3 McNeese State Offensive Players to Watch vs. Texas A&M

Texas A&M hosts their second straight game to open the season against the McNeese State Cowboys.

Sep 9, 2023; Gainesville, Florida, USA; McNeese State Cowboys running back Cam Thomas (9) catches a pass over Florida Gators safety R.J. Moten (16) during the second half at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matt Pendleton-USA TODAY Sports / Matt Pendleton-USA TODAY Sports

Following an upsetting loss in their season opener against Notre Dame, the Texas A&M Aggies look ahead as they host the McNeese State Cowboys on September 7 in College Station, with McNeese looking for the upset of the century.

The upset will be no simple task for the Cowboys. Not only because Texas A&M has a new squad that many believe can make it to the College Football Playoffs, but McNeese is fresh off of a winless 2023 campaign.

Aug 31, 2024; College Station, Texas, USA; Texas A&M Aggies linebacker Taurean York (21) and defensive lineman Albert Regis (17) tackle Notre Dame Fighting Irish quarterback Riley Leonard (13) during the second quarter at Kyle Field. Mandatory Credit: Maria Lysaker-Imagn Images / Maria Lysaker-Imagn Images

To say that Texas A&M is favored would be an understatement.

Most of McNeese's returning players and starters are either transfers or redshirted players, so it would be a bit farfetched to list chemistry as a positive for the Cowboys.

That being said, here are some players on McNeese's offense that the "Wrecking Crew" A&M defense should look to contain.

1) QB Clifton McDowell

McDowell, a senior out of Spring, TX, has put on a decent performance so far as the Cowboys' quarterback, presenting a threat with his arm (273 yards, two touchdowns) as well as on his legs (132 yards, two touchdowns). The Aggies should be fresh off a class on quarterback keepers, as RIley Leonard kept it and ran quite a few times Saturday night.

2) RB Joshon Barbie

Barbie was second on the team in rushing in terms of yards and scores, both behind D'Angelo Durham. The redshirted sophomore is still going to be getting familiar with McDowell and the McNeese line, which is exactly what Aggies' defensive coordinator Jay Bateman wants to hear.

3) WR Matthew McCallister

The junior receiver out of West Monroe, LA so far leads the Cowboys with 84 receiving yards and one touchdown, and only off of two receptions. Expect guys like Tyreek Chappell and Bryce Anderson to man the secondary against McNeese's flimsy receiving corps.