What Is 2014 McNeese State Cowboys football

Overview

The 2014 McNeese State Cowboys football team represented McNeese State University during the NCAA Division I Football Championship Subdivision (FCS) season. Led by head coach Matt Viator, who returned to the program in 2014 after previously serving as head coach from 2000 to 2008, the team aimed to rebuild competitiveness in the Southland Conference.

The Cowboys showed improvement from their 2013 campaign, finishing with a 6-5 overall record and a 5-3 mark in conference play. Despite a strong offensive performance at times, they narrowly missed qualifying for the FCS playoffs, ending the season without a postseason berth.

• Record: The team finished with a 6-5 overall record, a significant improvement from the previous season’s 3-8 mark, showing signs of resurgence under Matt Viator.
• Conference: Competing in the Southland Conference, the Cowboys posted a 5-3 conference record, finishing fourth in the final standings behind champions Stephen F. Austin.
• Home Field: All home games were played at Cowboy Stadium, a 17,600-seat venue in Lake Charles, Louisiana, which has been the team’s home since 1971.
• Head Coach: Matt Viator returned as head coach in 2014 after a successful stint in high school football, bringing renewed energy and a focus on offensive balance.
• Quarterback: Cody Stroud started 10 games, completing 202 of 348 passes for 2,389 yards, 14 touchdowns, and 12 interceptions, leading the team’s passing attack.

How It Works

The structure and operations of the 2014 McNeese State Cowboys football season followed standard NCAA Division I FCS protocols, including conference scheduling, player eligibility, and postseason qualification. Each element contributed to the team’s overall performance and strategic direction.

• Season Format: The FCS season consists of 11 regular-season games, with potential for playoff qualification; the Cowboys played 11 games but did not qualify for the postseason.
• Conference Play: Southland Conference games were critical for standings and playoff eligibility; the Cowboys won five of eight conference matchups during the 2014 season.
• Roster Management: The team utilized 85 scholarship players, the NCAA maximum for FCS programs, balancing experienced returners with incoming recruits.
• Game Strategy: Offensive schemes emphasized a balanced attack, with the team averaging 27.8 points per game and 387.6 yards of total offense per game.
• Coaching Staff: Matt Viator led a staff of 10 assistants, focusing on player development and recruiting, particularly from Louisiana high schools.
• Player Development: The program emphasized strength training and film study, with athletes participating in 20 hours of team activities weekly, per NCAA regulations.

Comparison at a Glance

The 2014 McNeese State Cowboys' performance compared to other Southland Conference teams highlights their mid-tier standing and areas for improvement.

The table illustrates that while McNeese State outperformed lower-tier Southland teams, they trailed powerhouses like Sam Houston State and Stephen F. Austin in both record and scoring margin. Their defense allowed 28.9 points per game, the third-highest in the conference, indicating a key area for improvement. Offensively, they ranked third in scoring, showing progress under Viator’s leadership. However, inconsistency in close games—such as a 31-28 loss to Nicholls—prevented a higher finish. The team’s performance reflected a program in transition, laying groundwork for future success.

Why It Matters

The 2014 season was a pivotal year for McNeese State football, marking the beginning of a rebuilding phase under a returning head coach with a strong legacy. It set the foundation for future competitiveness in the Southland Conference and demonstrated the program’s potential.

• Program Momentum: The 6-5 record signaled improvement, boosting morale and recruiting efforts after several losing seasons in the early 2010s.
• Coaching Legacy: Matt Viator’s return brought stability and a renewed focus on discipline, directly impacting player performance and team culture.
• Recruiting Impact: A competitive season helped attract Louisiana-based recruits, strengthening regional talent pipelines for future classes.
• Stadium Attendance: Home games drew an average of 10,200 fans, maintaining strong community support despite no playoff appearance.
• Player Development: Several 2014 players, including defensive end Ja’Quan Gardner, went on to become all-conference selections in subsequent years.
• Conference Relevance: The team remained a factor in Southland race discussions, preventing the conference from becoming dominated by just a few programs.

The 2014 McNeese State Cowboys season, while not culminating in a playoff berth, played a crucial role in re-establishing the program’s competitiveness. It demonstrated resilience and laid the groundwork for future success under a proven coaching leader.