McNeese State Football Returns to Practice After Bye

The Cowboys are preparing to face Northwestern State following a week of rest.

Updated on Oct. 15, 2026 in Football

McNeese State Football Returns to Practice After Bye

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McNeese State football players have resumed practice after taking a bye week to recover from injuries sustained during their game against LSU. The team is now shifting focus to their upcoming matchup against Northwestern State.

Why it matters

The bye week provided essential recovery time for the team, which saw six players sustain injuries in the 63-14 loss to LSU. The team now looks to improve on its 2-4 overall record against a winless opponent.

McNeese State currently holds a 1-2 record in Southland Conference play, while Northwestern State is 0-3. During the LSU game, quarterback Brady Barrier completed 5 of 7 pass attempts for 74 yards and a touchdown.

The players

Jake Strong

He is the starting quarterback for the McNeese State football team.

Brady Barrier

He is a quarterback for the McNeese State football team who saw action against LSU.

Devin Lippold

He is a McNeese State player who was ruled out for the season following a wrist injury.

The details

Coaches utilized the break to focus on fundamental training and implemented a strategy to limit designed quarterback runs for Jake Strong to reduce injury risk. Strong remains the starting quarterback after being sacked twice against LSU and losing 7 yards across four rushing attempts.

September 19, 2026: Devin Lippold suffered a season-ending wrist injury.
October 2026: McNeese State played LSU.
October 2026: The team observed a bye week.

Season Trajectory

The upcoming game against a 0-6 Northwestern State squad provides a critical opportunity for the Cowboys to stabilize their season. Navigating injury recovery effectively is key to improving their 1-2 conference standing before the schedule intensifies.

The team's success against Northwestern State will depend heavily on the availability of the six players currently listed with varying injury statuses. Fans should monitor the rotation, as coaches are intentionally limiting quarterback mobility to preserve the health of their starter.

The takeaway

The team is prioritizing player health and fundamental development during this mid-season transition period. Maintaining a consistent starting rotation will be vital for the Cowboys to capitalize on their upcoming conference opportunities.