What Is 2013 McNeese State Cowboys football

Overview

The 2013 McNeese State Cowboys football team represented McNeese State University during the 2013 NCAA Division I Football Championship Subdivision (FCS) season. Competing in the Southland Conference, the Cowboys were led by head coach Matt Viator, who returned to the program in 2011 after previously serving as head coach from 2006 to 2008.

That season, the Cowboys showed strong offensive performance and competitive balance, finishing with a winning record. Despite not receiving a playoff berth, the team demonstrated resilience and consistency throughout the regular season.

• Record: The team finished with a 7-5 overall record and a 5-2 mark in Southland Conference play, placing them in strong contention for postseason consideration.
• Head coach:Matt Viator was in his third year of his second stint as head coach, having previously led the Cowboys to the 2006 FCS National Championship game.
• Stadium: All home games were played at Cowboy Stadium in Lake Charles, Louisiana, a 20,000-seat venue known for its passionate fan base.
• Quarterback performance:Cody Stroud led the offense, throwing for 2,847 yards and 20 touchdowns while completing 61.3% of his passes.
• Key loss: A late-season 34-31 defeat to Sam Houston State prevented the Cowboys from securing an FCS playoff bid despite their strong conference record.

How It Works

The 2013 season operated under standard NCAA Division I FCS rules and conference scheduling, with the Southland Conference determining playoff eligibility based on win-loss records and tiebreakers.

• Season structure: The FCS season includes a 12-game regular season followed by a 24-team playoff; McNeese State did not qualify in 2013 despite a winning record.
• Conference alignment: As a member of the Southland Conference, McNeese competed against teams like Sam Houston State, Central Arkansas, and Stephen F. Austin.
• Recruiting impact: The program relied heavily on Louisiana-based talent, with over 65% of the roster hailing from in-state high schools.
• Offensive scheme: The Cowboys ran a pro-style offense emphasizing balanced passing and running, averaging 31.2 points per game.
• Defensive strategy: Utilizing a 4-2-5 alignment, the defense allowed 27.8 points per game, showing improvement over the 2012 season.
• Home-field advantage: The team went 5-1 at home, with Cowboy Stadium's artificial turf and vocal supporters contributing to their strong home record.

Comparison at a Glance

Here’s how the 2013 McNeese State Cowboys compared to key Southland Conference rivals:

While McNeese State matched Central Arkansas in wins and conference record, they were edged out in tiebreakers. Sam Houston State and Stephen F. Austin earned playoff spots due to head-to-head victories and stronger finishes, highlighting how narrow margins determined postseason access in the competitive Southland Conference.

Why It Matters

The 2013 season was a pivotal chapter in McNeese State football, reflecting both the program’s potential and the challenges of FCS postseason contention. Though they missed the playoffs, the season laid groundwork for future competitiveness and recruiting momentum.

• Recruiting boost: Strong individual performances helped attract higher-rated recruits in the following years, especially at quarterback and defensive back.
• Coaching stability: Matt Viator’s leadership reinforced program continuity, leading to improved records in subsequent seasons.
• Offensive development: The emergence of Cody Stroud signaled a shift toward a more dynamic passing attack in future years.
• Regional pride: As a Louisiana-based program, success in 2013 strengthened community engagement and alumni support.
• Close playoff miss: Falling just short emphasized the importance of key conference games, influencing future scheduling and preparation focus.
• Historical context: The 7-5 record marked one of the better seasons in the post-2006 era, showing signs of resurgence after several down years.

The 2013 McNeese State Cowboys may not have made the playoffs, but their season served as a foundation for future success and demonstrated the program’s enduring competitiveness in the FCS landscape.