Season Preview By Rick Sarro
Main Photo By Jesse Hitefield
Action photos courtesy MSU Sports Information Dept.
BOUNCE BACK YEAR
I will lift the curtain on all facets of the McNeese Cowboys for 2015. And there’s no better place to start than with the schedule and the Southland Conference race.
Key factors in any successful season and a run at conference crown are who, when and where you play.
The Cowboys have three of the SLC’s preseason favorites, as deemed by the coach’s poll, in Lake Charles at Cowboy Stadium. You can’t underestimate the importance of facing defending conference co-champion Southeastern Louisiana, picked second in the preseason ranking, at home on Oct. 10. McNeese will entertain Northwestern Louisiana, ranked fifth in that same poll, for the Cowboys’ Homecoming game.
The SLC’s other co-champ from 2014, the Sam Houston Bearkats, will travel to Cowboy Stadium for a huge Nov. 7 match-up.
Sam Houston State and Southeastern Louisiana on your home turf — that’s a stroke of scheduling luck and should give the Cowboys added confidence to upset the reigning conference co-champs.
The rest of the Southland slate has Incarnate Word, still not playing for conference honors, as the season opener on Sept. 12. Stephen F. Austin, tabbed fifth by the coaches, and as high as No. 2 by the league’s SIDs, will be a critical road game on Sept. 19.
Mississippi College and Nicholls State will be home and away, respectively, on Sept. 26 and Oct. 3. That should be an easy stretch for the Pokes before they return home to tangle with the Lions.
Next up, on Oct. 17, it’s another long bus trip to Central Arkansas. Cowboys head coach Matt Viator has wondered out loud with amusement over the many tours he’s taken of Conway, Ark., since 2008. Over the six years of UCA games, four had the Cowboys on the road north. Viator has seen enough of that multi-colored purple field to last him the rest of his coaching career.
McNeese will have an equally long bus ride to Abilene Christian, selected as No. 7 in both preseason polls, Oct. 31.
Last year the Cowboys opened the season with — ironically — an open date, which gave them more time to view game film on Nebraska for their season-opening date in Lincoln. The added time seemed to help, as McNeese led the then-ranked Cornhuskers for stretches of the game, only to lose on a last second do-or-die pass-and-catch 58 yard touchdown by Nebraska’s Ameer Abdullah. It’s a play that will go down in infamy in the annals of McNeese football history.
This season, the Cowboys will have to play 10 straight weeks before what will be a much-needed open date on Nov. 14. That’s a boatload of football, but the rest week does come conveniently before McNeese seeks revenge against cross-state rival Lamar in Beaumont to end the regular season on Nov. 21.
Of course Cowboys fans will spend the rest of August getting amped up for the season opener Sept. 5 in Baton Rouge against LSU.
McNeese last faced the Tigers in 2010 in an unusual mid-season game. The Cowboys took an early first quarter lead before LSU fought back to win 32-10 in a game that was much closer than the score would indicate.
“Everyone wants to play on a big stage,” said Viator. “It’s exciting, and our kids will be excited about playing. I know I was bulletin board material at Nebraska when I said our players think they can win. I was asked why did I say that. Well, because they [Nebraska] were not faster than us. And they weren’t. So you have a chance if they are not faster than you.”
It’s the “big stage” before 100,000-plus fans. The excitement, hype and challenge of it all is what men in this profession yearn for. The players will be jacked up to play against a heavily favored FBS power in hopes of scoring an ESPN Top 10 upset of the weekend.
Senior quarterback Daniel Sams admits nothing has been said or practiced for the LSU game as yet, but he says the players are already in the mindset to wage battle against the Tigers. “The defense is concentrating, and all they want to do is hit [LSU running back] Leonard Fournette. The offense is working to put up points. I can’t wait to get to Sept. 5 just to see the intensity we come out with. The excitement. We know we came up short last year against Nebraska. This is a whole different story. This is at home in the backyard in front of 110,000. It’s going to be a great vibe. It’s nothing better than having the whole world against us, and that’s the way we feel.”
Once the awe and euphoria fades after the LSU spotlight game, the Cowboys will have to come back to earth quickly and get their collective minds right for what promises to be a highly competitive year in the Southland Conference.
