What Is 2010 McNeese State Cowboys football

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Last updated: April 15, 2026

Quick Answer: The 2010 McNeese State Cowboys football team represented McNeese State University in the NCAA Division I FCS season, finishing with a 7-5 record under head coach Matt Viator and winning the Southland Conference with a 6-1 conference record.

Key Facts

The 2010 McNeese State Cowboys finished the season with a 7-5 overall record
They achieved a 6-1 record in Southland Conference play, winning the conference title
Head coach Matt Viator led the team during his sixth season at the helm
The Cowboys played their home games at Cowboy Stadium in Lake Charles, Louisiana
They qualified for the FCS playoffs but lost in the first round to Appalachian State

Overview

The 2010 McNeese State Cowboys football team represented McNeese State University during the 2010 NCAA Division I FCS football season. Competing in the Southland Conference, the team was led by head coach Matt Viator and achieved one of the most successful regular seasons in program history.

The Cowboys posted a 7-5 overall record and a dominant 6-1 mark in conference play, securing the Southland Conference championship. Their performance earned them an automatic bid to the FCS playoffs, marking their continued rise as a regional powerhouse in FCS football.

Record: The team finished with a 7-5 overall record, reflecting strong performance despite a challenging non-conference schedule.
Conference Standing: They went 6-1 in Southland Conference play, clinching the title outright and earning an automatic playoff berth.
Head Coach:Matt Viator was in his sixth season as head coach, bringing stability and consistent improvement to the program.
Home Stadium: All home games were played at Cowboy Stadium in Lake Charles, Louisiana, which has a capacity of approximately 17,600.
Playoff Appearance: The Cowboys qualified for the FCS playoffs but were defeated 23-21 by Appalachian State in the first round.

Season Performance

The 2010 season showcased McNeese State’s balanced offensive attack and resilient defense, both of which contributed to their conference dominance. Despite missing a deeper playoff run, the team demonstrated significant growth under long-term leadership.

Offensive Output: The Cowboys averaged 31.2 points per game, ranking them among the top offensive units in the Southland Conference.
Quarterback Leadership:Kerwin Bell Jr. took over as starting quarterback, throwing for over 1,800 yards and 13 touchdowns during the season.
Rushing Attack: Running back Alan Rodea led the ground game with 876 rushing yards and 10 touchdowns on 178 carries.
Defensive Strength: The defense held opponents to 24.3 points per game, with standout performances against conference rivals.
Key Victory: A pivotal 34-31 win over Sam Houston State in October solidified their conference title hopes.
Season-Ending Loss: Their playoff elimination came in a narrow 23-21 loss to Appalachian State, ending their postseason run in the first round.

Comparison at a Glance

Here’s how the 2010 season compares to recent McNeese State football seasons in key performance metrics:

Season	Overall Record	Conference Record	Playoff Result	Head Coach
2010	7-5	6-1	First Round (Lost to App State)	Matt Viator
2009	11-3	7-1	Quarterfinals (Lost to Villanova)	Matt Viator
2008	10-4	6-2	Quarterfinals (Lost to Richmond)	Matt Viator
2007	11-2	7-1	Semifinals (Lost to Delaware)	Matt Viator
2006	8-4	6-2	First Round (Lost to New Hampshire)	Matt Viator

The 2010 season marked a slight decline in overall wins compared to the dominant 2007–2009 campaigns but still demonstrated McNeese State’s ability to compete at a high level. While they didn’t advance deep into the playoffs, their conference title reaffirmed their status as a consistent FCS contender under Viator’s leadership.

Why It Matters

The 2010 season remains a notable chapter in McNeese State football history, illustrating both the program’s strengths and the challenges of sustaining elite performance in the FCS. It highlighted the team’s resilience and conference dominance, even in a transitional year.

Conference Legacy: Winning the Southland title reinforced McNeese State’s reputation as a perennial conference threat throughout the late 2000s.
Player Development: The season helped develop young talent like Kerwin Bell Jr., who would go on to become a multi-year starter.
Playoff Experience: Participating in the FCS playoffs provided valuable experience for a young roster facing national competition.
Program Stability: Matt Viator’s leadership through multiple successful seasons demonstrated long-term coaching consistency rare at the FCS level.
Recruiting Boost: Success in 2010 helped attract regional recruits who wanted to join a winning program in southwest Louisiana.
Historical Context: The 2010 season serves as a bridge between McNeese’s peak years and the program’s ongoing efforts to return to national prominence.

While not the most decorated season in terms of wins, the 2010 campaign underscored the Cowboys’ ability to compete at a high level and laid groundwork for future success in one of the toughest FCS conferences.