Looking to get healthy after their trip into the land of the SEC, the Cowboys return home to open conference play against an old foe in a renewed rivalry.

Stephen F. Austin makes its return to the Southland when they take on McNeese State for the first time since 2019. The Lumberjacks (1-1) are back in the league after leaving it for three seasons.

“We are excited to be back at home and to be starting the conference,” said McNeese head coach Gary Goff. 

Kickoff is set for 7 p.m. Saturday night inside Cowboy Stadium.

The Cowboys (1-2) are coming off a 52-10 loss at Texas A&M where they had more than their share of injuries, leaving the status of several players, including All-American linebacker Micah Davey, in question.

Davey left last Saturday’s game in the second quarter after recording a sack and eight tackles. He has 39 stops to lead the Cowboys but is unlikely to play. 

That means redshirt sophomore Jordan Toaston will have some big spikes to fill in his spot. McNeese has been quiet on the subject of injuries this week. 

McNeese and SFA enter the game looking a lot alike. Both are coming off tough seasons and used the transfer portal to fill roster holes.

“Both teams have a lot to prove,” said SFA head coach Colby Carthel. “They didn’t have the year they wanted last season and we didn’t have the year we wanted.”

In the early going both have looked better, especially with their defenses. McNeese’s changes have the Lumberjack coach’s attention.

“They are much improved,” said Carthel. “They have redone and bolstered their roster. It is a longtime rivalry and going to be tough.”

McNeese will get a boost from the return of quarterback Clifton McDowell, who missed last week’s game with an ankle injury. The Montana transfer has rushed for two scores and thrown for two more on the season. 

He will be met by a defensive line that pressured North Texas from the FBS level last Saturday with eight quarterback pressures. Led by Edward Bobino and Aaron Austin, SFA’s defense has recorded 20 tackles for loss, accounting for 85 yards. That includes four sacks as well.

“They have a very talented defense and they like to give you a lot of different looks,” said Goff. “It will be a challenge for our offensive line.”

McNeese’s offensive front has looked better this season as well. The Cowboys didn’t allow a sack against the Aggies and lead the conference in rushing at 183.3 yards a game. 

“Our offensive line has played well,” said Goff. “They will be tested. Stephen F. has a very talented defensive line, big and aggressive. We have to make sure we control them and keep our quarterback upright.”

On offense the Lumberjacks will try to throw the ball behind their own Montana transfer, Sam Vidlak who has thrown for 469 yards and six touchdowns, most of the damage coming against NAIA North American University in the opener. 

“They like to throw the football all over the place,” said McNeese cornerback Yusef Leak. “It will be a challenge for us. It will be fun.”

Vidlak likes to spread the football around as 12 SFA receivers have caught passes, eight of them catching touchdown passes. 

“We will try to get pressure on their quarterback,” said Goff. “We can’t let him sit back there and be comfortable.”

Last season McNeese finished with just nine total sacks but this season have five over the first three games.

“They remind me a lot of Tarleton,” said Goff. “They are big and athletic all around.”

McNeese lost its opener at Tarleton 26-23 after falling behind 26-7 at the half. The Cowboys rallied and had a chance to win.

This week they hope not to fall behind and start the conference off on the right foot. 

McNeese hasn’t won a league opener since winning at Houston Christian to begin the 2018 SLC season.