Cowboys begin life without Burton

Week 1 is over.

Now the McNeese State football team has set its sights north to the Oklahoma State Cowboys, who will host McNeese at 6 p.m. Saturday in Boone Pickens Stadium.

As tough of an opponent as Southern University was, Oklahoma State promises to be a totally different beast. OSU went on the road and beat Oregon State 52-36 in its season opener on Friday.

OSU’s offense proved to be explosive, compiling 555 yards of total offense. Running back Chuba Hubbard ran for 221 yards and scored three touchdowns on 26 carries. Redshirt freshman quarterback Spencer Sanders made his first college start and passed for 203 yards and three touchdowns, also rushing for 109 yards on 13 yards.

Where Oklahoma State could find its most success on Saturday might be through the air. McNeese’s pass defense gave up 239 yards and three touchdowns to the Jaguars. And OSU junior wide receiver Tylan Wallace, a 2018 Biletnikoff Award finalist, is regarded as one of the best at his position in the country. Against Oregon State, Wallace caught five passes for 92 yards and scored two touchdowns.

Making McNeese’s task even tougher will be the loss of senior cornerback Colby Burton, who was lost for the season with a lower leg injury he suffered on the first drive of the Southern game. Additionally, junior cornerback Darion Dunn — who plays opposite Burton — suffered an injury late in the game. While the injury and its severity were not made available, Dunn was dressed and participated in Tuesday’s practice.

Without Burton, and with Dunn likely being less than 100 percent, the Cowboys might turn to senior Calum Foster and sophomore Colby Richardson for more snaps against Oklahoma State.

Richardson struggled in the first half, allowing the two passing touchdowns that Southern scored in the first 30 minutes. But he rebounded, forcing and recovering a fumble by Jags quarterback Ladarius Skelton. McNeese scored a touchdown on the ensuing drive.

Richardson said he’s glad to have a full week to prepare for what should be a raucous atmosphere in Stillwater against a tough offense.

“It’s going to be great,” Richardson said. “Its a wonderful feeling. That’s something I really wished for as a kid, is to play in that moment. “I’m going to be on my P’s and Q’s and try to play as hard as I can and try to come out of there with a (win). That’s really my biggest goal. Just play with confidence and play my game.”

McNeese at Oklahoma St. 6 p.m. Saturday

””

McNeese State defensive back Andre Sam lunges to wrap up Southern University quarterback Ladarius Skelton during their season-opening game Saturday at Cowboy Stadium.

Rick Hickman

SportsPlus

Jim Beam

Jim Beam column:Amendment 2 has many pieces

Business

Rooted in mindfulness: How one local metaphysical shop is nurturing holistic healing in SW La.

Local News

Below-normal temperatures real possibility early next week

life

Legacy Prep, a K4-6th grade school, opens in Sulphur

life

Getting outside in 2025 — and having fun doing it

Crime

1/14: Calcasieu Parish Sheriff announces arrest list

Local News

Social security, infrastructure investment top Cassidy’s list of 2024 accomplishments

Crime

Federal prosecutors won’t seek charges in deadly arrest of Black motorist Ronald Greene

Crime

Victim in drive-by shooting drives self to police station

Local News

Louisiana becomes first state to secure federal broadband expansion approval

McNeese Sports

Cowboys ride fast start to win

Business

Fat Boyz Kitchen Table, Luna Bar and Grill among the ‘best’

Local News

Law enforcement working for safe Mardi Gras in SW La.

Crime

1/13: Calcasieu Parish Sheriff announces arrest list

Crime

UPDATE: Suspect took deputy’s taser, used it against him

Crime

Two charged with assault in connection to weekend shooting

Crime

UPDATE: Arrest made in deputy-involved shooting

Local News

Louisiana makes progress on teacher shortages but truancy issues remain

Local News

State Supreme Court upholds state authority to clear homeless encampments

life

On Campus: SW La. students recognized for achievements

McNeese Sports

Cowboys win slugfest, alone in first

McNeese Sports

Cowgirls fall at home

Local News

Environmental stewards: SW La. Master Naturalists promote appreciation for natural world

Crime

BREAKING: Jeff Davis Sheriff’s deputy hospitalized after shooting