The Cowboys are getting an early start on their training camp this year.

By moving its opener at Tarleton State up to Week Zero on Aug. 24, McNeese State will begin official workouts for the new season next Wednesday. Players report this weekend, giving the Cowboys a week’s head start on most of college football.

“We are excited to play Week Zero,” McNeese head coach Gary Goff said. “It is good exposure for our program.”

The game, which will kick off at 2:30 p.m., was moved so it could be televised nationally on ESPNU.

The early start, along with the extra game this year giving FCS teams 12, will make for a long season with two byes for McNeese.

“With the longer season it is important to stay healthy,” said Goff. “We will do some things differently during practices this year to make sure we do that.

“The important thing is to keep these guys healthy and fresh. Teams that go the furthest are the ones that stay healthy.”

However, the start of camp won’t be the only change early for the Cowboys.

This year McNeese is shifting practices from the afternoons to mornings, even during the season. The early starts are designed to make sure the Cowboys get their workouts in.

Their first practice next Wednesday will be at 8 a.m. with players wearing helmets only. The rest of the time McNeese will workout at either 7 or 6 in the morning.

Goff will try to beat the heat and afternoon rains by doing the early practices.

“If we go in the morning we are going to beat the heat and the weather,” Goff said. “If we do have to hold off on practice we can reschedule it in the afternoon on those days.

“I think this is a way to keep the guys fresh.”

McNeese did have to cancel more than a few practices last season because of the weather and take breaks because of excessive heat.

“When we lost practices because of last year in the weather we could not make them up,” said Goff. “We think it just works out better. I think it will be a good fit for us this year.”

At least until the Cowboys get the much-needed indoor practice facility.