During the recent preseason SLC Media Days session held at L’Auberge Casino, every head coach, to a man, noted the balance and anticipated the rigors of the league race. “In my opinion the state of the league is better than it ever has been, without a doubt,” said Viator. “From top to bottom, you look at the athletes and the coaches and the things people are doing with their programs — it’s really good. It makes it competitive week in and week out. Nerve-racking for sure, but at the same it’s what it should be. Each week you should have to line up and play your best to have a chance and that’s the state of the league right now.”
Lamar’s Ray Woodard, entering his sixth season as head coach — has it been five years already since Lamar brought back football? — says the balance of power has always been fairly split between Texas and Louisiana, primarily because of McNeese.
“From a consistency standpoint, McNeese overall has been as good as anybody year in and year out the last 15 to 20 years, as McNeese has been at or near the top. Southeastern certainly has had a rise since coach Ron Roberts has arrived. Northwestern has improved of late. I would not say Texas has anything on Louisiana other than Sam Houston has come on. But I think it’s both sides.”
Northwestern State head coach Joe Thomas, two years in Natchitoches after back to back 6-6 records, says there is parity in the Southland. He doesn’t hesitate to agree that Sam Houston is the team to beat.
If you put any validity in preseason polls, the SLC is garnering its fair share of national respect.
Sam Houston State, with an eye-popping 21 starters back from an 11-5 playoff team last year, is ranked as high as No. 3 in the STATS Top 25 FCS national poll.
The conference is split between an equal share of returning quarterbacks and teams in search of new passers. The quarterbacks and how they play will go a long way in deciding just who will be the best in class.
It’s clear the BearKats have the upper hand with returning junior Jared Johnson and his 4,053 yards of total offense to go with 21 passing touchdowns and six scores from his 999 yards rushing. At this point all other SLC quarterbacks are looking up to Johnson.
Defending co-champ Southeastern Louisiana came in at No. 19 in the preseason ranking, followed by Stephen F. Austin, another SLC playoff team from 2014, at No. 24.
McNeese, despite its season-ending three-game losing streak and a 6-5 finish, still attracts national votes. The Cowboys cracked the STATS poll at No. 25, while the FCS coaches preseason ranking had McNeese at No. 23.
OFFENSE SEEKING BALANCE
Everyone wants a healthy dose of balance in their lives. It’s no different when you’re responsible for a football team’s offense. Balance between the run and the pass is the goal in most cases, unless you’re running the old triple option and you choose to throw a forward pass once a quarter.
The Cowboys will go as far as Sams can take them.
You’ve heard it before from the quarterback position, but in this case I think it’s indicative of the rest of the starting roster’s talent. Sams will have an experienced offensive line up front. He’ll have quality running backs with a lot of snaps on their resume. The receivers and tight ends still have some proving ground to cover, but will hold up their end.
It will be up to Sams to make the proper reads, quickly decipher defensive coverages, find his primary targets, use his check-down options and exploit his immense running skills to stretch plays.
That’s a lot to put on one player — even the quarterback. But it’s the undeniable fact facing McNeese in 2015.
Sams enters his senior season fresh off a second and successful surgery on his right thumb, which was injured and operated on two years ago while he was at Kansas State. He says the thumb is 100 percent and ready for full contact. “The second surgery is way better than the first. I am more comfortable with it. They did a different procedure than the first time. Basically [the doctors] said I would break the thumb off before I tear the ligament again and I’m fine with that.”
His thumb has been the most watched and followed digit in Southwest Louisiana the last year or so. “I’m not one to make excuses,” he said. “It slowed my timing down before the Nebraska game, but I am still a competitor at heart, and I was able to grip the ball and toss it around. I wouldn’t blame that on 47 percent [Sams’ passing completion rate last year], but you know, we have a year left and can still improve.”
That No. 47 was at the forefront of McNeese’s offensive problems last year and was like an anvil around Sams’ neck all season. A sub-50 percent completion rate will hamper any passing game and won’t move the chains consistently enough. The 23-year-old Sams admits as much, but doesn’t get caught up in the numbers.
“I never really worry about that stuff. The important thing is leading my team to victory, whether that’s five passing yards or 500 rushing yards. If we win the game, that’s what we are supposed to do. As far as the percentage and completion rate … of course I want to do well, but that’s not something I sit down and harp on.”
