McNeese State held its first football scrimmage of the fall season, allowing coaches a crucial assessment of player performance and conditioning with three weeks remaining before the August 29 opener against Stephen F. Austin. Head coach Matt Viator noted that while initial conditioning showed promise, players needed to better manage fatigue under game-like conditions. Offensively, the Cowboys scored four touchdowns during the scrimmage, with standout performances from quarterbacks Jake Strong and Devin Lippold, while defense tallied nine sacks and two interceptions. The team gained a total of 415 yards, showcasing both aerial and ground capabilities.

By the Numbers
  • 415 total offensive yards, with 307 on the ground.
  • Four touchdowns scored: three via passing and one rushing.
  • Jake Strong completed 4 out of 7 passes for 54 yards, with 2 touchdowns and 1 interception.
  • Defense achieved nine sacks and two interceptions during the scrimmage.
State of Play
  • The Cowboys will continue practice sessions leading up to the season opener against Stephen F. Austin.
  • A final preseason scrimmage is scheduled for next Saturday during Fan Fest.
  • Coaches are focusing on developing a strong pass rush with various defensive packages.
What's Next

The team will build on scrimmage insights as they prepare for their next practice and the upcoming scrimmage, allowing for further evaluations and adjustments to the roster. Continued focus will be on refining offensive plays and enhancing defensive strategies.

Bottom Line

McNeese's first fall scrimmage provided valuable insights into player readiness and areas for improvement, underscoring the need for better conditioning and execution ahead of the season opener. Fans and analysts will be keen to see how the team evolves in their final preparations.