Lake Charles, LA (SportsNetwork.com) - McNeese State football will compete for a 10th straight winning season and the Southland Conference title during an 11- game 2014 schedule announced Thursday.
A year ago, the Cowboys reached the FCS playoffs and finished 10-3 under coach Matt Viator.
McNeese State will open its season at Nebraska on Sept. 6 - it second visit to Lincoln to face the Cornhuskers. In 2002, the Huskers defeated the Cowboys, 38-14, and after the game McNeese players received a standing ovation as they were running off the field by the Nebraska faithful.
The Cowboys will play six home games, including non-conference matchups against Prairie View A&M (Sept. 13) and Division II Arkansas Tech (Sept. 27).
Within Southland play, the Cowboys will host Nicholls (Oct. 4), Abilene Christian (Oct. 18, Homecoming), Stephen F. Austin (Nov. 8) and Lamar (Nov. 22).
The Cowboys also will play road games against Southland opponents Sam Houston State (Oct. 11), Incarnate Word (Oct. 25), Northwestern State (Nov. 1) and Southeastern Louisiana (Nov. 15), the defending conference champion.
"I like our schedule," said Viator, who will be entering his ninth season. "It's a competitive schedule. Anytime we can play more games at home than on the road and in front of our great fans, that's always a plus."
McNeese State said it will consider adding a 12th game if the right opportunity presents itself.
2014 McNeese State Football Schedule
Sept. 6, at Nebraska
Sept. 13, Prairie View A&M
Sept. 27, Arkansas Tech
Oct. 4, Nicholls*
Oct. 11, at Sam Houston State*
Oct. 18, Abilene Christian* (Homecoming)
Oct. 25, at Incarnate Word*
Nov. 1, at Northwestern State*
Nov. 8, Stephen F. Austin*
Nov. 15, at Southeastern Louisiana*
Nov. 22, Lamar*
* - Southland Conference game
Receive your weekly recap of all the happenings around the world of sports.