He may not be overly concerned about that 47 percent completion rate but he should be. It’s simply not good enough with the caliber of competition in the upper half of the conference this year.
I realize Sams only attempted 97 passes while completing only 46, with seven touchdowns against four interceptions, as he split playing time with Tyler Bolfing. In his defense, maybe it’s not a large enough sample size, and, yes, the bum thumb hindered his grip, touch, accuracy, and, I am sure, his confidence. But it revealed that no matter how good he is at running — leading McNeese with a 71-yard rushing average per game — the Cowboys won’t win without better balance. That means an improved passing game from Sams is paramount.
“He’ll do better” said Viator. “I know he will do better mentally because obviously he understands a lot more of what we are doing. Physically he will be better too. Is he ever going to be a Cody Stroud and just a drop-back guy? That’s not what he does, but I do think he will throw the football better.”
That was evident in spring drills, in which Sams displayed an improved throwing motion, finding his intended targets and running the offense. “I feel like I improved tremendously as far as velocity on the ball,” he said. “My chemistry [is] in the offense, but I’m still not where I would like to be as far as rushing compared to passing. I guess that had to do with a new offense, and not being comfortable. I am looking forward to it being more 50-50 [pass versus run].
“I can still count on my legs — if nothing is open — to make something happen. I like the new stuff Coach V is putting in. He is using our athletes. It’s going to be really exciting come Sept. 5.”
Now with Shelby back in the line-up, the Cowboys’ vertical passing game should surely improve. “Being that we have Kent back this year, I know we are going to open it up downfield. We are going to back the defense off us and let them know we can do anything we want,” said a confident Sams.
The Kansas State transfer came into his first August camp last year with the expected swagger of an FBS player, but his demeanor and confidence are different a year later. Sams is not really competing with anyone for the starting position. The job was clearly his going back to spring, and he’s been given the keys to run the show.
This is Sams’ team now, and that has ended any lingering doubts in his mind; he makes no more glances over his shoulder. “It helps mentally,” he said. “Just knowing I am the guy and the guys are looking at me as the No. 1. I have a mindset coming out every day that this is my team and it’s time to lead. Coach V said it best when we had our off-season meeting. He said I look like now I am the professor and not the substitute.”
Redshirt sophomore Grant Ashcraft is slotted as the No. 2 quarterback. The 6-foot, 6-inch, 220-pound Humble, Texas, native has a strong arm, and falls in the category of classic drop back pocket QB. He’s made progress, but will need regular season snaps to improve his understanding of play development downfield and his ability to recognize defenses.
Expect to see Ashcraft rotating in with Sams when Viator sees the right opportunities.
Already armed with their degrees, back-ups Tyler Bolfing and Will Briscoe have decided to end their playing careers and join the coaching staff as unpaid apprentices. Bolfing, the son of a veteran high school football coaching dad in Texas, decided it was time to move on to the next chapter in his life.
“Coaching is what I want to do in life,” he said. “So to be able to get a jump start on my career by learning under this great coaching staff is a tremendous advantage for me.”
RUNNING BACKS AND RECEIVERS
Once again, there is no question the Cowboys have the running backs to carry one side of that 50-50 balance. 2014 breakout freshman tailback Ryan Ross ran for nearly 600 yards with a 5.7 average per carry, scoring seven touchdowns. He proved good enough to allow Viator to shift speedy tailback Kelvin Bennett to cornerback this year.
Milton was plagued with injuries from mid-season on, but he’s back healthy.
Milton, who averaged 5.5 yards per run last year, is effective both in the inside and outside running lanes. At 6 feet and 200 pounds, he has good speed and power.
Senior Dylan Long will be in the backfield mix, and why not? His 346 total yards doesn’t jump off the stat page, but his 10 touchdowns surely do. He’s a bull and a load to bring down in the red zone. He just has a nose for the end zone.
Even though he isn’t targeted much in the passing game, Long could be an intriguing check-down option if need be, and maybe keep Sams from having to tuck it and run as much.
Ross’ little brother, the 6-foot, 250-pound Lawayne Ross, may end up following Ryan’s path by landing on the active roster as a true freshman. Lawayne is getting reps in practice. He impressed the staff in the first intra-squad scrimmage, gaining 39 yards on 6 carries with a touchdown.
