On the second day of camp the Cowboys decided to get a jump-start on the heat.

McNeese State moved practice to 7 a.m., an hour earlier after seeing players struggle during the first day of camp on Wednesday.

The Thursday workout, which lasted 2 hours, 31 minutes, seemed more crisp and had fewer players cramping. That was due in part to a temperature that was about 10 degrees cooler at the start of practice from the day before.

The time change was welcome by all.

“I think it was unanimous,” said defensive lineman Trey Winters. “Everybody was happy to get going earlier and have the cooler weather.”

And the play showed.

“There was more energy,” Winters said. “We had a really good workout.”

For second-year head coach Gary Goff it was an easy decision to make.

“We did it just to deal with the heat and to benefit our players,” Goff said. “We felt like we could get more done with the early start. I think it worked.

“We had a much better practice with much more energy and enthusiasm. We didn’t have a lot of cramping until later in the practice.”

Goff gave credit for that to the players and trainers.

“They did a good job getting their rest after yesterday and getting hydrated,” he said. “I think we were sharper today which is what we like to see.”

As for the practice itself, once again the defense seemed to win the day during the live scrimmage part. Of course, with only helmets there was light hitting which puts the offensive line behind.

“The defense being ahead right now is expected,” Goff said. “Just like in baseball, the pitchers are always head of the hitters at the start.”

The Cowboys will be in shells the next few days before going in full pads Monday.

McNeese will play the first of two scrimmages on Aug. 12.