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BYU Football: Quick hits on McNeese State

By Austin Frost

LINCOLN, NE - SEPTEMPER 6: Wide receiver Khalil Thomas #3 of the McNeese State Cowboys runs past linebacker Trevor Roach #43 of the Nebraska Cornhuskers during their game at Memorial Stadium on September 6, 2014 in Lincoln, Nebraska. Nebraska defeated McNeese State 31-24. (Photo by Eric Francis/Getty Images)
LINCOLN, NE - SEPTEMPER 6: Wide receiver Khalil Thomas #3 of the McNeese State Cowboys runs past linebacker Trevor Roach #43 of the Nebraska Cornhuskers during their game at Memorial Stadium on September 6, 2014 in Lincoln, Nebraska. Nebraska defeated McNeese State 31-24. (Photo by Eric Francis/Getty Images) /
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McNeese State visits LaVell Edwards stadium on Saturday. While they are an FCS program, they’re good enough to be a trap game if BYU Football overlooks them.

This Saturday, the BYU Cougars are set to throw down with the McNeese State Cowboys at LaVell Edwards Stadium.  Most Cougar fans will recognize McNeese State as the landing spot for former BYU men’s basketball assistant coach Heath Schroyer, but know little else about MSU.

The Cowboys football team is currently 3-0, which has propelled them to 10th in the most recent FCS Coaches Poll.

Overall Impressions

Offensively, the Tigers are versatile. Against Houston Baptist they ran a pro-style offense utilizing double tight end formations, pounding the ball inside and utilizing timely outside runs and play-action passes.

Against in-state rival Nicholls State, the Cowboys spread their offense, mixing in spread formations. Similar to BYU, the Cowboys distribute the ball among several players. This season, 11 different Cowboys have rushed the ball and 13 have recorded receptions.

The anchor of McNeese State’s offense is its offensive line. They are large and adaptable, particularly for an FCS program. Their quarterback, James Tabary, is an effective game manager and is capable of hitting open receivers downfield.

Their receivers are compact and powerful. BYU’s linebackers and defensive backs will need fundamentally sound tackling to prevent yards after catch. MSU’s leading rusher, Justin Pratt, is built like former NFL running back Jamal Anderson—with a low center of gravity and tree-trunk sized legs.

Defensively, McNeese State runs a standard 4-3, but aren’t afraid to blitz or drop defensive lineman into coverage situationally. Their linebackers and safeties are fundamentally sound. Their cornerbacks are a mixed bag. They are stockier— and perhaps a step slower—than the defensive backs BYU has faced this year.

On special teams, MSU’s kicker Gunnar Raborn is an Alabama transfer, and routinely kicks the ball out of the back of the end zone. He has the leg to hit 40+ yard field goals, but his aim is unproven this year.

Heavy Hitters

McNeese State plays two of the burliest tight ends BYU will see this season. Austin Nelson, who is also a designated hitter on the Cowboys’ baseball team, is listed at 6’3” and 255 pounds (the eye test puts him closer to 275) and teammate LaWayne Ross measures in at 6’0” and 264. Both are able to catch the ball and pick up yards after catch.

In-State Connections

In their away jerseys, McNeese State’s gold and royal blue looks eerily similar to in-state powerhouse Louisiana State. But that’s not the only connection the Cowboys have to LSU. Tiger Head Coach Ed Orgeron’s twin sons Cody and Parker play back-up quarterback and receiver, respectively, for MSU.

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Trap Game Potential

McNeese State is a program on the rise. They beat Nicholls State (who beat the Big 12’s Kansas in week one), Northern Colorado, and destroyed in-conference foe Houston Baptist. BYU should be able to handle all that MSU throws the Cougars’ way.

However, this has all the right elements to be a trap game for the No. 25 BYU. After a big win at Camp Randall and a game against Top 10 Washington next week, Cougar coaches and players should respect the talent of a motivated Cowboys squad.

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