He’s a challenge to bring down, and could prove to be an offensive asset depending on the depth and health of the running backs.
If you think about it, McNeese lost their top three receivers for pretty much the entire season. Wes Briscoe suffered a knee injury and was lost before the season began. Kent Shelby blew out his knee in the third game versus Arkansas Tech. And according to Viator’s charts, Ernest Celestie played in a mere 17 percent of the offense snaps last season.
The positive flip side to those injury woes was the fact that youngsters Khalil Thomas (18 catches, 5 TDs) and David Bush (18 receptions, 3 TDs) were thrown into the fire and gained valuable experience that will go a long way in building on an anemic passing attack.
The Cowboys had no big target or threat to throw deep to. That was lost when Shelby hobbled to the sideline.
The New Orleans native struggled with the obvious frustration of a freshman season lost due to academics and a second year with a knee injury and rehab. His mind is right now, with a knee he says is “about 90 percent.”
“I intend to play a big role on this team — especially with me going deep. A guy like me, I can open up one-on-one for other receivers [double team]. Right now I have a lot of emotions, so it will definitely be hard to press and cover me.”
The year 2014 was another one when the tight end was lost in the McNeese offense. Starter Zach Hetrick was lined up for all 11 games, but only caught 12 balls for 175 yards and one lone touchdown. That is simply not enough production from the tight end position.
It’s not as if Viator doesn’t have plays for the tight end. But the quarterbacks simply could not get him the ball in the open field.
The 6-foot, 3-inch, 250-pound Hetrick is a big enough man to find down field, and will come down with the football. He needs to have a big junior season.
DeonDre Skinner, who played sparingly last year, may be involved more in the two tight end set. Freshman Austin Nelson from Sulphur has made some plays during August camp. At 6 feet, 3 inches, 245 pounds, he may be ready to contribute as well.
OFFENSIVE LINE: EXPERIENCE WITH DEPTH
The Cowboys’ offensive line returns four starters, with the lone void being last year’s All SLC tackle Antoine Everett. The leadership role shifts from Everett to senior Quentin Marsh.
The 6-foot, 3-inch, 310-pound Marsh walks around with a big smile and an easy-going attitude until the ball is snapped and he hits somebody.
Marsh did a lot of hitting and blocking last year, starting in all 11 games and in for 95 percent of the snaps. That means he’s big, strong, hard-headed and, most important, durable. He gave up zero sacks, and was a critical piece in the Cowboys’ running game.
“Antoine was the anchor last year and we all looked up to him,” said Marsh. “But I am trying to fill that spot as much as possible. We also have two other seniors that played just as many snaps as I have. I feel we can be a great offensive line and allow us to run for a lot of yards like we have done in the past. If we perfect our craft, we can do a lot with the running backs we have.”
Marsh, a preseason All SLC pick, admits it’s a bit more difficult playing his position with a running quarterback such as Sams. When plays don’t go as scripted, and Sams decides to make a move, Marsh and company must always be aware of his quarterback’s whereabouts.
“With Daniel, you always have to be prepared for him to run. If your defensive lineman is drifting, he is not drifting away for some reason. It’s because Sams is taking off. When blocking for him, you always have to be ready to roll.”
I’m not sure how much, if anything, you can read into some offensive stats that McNeese put up last year. The Cowboys led the conference in time of possession, averaging 32 and a half minutes. The offense was tied for third in the SLC, with a 42 percent rate in critical third-down conversions.
Unfortunately, those were the only two categories in which this offense shined. In all others, the Cowboys were in the middle of the pack or near the bottom in all passing stats.
To move up the ranks and into contender status, Viator’s offense first must stay healthy (more on that issue later); achieve more balance between the run and pass; protect Sams in order to give him ample time for his passing progression. If that is achieved, the elusive, but at times impatient, quarterback must be committed to looking for secondary receivers and check-down passes before he decides to attack the defense with his legs.
This will go a long way in keeping Sams healthy by avoiding a barrage of hits.
Earlier in this story, Sams mentioned the fact that Viator has added some wrinkles to the offense in order to “use the athletes we have.” I think it’s critical this offense discovers some new-found slight of hand deception, new formations and routes to keep defenses honest and guessing at the same time. “Predictability” is a buzz word any offense wants to stay clear of.
