McNeese Falls to LSU 63-14, Jamaal Levi Shines
Baton Rouge, Louisiana - Saturday went about as expected as 11th-ranked LSU throttled McNeese in Tiger Stadium, 63-14. You just hope the check clears.
A sellout crowd of 102,321 people inside LSU’s Tiger Stadium is the largest recorded crowd McNeese has ever played in front of. The previous high was 94,220 in 2021.
The Lane Kiffin version of the Tigers are the 2nd highest-ranked team McNeese has ever faced, as they faced #5 Miami back in 2000. Saturday night was the fourth meeting all-time, and the 1st since 2021.
McNeese’s first drive of the night started with real promise, but ultimately ended in a Tamarcus Cooley interception. McNeese’s seven-play drive for 30 yards was the longest opening drive against the Tigers this season.
From there, McNeese gained just 1 yard in the 1st Half. Cowboys finished the half with 31 total yards in the 1st Half, while picking up just two first downs. LSU outgained the Cowboys 347-34 in the half and took a 35-0 lead into the break.
One of the lone bright spots on defense came in the 2nd Quarter when Lorenzell Dubose picked off LSU Quarterback Sam Leavitt. For Dubose, the transfer from UL-Lafayette, that was his first career interception.
"Their defense is really good. We're not the first one to not move the ball against them. I was hoping we could get a few first downs and keep them off the field, but they're really good," said Matt Viator
LSU continued their scoring ways in the 2nd half. The LSU running game had its best game of the season, rushing for a season-high 367 yards. The previous high was 309 yards against Clemson.
Jamaal Levi Shines
McNeese got on the board in the 2nd Half when Brady Barrier found Jamaal Levi for a 43-yard Touchdown, which was McNeese’s longest play from scrimmage. That was until just a mere 1:16 later, when Jamaal Levi got loose for a 64-yard run, the longest run of the former Barbe Buccaneer’s career.
"It was a blessing, all Glory to God," said Levi.
Levi is finally healthy for the first time in his collegiate career, and Saturday he made the most of it. "It feels great. I can do good things for my team and do what I do," said Jamaal Levi after Saturday night's two-touchdown performance.
McNeese finished the night with 196 yards of total offense, including 107 all-purpose yards for Levi. LSU outgained McNeese 731 to 196.
As for the real reason the Cowboys made the trip, the money, McNeese will receive a $750,000 check. The Cowboys will also head back to Baton Rouge for a return trip to Tiger Stadium in 2029.
McNeese will enjoy a much-needed bye week next week before returning to action on October 17th against Northwestern State.
All-Time Favorite McNeese Cowboy Players
Gallery Credit: Chaston Tavares
