An inability to finish off drives with points has left McNeese State pondering what’s next.

Coming up empty on three trips inside the 5 last Saturday killed Cowboy hopes of upsetting a top 25 team for the second straight week. It has been a problem since the spring.

“We are close,” said MSU head coach Frank Wilson. “We are not there yet.”

McNeese clearly outplayed No. 8 Southeastern but was unable to knock off the Southland Conference leaders, falling 23-20 in Hammond.

“We have to re-evaluate what we are doing when we get down there,” said Wilson. “We have to find a way to score points when we get close, whether it is kicking or scoring touchdowns.”

The Cowboys will get another chance this week as they host Nicholls (4-4, 3-2). McNeese (3-5, 2-3) has won two of its last three and beat the Colonels 43-31 in the spring.

“They are a quality football team,” said Wilson. “This is a big game for us. We still have a lot to play for.”

With three games left, McNeese is in position to finish with a winning record. Coming off a 3-4 spring that would show improvement.

“You play the game to win every week,” said linebacker Kordell Williams. “We are not going to hang our heads.”

Nicholls is led by former LSU quarterback Lindsey Scott, who leads the conference in rushing with 906 yards. He had three touchdown passes against McNeese in the spring.

“He is a real duel-threat quarterback,” said Wilson. “He has evolved as a runner and can make every throw.”

McNeese QB Cody Orgeron outplayed Scott in the first meeting. He finished 20 of 27 for 354 yards and four touchdowns. Josh Matthews (147) and Mason Pierce (107) each had over 100 yards in receiving and two touchdowns.

Running back Deonta McMahon ran for 111 yards and a score on just 11 carries to boot for the Pokes.

Scott ran well too, finishing with 137 yards but was sacked six times, twice each by Accord Green and Isaiah Chambers.

The two teams combine for 1,103 yards of total offense in the spring contest with Nicholls running 98 plays.

This will be another test for a McNeese defense that held Southeastern 28 points below its season average last weekend.

“That’s a testament to the improvement we have made,” said Wilson. “Our defense has played lights out.”

Game time is set for noon this Saturday inside Cowboy Stadium.