Texas A&M Week 2 Opponent Preview: McNeese State

After a hard-hitting season opener against the Notre Dame Fighting Irish, the Aggies will host the McNeese Cowboys.

Sep 9, 2023; Gainesville, Florida, USA; McNeese State Cowboys head coach Gary Goff talks with McNeese State Cowboys defensive back Jadden Matthews (9) and McNeese State Cowboys defensive back Jaylen Jackson (10) after a score during the second half against the Florida Gators at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matt Pendleton-USA TODAY Sports / Matt Pendleton-USA TODAY Sports

Its back to the drawing board for the Texas A&M Aggies.

After a disappointing 23-13 loss to the Notre Dame Fighting Irish in their season opener, Mike Elko and his team will get a pallet cleanser of sorts, with the McNeese State Cowboys coming to Kyle Field.

While the Aggies will looking to bounce back, McNeese is trying to just simply get the ball rolling, after opening the season with two straight losses.

The Cowboys started the year with a 26-23 loss to Tarleton State, as well as a 21-7 loss to Southern this past weekend.

In 2023, McNeese went winless on the year, 0-10, with a forfeited win over Northwestern State, last place in the Southland Conference. Their closest game was a 31-28 loss to Eastern Illinois. They will be led by third-year head coach Gary Goff in hopes of avoiding a repeat of last season.

Redshirt freshman Kamden Sixkiller is expected to start the season under center for the Cowboys. The signal caller from Norman, OK debuted last season later in the season for McNeese and will be looking to wrangle in his first career collegiate victory in 2024.

Lineman Cole Leclair, who was named to the All-Southland Team last year, is set to play his senior year for the Cowboys.

The Aggies and the Cowboys will square off on Saturday at 11:45 a.m. in College Station. The game will be available on the SEC Network.

The game will be the first ever matchup between Texas A&M and McNeese State on the gridiron.

Sep 9, 2023; Gainesville, Florida, USA; McNeese State Cowboys head coach Gary Goff looks on during the second half against the Florida Gators at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matt Pendleton-USA TODAY Sports / Matt Pendleton-USA TODAY Sports

McNeese State Cowboys

Record: 0-2

Head coach: Gary Goff

Offensive Leaders:

Passing: QB Clifton McDowell

2023 stats: 15 of 24 for 273 yards and two touchdowns.

Rushing: QB Clifton McDowell

2023 stats: 30 attempts for 148 yards and two touchdowns

Receiving: WR Matthew McCallister

2023 stats: 2 catches for 84 yards and a touchdown

Defensive Leaders:

Tackles: LB Micah Davey

2023 stats: 11 solo, 20 assisted, 31 total

Interceptions: DB Boogsie Silvera - 1

Sacks: LB AJ Thomas, DE Massey Lewis - 1