Viator Praises Resilience, Points To Growth Ahead of Utah State Test

Lake Charles, Louisiana (KNGT-FM) - McNeese State nearly pulled off the improbable on Saturday Night inside Navarre Stadium, but just fell short after the two-point attempt was batted down at the line of scrimmage. Monday, Viator labeled the game against Weber State as “multi-layered,” praising the Cowboys’ resilience but acknowledging the need for more consistent execution.

“There’s a side of it where you really compliment the guys for being down 21 points and staying in the fight,” Viator said. “We praise them for that. But as a head coach, the other layer is figuring out why we’re in that position to begin with. How do we play better for longer periods of time?”

“Defensively, there are times we’ve really played well. Other times, we haven’t. Offensively, there are times we’ve executed at a high level, and times we certainly have not.”

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For the Cowboys, it's now a road trip to Utah, where they will take on Utah State. Viator has been impressed with just about everything that the Aggies have done early in the season...

“Now, Utah State—that’s a whole other story. They’re a really good football team,” Viator said. “In their opener, they beat UTEP by 12 and controlled that game. They lost to Texas A&M, but remained very competitive until the end. Last week, they dominated Air Force, went up by as much as 28, and won by 19. Offensively, they do some really good things. I've enjoyed watching them."

Viator expressed extremely high praise for what the Aggies have been able to do offensively...

"Their quarterback, a transfer from Utah, is impressive. He runs a lot of RPOs, rides it out, pulls it, and throws it with different arm angles. Their running back, Miles Davis, is a transfer from BYU. Their leading receiver, No. 11, is also a transfer.

For Utah State, it is a very new group. In fact, they have 69 newcomers and 29 four-year transfers.

This will be the first time McNeese will take on Utah State, but the second season in a row that the Cowboys will have to play in Utah and play in those conditions.

"It’s going to be a tough test—our first true road game, traveling to Logan, Utah. Altitude will be a factor, and they have a great home crowd. Watching their games, the stadium is packed, the atmosphere is strong, and it’ll be a challenge.”

Despite the loss, McNeese Quarterback Jake Strong was named the Southland Conference Offensive Player of the Week after completing 20 of 39 passes for 278 yards, two touchdowns, and throwing two interceptions. Strong was key in McNeese's comeback against the Wildcats. 

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McNeese will take on Utah State on Saturday Night with the action slated for a 7:00 p.m. CT kickoff and can be seen on KMYU/Mountain West Network or heard on the McNeese Sports Network, featuring Tom Hoefer on 92.9 The Lake.