McNeese State’s football stock is on the rise.

The Cowboys are halfway through what is considered one of the most pivotal seasons in program history.

Coming off four straight losing years and a 1-10 campaign, the worst in McNeese history, there was a lot of emphasis put on this year.

After the first six quarters of this season, the natives were restless. With pitchforks and torches in hand, they were ready to storm the castle. 

Since then, the Cowboys have looked like a completely different team. 

Already with a win in Southland Conference play, McNeese opens its second half Saturday night at Houston Christian. At 4-2, the Cowboys are looking to be on the right track, though as head coach Gary Goff says, “there is still a lot of football to play.”

McNeese will only play Southland teams the rest of the way.

“What we want to do is win the conference championship,” quarterback Clifton McDowell said. “We have not played our best football and 4-2 isn’t going to get us where we want to go.”

Nope, but after the last few seasons, it’s a good start.

The Cowboys are also getting some national love. For the first time since 2018, they are ranked in both Top 25 national polls. The last time they were ranked in one was after the opening game of the 2021 shorten spring season.

That was also the last time the Cowboys had a winning record until two weeks ago.

“Let’s not forget where we are coming from,” said Goff, who along with his coaching staff felt the pressure of last year heading into this one.

“We didn’t forget how to coach,” Goff added. “We believed we could turn this around.”

A few staff changes helped, including adding Aaron Ingram in the new position of Chief of Staff and leader of recruiting. That helped bring over 50 new players to the roster, including McDowell.

The former Montana QB has accounted for 12 touchdowns, throwing for six and running for six more. He is second in the Southland in total offense per game and has given the team solid leadership.

Last week during the early stages of an upset win at No. 25 Weber State, McDowell dislocated a finger on his throwing hand. Instead of coming out, he ran over to the sideline and had it put in place in time to not miss a play.

“That showed the team what he was all about,” said Goff. “He is a competitor.”

McNeese has had a tough schedule and is the only Division I team to have played six games before the start of October. The Cowboys have not had a bye week and are in the middle of four straight road games, three in conference play.

They do get a bye week after Saturday.

“We are just taking it one week at a time no matter who or where we play,” said McDowell. “It’s about us.”

Last year the Cowboys seemed more concerned about everybody else.

“We will be excited when the bye gets here, but we have a game to play first,” said Goff. “We can’t overlook anybody.”

There are a lot of differences this year, an improved offensive line, a much better pass rush, and a deeper, more talented group of players. Perhaps the biggest change is in the Cowboys’ minds.

Uncertainty has been replaced by confidence and the look of waiting for something bad to happen has changed to a swagger and what’s next attitude.

“A year ago we were hoping to make plays, this year we are calling for the ball,” said Goff.

Yes, there is a lot of football still to play, but unlike this time last year, there are reasons to watch.