’s game at Texas A&M with an ankle injury.

“He is 100 percent, he has looked good,” Goff said of his QB. “He has moved around and looked good. I’m excited for Saturday night.

“He has put in some extra work this week. He knows the importance of the first conference game. He had a hard time sitting out a big game last week. He has definitely had a step to his game.”

One area the Cowboys would like to clean up is early turnovers that have put them behind. All eight of their turnovers have come in the first half, as McNeese has been outscored 71-7 in the opening two quarters. 

They have won the second half 44-14.

“We have to protect the football, that is the important thing,” said Goff. “We have finished every game off strongly, we have to start them strongly.”

This will be the first time the two teams have played since 2019, as SFA is making its return to the SLC after a three-year absence. Both clubs are looking to bounce back from tough years and getting off to a strong start in the league would be a good beginning.

This game is the first conference contest of the year. It was moved up when McNeese changed its game at Tarleton State to Week Zero for television. After Saturday the Cowboys will play two final non-conference games, first at home against Alcorn State and then at Weber State.

Their final six games will be against Southland Conference teams, with four of them on the road.