LAKE CHARLES, La. --- Mississippi College went to Lake Charles, La. Saturday, taking on NCAA Division I FCS opponent McNeese State in a close contest that left MC with a 32-17 loss in a hard fought outing.
In the first quarter of action, McNeese struck first on an opening scoring drive, capped off by a 2-point conversion to take the early 8-0.
MC responded on their first offensive possession, with the help of a 20 yard rush and a 12 yard rush by
Marcus Williams to help set up the 17-yard rushing touchdown by
Ron Craten. The Choctaws went 11 plays, 75 yards, in seven minutes, to make it an 8-7 ball game.
MC and McNeese were locked into an 8-7 score at the end of the first quarter. McNeese took an 11-7 lead with 14:12 on the clock in the second quarter, on a 42-yard field goal by the Cowboys Garrison Smith.
The Cowboys added to their lead later in the quarter on a defensive scoop and score, on a Choctaw fumble, taking an 18-7 lead going into the break.
In the third quarter,
DeAnte Smith-Moore found
Veontai Williams on a 21-yard touchdown toss as MC cut the Cowboy lead to 18-14 with 8:14 to go in the third quarter.
McNeese utilized a touchdown toss of 21 yards and a rushing touchdown of 24 yards to take an 18-point lead, 32-14 with just over 10 minutes to go in the contest.
Ben Pledger knocked through a 46 yard field goal attempt as MC pulled to within a two touchdown deficit, 32-17 with 3:39 left to go in the game.
McNeese went on to win, 32-17, as MC fell to 1-3 overall on the season. MC returns to GSC action next weekend, on the road, where they take on West Georgia. Kickoff is set for 5 p.m. in Carrollton, Ga.
KEY STATS
- MC tallied 20 first downs, matching the Cowboys with 20 first downs.
- MC had 54 rushes for 248 rushing yards on the ground on the night.
- The Choctaws controlled the time of possession, having the ball for 36:43.
- Marcus Williams led MC with 13 rushing attempts for 100 yards, averaging 7.7 yards per carry, including a long of 31 yards.
- Ron Craten had three rushes for 24 yards, averaging 8.0 yards a carry, and a 17-yard touchdown.
- DeAnte Smith-Moore was 3-of-11 for 63 yards and a touchdown through the air. Smith-Moore also had 20 carries for 63 yards.
- Veontai Williams had two catches for 42 yards and a 21 yard touchdown reception.
- Cole Fagan had 14 carries for 62 yards for an average of 4.4 yards per carry.
- Nick Grady had seven tackles to lead the defense.
- Zach Hammann had one interception in the first half.
- DeAnte Smith-Moore found Veonati Williams on a 21-yard touchdown pass.
- Ben Pledger connected on a 46-yard field goal in the fourth quarter.