Neither Viator nor Sams is the type to cite injuries and sore thumbs as an excuse for the offensive woes last year. But something has to give in 2015. The Cowboys were near the bottom in almost every major passing category in the Southland. McNeese was either eighth, ninth or tenth among the 11 eligible conference teams in passing offense, pass completions, pass completion percentage, pass attempts and passing efficiency. Toss in a No. 8 ranking in touchdowns scored, total offensive touchdowns, total offensive yards, total offensive plays run and a No. 8 ranking in total offense.
If nothing else, the Cowboys were consistent.
DEFENSE WITH ATTITUDE AND SPEED
It was a total flip on the defensive side of the football, as the Cowboys defense finished 2014 with some impressive stats in key areas.
Last year’s defense will not be the same crew defensive coordinator Lance Guidry will field this season. But it’s good to know where you’ve been to see where you might be headed. And if this defensive squad performs anywhere near the level of last year’s, this unit could be the epicenter of the program for 2015.
Going back to 2014, McNeese was second behind league champion Southeastern Louisiana in scoring defense; second in total defense — allowing only 330 yards per game; third in passing efficiency defense; second in third down conversions by opposing offenses; and No. 1 in rushing defense.
The defense returns seven starters with more than enough reserves who played significant snaps.
Guidry, now in the third year of his second stint as defensive coordinator, is “tweaking” the defense and adding some new looks. “A lot of what we are doing now, we don’t have to teach it more so how we defend plays, not really how we run defenses. Now we are tweaking our defense to stop certain plays. Any time you are on your third year without a lot of coaching changes, there is some stability.”
Aaron Sam, the local favorite from LaGrange High School, was the unquestioned leader of last year’s defense. And now that he’s gone, that leadership void will be filled by senior safety Brent Spikes, senior linebacker Bo Brown and senior cornerback Gabe Hamner.
Guidry likes the committee approach because you can never have enough strong leaders.
You can’t have enough speed either, and according to Viator and Guidry, this defense will be even faster than in years past. “As long as we got speed I feel good,” noted Guidry.
“When you are not quite as fast, you better have experience because you can’t mess up. If you are a step slow, then you’re done. If you are fast, you can make up for it sometimes.”
“Fast and Furious” just might be the next tag line printed on the defensive practice jerseys, replacing the current DWA (“Defense with Attitude”).
RETOOLING THE DEFENSIVE LINE
The Cowboys lost three very good starters from the defensive line, with only defensive end Brian Hine returning. But I’m not sure if this is a rebuilding project.
McNeese played a lot of younger D-linemen last year, and they appear to be ready to step up to starter status. Redshirt sophomore Anthony Yruegas, at 6 feet, 2 inches, 280 pounds, has the bulk and first step to disrupt in the middle. Antonio McGhee will see time at defensive tackle coming off five starts last year.
Jammerio Gross, a sophomore from Evangel, is getting practice snaps filling in for the injured Hine. Senior defensive end Cameron Smith appears to have the lead opposite Hine, while Kurt Viges, another sophomore, will be a factor as well.
The largest and most anticipated addition to the defensive line is tackle Isaiah Golden. The former 4 Star recruit who made headlines as a freshman starter for Texas A&M a few years ago is finally back on the football field after nearly a year and a half.
Golden had trouble staying off the police blotter while in College Station. Mounting allegations and arrests that prompted Aggies coach Kevin Sumlin to cut ties with the talented lineman.
After transferring to McNeese and sitting out last season to get his mind and life right, Golden is primed for his football comeback. “His progress has been very good,” said Viator. “He was very productive for us this spring. This summer, he trimmed down and he is in a lot better shape. Hopefully, he can help us the way we think he can. His attitude is great, so we are excited about him.”
Golden is listed at 6 feet, 2 inches, 335 pounds. He will no doubt draw some double teams from his tackle position. He takes up a chunk of space and has excellent feet. His abilities were evident early on in the SEC after he started six games for Texas A&M as a true freshman.
Golden’s off-the-field problems have been well documented from College Station to his arrival in Lake Charles. His year away from football was the best thing for him. It was time to mature; focus on his personal issues; and better appreciate football and the opportunities it can offer him down the line.
