What Is 2011 McNeese State Cowboys football

Overview

The 2011 McNeese State Cowboys football team represented McNeese State University during the 2011 NCAA Division I FCS football season. Competing as a member of the Southland Conference, the Cowboys aimed to build on previous postseason appearances and maintain their reputation as a consistent FCS contender.

Under head coach Matt Viator, who had led the program since 2006, the team showcased a balanced offense and a disciplined defense. Despite falling short of a playoff berth, the Cowboys demonstrated resilience throughout the season with several close conference matchups.

• Final record of 7-4 overall and 5-2 in Southland Conference play marked one of the more competitive non-playoff seasons in recent program history.
• Cowboy Stadium in Lake Charles, Louisiana served as the home field, hosting key games against conference rivals with average attendance near 10,000 per game.
• Quarterback performance was led by Cody Stroud and Michael Brown, who combined for over 1,800 passing yards and 12 touchdowns during the season.
• The rushing attack averaged 187 yards per game, powered by running back Robert Williams, who topped 700 yards on the ground.
• Defensively, the Cowboys allowed 23.6 points per game, ranking them in the upper half of the Southland Conference in defensive efficiency.

Season Performance

The 2011 campaign featured a mix of dominant wins and narrow losses, with the Cowboys contending for the Southland title until the final weeks. Their performance reflected both the strengths of their offensive consistency and the challenges of overcoming key injuries.

• September 10, 2011 game vs. Sam Houston State: A 34-20 loss proved pivotal, as SHSU went on to reach the FCS Championship game, highlighting the strength of schedule.
• Victory over Stephen F. Austin on October 22 by a 31-28 margin showcased the team’s ability to win tight conference contests under pressure.
• Week 10 win against Northwestern State by a 41-10 score demonstrated defensive dominance and offensive depth in a crucial mid-conference game.
• Missed FCS playoff qualification despite a 5-2 conference record due to tiebreakers and a lack of national ranking momentum.
• Senior leadership from linebacker Justin Pratt contributed to a disciplined defense that recorded 28 sacks and 12 forced fumbles on the year.
• Special teams unit averaged 42.1 yards per punt, led by kicker Andrew Barrow, who converted 8 of 11 field goal attempts.

Comparison at a Glance

The 2011 season can be best understood by comparing it to adjacent years in terms of record, conference standing, and statistical output.

This table illustrates that while the 2011 team matched or exceeded several seasons in win total and conference performance, playoff qualification remained elusive due to tiebreakers and selection committee decisions. The consistency under Viator was evident, but postseason access proved difficult without a conference title.

Why It Matters

The 2011 season reflects a transitional phase for McNeese State football, maintaining competitiveness without breaking through to national prominence. It underscores the challenges mid-major FCS programs face in earning playoff recognition despite strong records.

• Seven wins in 2011 tied the program’s second-highest total since 2009, showing sustained competitiveness in a tough conference.
• Development of young quarterbacks like Cody Stroud laid the foundation for future offensive schemes under Viator’s leadership.
• Defensive continuity helped the team rank among the top three in the Southland in fewest points allowed per game.
• Recruiting class of 2011 included several future starters, contributing to multi-year roster stability.
• Home-field advantage at Cowboy Stadium remained a key factor, with the team going 5-1 at home that season.
• Media exposure from Southland Conference broadcasts helped maintain visibility despite missing the playoffs.

The 2011 McNeese State Cowboys season, while not culminating in postseason play, exemplified the program’s commitment to excellence and player development within the FCS landscape.