Weekly predictions: McNeese vs. ACU

WILDCATS-COWBOYS PREDICTIONS

Owen: After the crushing loss to Central Arkansas last week, it will be interesting to see how this team bounces back. Last year against McNeese, the Wildcats lost, 24-21, with Luke Anthony throwing for over 300 yards and two touchdowns with 61 pass attempts. It was the most Anthony has thrown since 2017 against Sam Houston State, his freshman year. ACU was also held to just a single rushing yard in the loss. I’d expect a far different offensive approach this season with a dual threat on offense. Senior running backs Billy McCrary and Tracy James are two powerful backs that should be watched. James currently leads the FCS with seven rushing touchdowns. Sophomore wide receiver Kobe Clark has also been a key factor in the pass game leading the Wildcats in receptions. Meanwhile McNeese is coming off a closely contested win against Alcorn State, 17-14. While their defense has had its ups and downs throughout the year, it did a solid job up until the fourth quarter last Saturday. Ultimately, I expect Anthony and James, in particular, to take advantage of the Cowboys’ inconsistent defense in a hotly contested matchup. Wildcats grab the win on Family Weekend.

Wildcats vs. McNeese: ACU: 31 McNeese: 28

Tavian: After suffering such a tough loss to Central Arkansas last weekend, the Wildcats look to rebound against the Cowboys of McNeese State. McNeese comes into this weeks game only averaging 21.67 points a contest compared to the Wildcats 42.3 ppg. Last season we saw ACU suffer a loss 24-21 and the Wildcats are not looking to repeat history again. The Wildcats were able to put up solid numbers through the air behind Luke Anthony who threw for over 300 yards, but were ultimately shut down on the ground by the Cowboys’ defense. Expect the Wildcats to establish a running presence early behind Senior Billy McCrary and Tracy James and then sneak in some of the passing attack to build an early lead. Last week McNeese was able to come out with a win, but ultimately as a whole struggled against a poor Alcorn State football team. With that being said, I expect the Wildcats to come out with some intensity and some swag on Family Weekend. The Wildcats will come out with the win and more importantly their first conference win on the year.

Wildcats vs. McNeese: ACU:38 McNeese:21

Lexi: Well from how our guys played their hearts out last week, I am going to have to say that ACU will come out on top against McNeese this weekend. Not only is it going to be in front of their home crowd, but also I’m sure coming off of the game they played last weekend… they are going to have a little bit of fire underneath their feet. McNeese was ranked to finish one spot ahead of us in the Southland Conference preseason poll, but that was before we almost beat the team that is supposed to finish second. I think the defense will really step it up in this game. Jeremiah Chambers and Bolu Onifade are key players for the Wildcats along with quarterback Luke Anthony. I feel bad for the McNeese Cowboys this weekend because I have a feeling that the Wildcats aren’t coming out to play, they mean business and they are going to get what they lost last week.

Wildcats vs. McNeese: ACU:30 McNeese:14

Jalen: Coming off a loss to Central Arkansas, the Wildcats will come back home and face off against Mcneese State this weekend. ACU has been dominant on the offensive side of the ball this season, being top three in categories such as total offense, rushing offense, pass offense, and total defense. Mcneese is coming into Abilene with a 2-1 record, but has struggled offensively over the course of their season. Against Alcorn State last weekend, Mcneese did not score in the second half and gave up 14 points in the fourth quarter. I believe the key for this weekend’s matchup will be quarterback Luke Anthony. Throwing for over 30o yards and completing 58% of his passes, Anthony will need to take control of the offense and finish games when leading late. The Wildcats will come out attacking early with our elusive offense. This game will not be a close one at all. Wildcats win!

Wildcats vs. McNeese: ACU:35 McNeese: 7

2019 Weekly prediction records