Just over halfway through the season the Cowboys have four wins, which is the same number they had in head coach Gary Goff’s first two years.

That number also matches the most victories McNeese State has had since 2019.

After seven straight games, the Cowboys find themselves 4-3 overall and 1-1 in the Southland Conference. Things appear to be on the uptick with the program which has struggled mightily in recent times.

However, there have also been times of regression this year, including the Cowboys’ most recent game against Houston Christian, when they lost 43-22.

“We have not played our best football yet,” said Goff. “That is a good thing looking forward. But we have to play complementary football.”

The Cowboys have played their best football against their toughest opponents. They knocked off No. 25 Weber State and almost upset current No. 11 Tarleton State both on the road.

However, they have also had more than a few moments of playing down a level. With their next two games against expected SLC front-runners Incarnate Word and Nicholls, both on the road, the Cowboys hold their future in their own hands.

If they are to bounce back and contend for a title and possible playoff spot over their final five games, then they need to do these three things the Cowboys need to do.

1. Be consistent: They can’t have any more up-and-down weeks.

Even with all the injuries McNeese has suffered over the first seven games, they have more than enough talent to win games. The Cowboys have suffered through more than a few slow quarters of football but have been able to turn things around in time.

This is a dangerous game to play with what is ahead on the schedule. Finding a true rhythm on offense especially will go a long way to finishing strong in the second half.

One thing the Cowboys can’t do is fall behind like they did in each of their first four games and then have to rally late. It has worked twice but it is a tough way to make a living.

2. Tackle better: The Cowboy defense started the season very well, but there have been a few leaks along the way.

Against HCU those leaks became a flood as McNeese defenders had trouble finishing off plays. The Huskies, a team that came into the game seventh in the SLC in rushing, ran for 414 yards.

No question some of that was the injuries to All-American linebacker Micah Davey, who has missed the last four games, and safety Boogsie Silvera, who leads McNeese this fall in tackles.

A third top tackler, Tristan Driggers, missed most of the game as well. Goff expects all three to be ready to play next week so that may cure some of the tackling issues. We will see.

3. Turnovers: McNeese needs to flip this part of its game.

The Cowboys have turned the ball over 14 times this year, averaging two giveaways a game. They have only forced eight.

Nine of their turnovers have been by fumbles. This was especially bad earlier, as McNeese started the season with four in the first half. That cost them an opening game against Tarleton State, a tough 26-23 loss.

The Cowboys have been better since, but they could use getting a few more over the final five games. It would help with other issues. Getting a few more takeaways would really help flip the field, something the Cowboys haven’t done a lot of.

McNeese has had some chances to make more plays, especially getting some interceptions but haven’t finished the catches. That change would also go a long way.

The Cowboys have put themselves in a position to have a big finish, it is now a matter of whether or not they can close the deal.