Guidry says Golden “has not been a problem since he has been here,” and is in a much better place since leaving College Station. “Sometimes [with] guys from small towns like Isaiah it doesn’t work out at bigger universities like A&M. Sometimes it’s too much, too quick. And I think that was the case with him. He got thrown into the limelight right away and I don’t think he could handle it.
“Now he is at McNeese. It’s smaller. We are more hands-on with him as coaches. He is really a good person. Made some bad decisions, but is trying to get better from it. Great guy to be around. Everyone has fun with him, and he fits into our program really well.”
LINEBACKERS OR PITBULLS?
Guidry wants his defenders to play like pitbulls. And if they don’t, then they’d better be ready to hear him scream something about being a poodle.
Look for sophomore Ashari Goins to man the other starting linebacker spot. As a freshman, Goins was thrown in the pit and responded well with two sacks and four and half TFLs. At 5 feet, 10 inches, 200 pounds, he’s not big. But he runs well and hits the pile.
Sophomores Christian Jacobs and Ed Duplessis have played well in camp and proved worthy to rotate into the line-up. Their emergence from the depth chart prompted the move of preseason All SLC linebacker Wallace Scott back to his more natural safety position.
This is huge for secondary depth, and gives Guidry the freedom to slide Scott back to linebacker or closer to the box to help defend dual threat quarterbacks. “That capability is there,” said Guidry. “If we play a lot of running quarterbacks, [Scott] may go down as a linebacker that we play on the defensive end. He may do that to be responsible for the quarterback.”
SECONDARY: SPEED, DEPTH AND EXPERIENCE
The names are all familiar because they are all hard to get off the field.
Many of these guys will be interchangeable, but best of breed starts with Spikes, Scott and Hill at safeties and Hamner at one corner. All will see considerable reps.
A deep running back stable — don’t forget about freshman Benjamin Jones who was the star of the spring game — allowed Viator to move the speedy Bennett to cornerback to help defend any and all speed demons from the opposition.
“Speed” seems to be the optimal word to describe this secondary in particular. “It’s faster than past years, no doubt,” gushed Spikes.
“The coaches have always emphasized speed. A great defense has speed to rush and chase the ball down from any angle.”
Spikes admits the misery of the season-ending three-game losing streak and the experience of falling out of conference contention was difficult and frustrating. Injuries were a part of the equation, says Spikes. But he refuses to put the losses at the feet of those who couldn’t play. The Cowboys fell short in preparing for “next man up” says Spikes.
“We had injuries and all, but we have to put it on ourselves too. If everyone on the team prepared like it was, when somebody went down, we would have been ready. We are preparing this season that the next person is just as important as the first person. If somebody goes down, then someone will be ready and prepared.”
A few top-flight opposing quarterbacks who gave McNeese and the rest of the league trouble are now gone — Southeastern’s Bryan Bennett, Zach Adkins at Northwestern State and Lamar’s Caleb Berry. But formidable quarterbacks remain in preseason All SLC star Jared Johnson from Sam Houston, who led the league in total offense with over 3,000 yards passing and 999 yards rushing.
SFA’s Zach Conque, third in total offense, is back for just his junior season. And former LSU and Vanderbilt quarterback Steven Rivers, brother of NFL star quarterback Phillip Rivers, transferred to Northwestern and appears to have the lead in a wide-open quarterback race up north.
Spikes says the key to stopping these potent offenses is simple.
“Consistency. You have to play every day; play every quarter. No let up. You have to have that same intensity in practice, at the start of games and especially at the end of games.”
SPECIAL TEAMS: KICKING AND PUNTING
Veteran punter Jean Breaux returns for his senior season with a plus-40-yard average from last year — good enough for fifth in the Southland. He is steady and rarely has an embarrassing shank.
Everyone who knows football realizes that field position and flipping the field in your favor are key components. Breaux needs to improve on his 12 punts inside the 20-yard line stat to bury opposing offenses deep in their end of the field.
Redshirt freshman place kicker Trent Manuel looks ready to take over field goal duties. He connected on a 38-yard field goal in the recent intra-squad game. His range should be consistent inside 45 yards.
Grant Merka is the one sure true rookie fresh out of high school who will play every game in 2015.
Merka is the only deep snapper in camp, and was handed the job when he signed last spring.
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