Bears attempt to derail McNeese State’s title surge

McNeese State has won five games in a row and is in contention for a Southland Conference title. 

The University of Central Arkansas has lost three games in a row, four of its last five and is playing for pride and a winning season.

But Matt Viator, the Cowboys’ coach, sees tonight’s game in Lake Charles from a different perspective.

“Bradley George (Texas State quarterback) had the ball at the end of the Central Arkansas game, and they scored and win by three,” Viator said. “Bradley George had the ball at the end of our game last week and we get an interception and win by three.

“Central Arkansas is playing good; they’ve just been unfortunate.”

For the third straight year, the game between the two teams will determine first place in the SLC.

Last year, the Bears closed out what effectively was a conference championship season with a 47-30 victory.

A McNeese victory, coupled with a victory by Stephen F. Austin over winless Northwestern State, would tie the Cowboys (8-2, 5-1) and the Lumberjacks for first place. The Lumberjacks would get the league’s automatic berth in the NCAA Division I Football Championship Subdivision playoffs because of their victory over the Cowboys in the conference opener.

Although McNeese has a victory over perennial FCS power Appalachian State, the Cowboys are not guaranteed a wild-card playoff berth if they lose to UCA.

“I really have no idea if we make the playoffs if we lose to UCA,” Viator said. “No one else really does either. But since that loss to SFA, every game has been a playoff game for us.”

The Bears (5-5, 2-4)  have lost three games by 10 points, four by 13 and five by 18.

“I think they (the Bears) are just as good as the rest of us,” Viator said. “This conference is unbelievable week in and week out. Some of us have found ways to win the close games. Central Arkansas just hasn’t found a way to win.”

“They (the Cowboys) are the best team we have played to date,” UCA coach Clint Conque said. “They are athletic and have speed all over the place. They are a complete football team.

“I like how their quarterback (Derrick Farroux) is playing and his leadership ability. And that young offensive line is not young anymore.

“And when the Cowboys are playing well and the game means a lot, there is a bigtime atmosphere at McNeese State. It’s a great football culture down there.”

The winner of the game wins the “Red Beans and Rice Trophy,” a symbol for the rivalry that started last season.

UCA (5-5, 2-4) at McNeese State (8-2, 5-1)

Time: 6 p.m.

Place: Cowboy Stadium, Lake Charles, La.

Coaches: Clint Conque, UCA, 10th season, 73-41; Matt Viator, McNeese, 4th season, 32-9.

Series: McNeese State leads 2-1

Last year: UCA 47-30 in Conway

TV: SLC TV including Conway Corp. Channel 9 and KASR, Channel 42, Little Rock.

Radio: UCA Radio Network that includes KKPT (94.1, The Point), KUCA (91.3 FM); Y107 Greenbrier, KMTB (99.5 Nashville/Murfreesboro), KDXE (1380, Little Rock), KFFK (1390 Rogers).

Notable: UCA is trying to break a three-game losing streak ... A McNeese victory ties the Cowboys for the league championship if Stephen F. Austin defeats Northwestern State. If the two teams tie, the Lumberjacks get the league’s automatic berth in the playoffs because of a head-to-head victory over McNeese. The Cowboys would then have to await a possible wild-card berth ... A UCA victory would continue its hopes for a winning season ... The game will mark the 10th straight week the Bears have played ... Winner also receives the “Red Beans and Rice Bowl,” the traveling trophy for the rivalry.

Quotable: “They are a complete team; this is an enormous challenge,” UCA coach Clint Conque said. “But I think we have some competitive kids in our program and they will rise up.”

“Their defense is as good as anybody we’ve played, particularly their front,” McNeese coach Matt Viator said.