Sun Sep 21 01:00:00 UTC 2025: **Summary:**

The McNeese State Cowboys (1-2) are preparing to face FBS Utah State (2-1) in Logan, Utah on Saturday night. This marks the second time in three weeks McNeese is playing up a level. McNeese is coming off a tough 42-41 loss to Weber State, where a late two-point conversion attempt failed. Despite the loss, the Cowboys displayed offensive firepower, with strong performances from quarterback Jake Strong, running backs Bryce Strong and Tre’Vonte Citizen, and receiver Jonathan Harris. Utah State, transitioning to the Pac-12 in the near future, is a formidable opponent with a strong offense led by quarterback Bryson Barnes and running back Miles Davis. Both coaches acknowledge the talent on the opposing team, with McNeese Coach Viator pointing out Utah State’s offensive diversity while Utah State Coach Mendenhall highlighting McNeese’s physical running back Citizen. McNeese needs to improve consistency and start games stronger as they head into their final game before Southland Conference play next weekend. The game will be streaming at https://themw.com/news/2025/08/27/ncneese-at-utah-state/.

**News Article:**

**Cowboys Face Uphill Battle Against Utah State in Logan**

**Published:** 10:55 am Friday, September 19, 2025

**By:** Sports Desk

**LOGAN, UT -** The McNeese State Cowboys (1-2) are bracing for a challenging road game against FBS opponent Utah State (2-1) this Saturday night at Maverik Stadium. This marks the second time in three weeks the team is playing up a level. Kickoff is set for 7 p.m. Lake Charles time.

The Cowboys are looking to bounce back from a heartbreaking 42-41 loss to Weber State last week, a game that saw them rally from a 21-point deficit only to fall short on a late two-point conversion attempt.

“This will be a tough game, another layer for us,” said McNeese Head Coach Matt Viator. “It will be a tough atmosphere. They are a very good football team.”

Utah State, a program on the rise and soon to be joining the Pac-12, is coming off a strong start to their season, with their only loss being a Week 2 matchup against No. 10 Texas A&M. Quarterback Bryson Barnes is coming off being named the Player of the Week in the Mountain West.

“They are a program like us looking to rise,” Viator said. “They are a strong team. It is going to be a tough test for us.”

Despite the loss to Weber State, the Cowboys’ offense showed flashes of brilliance. Quarterback Jake Strong was named the SLC’s Offensive Player of the Week, throwing for 278 yards and two touchdowns. Running backs Bryce Strong and Tre’Vonte Citizen also had impressive performances, each scoring on long touchdown runs. Citizen in particular caught the eye of Utah State Head Coach Bronco Mendenhall.

“He is big, physical, and tough,” Mendenhall said of the Miami transfer. “He is a challenge. They have really good athletes. It is a quality opponent.”

For McNeese, the key to victory will be starting strong and playing consistently throughout the game.

“We have to figure out why are we down 21 points with 12 minutes left in the game,” said Viator. “I have to figure out how to get us ready faster.”

This game serves as the Cowboys’ final test before opening Southland Conference play at Stephen F. Austin next weekend.

The game will be streamed live at https://themw.com/news/2025/08/27/ncneese-at-utah-state/.

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