UTRGV extends winning streak to two with dub over McNeese

The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley solidified their first conference road win against the Mc-Neese State Cowboys (4-7, 3-4) in Lake Charles, Louisiana by the score of 2813.

The victory puts the Vaqueros at 8-3 overall on the season, with a 4-3 record in conference play.

This season, despite the perfect success at home in Edinburg, the Vaqueros have had some rowdy road bumps whenever they do travel and compete against their opponents.

This game, on one hand, showed a lot of tell-tale signs that it was going to be one of “those games.”

The Vaqueros had a tough time getting anything going in the first half as the Cowboys built a quick 10-0 lead off a 35-yard field goal by Deaglan Camron in the first quarter. Consequently, after that for UTRGV, Matthew McCallister ran 85 yards for a touchdown.

Defense, for a good chunk of these conference road games, have been the ailment for the Vaqueros. There’s been a few times where close games have not gone in UTRGV’s favor due to some mishaps that proved to be crucial in the long run and in crunch time.

Defense for UTRGV in this game did do the job forcing two turnovers for the Cowboys.

Down 10-0, Tavian Cord was hit with a touchdown pass from Eddie Lee Marburger for 21 yards to close the gap to 10-7 in the second quarter.

After that, the Vaqueros caught the Cowboys slipping a little by playing quick ball and driving 81 yards down the field with two minutes and some change left in the quarter.

A QB keep by Marburger, as well as a 20-yard pass to Xayvion Noland helped set up a TD pass to Tony Diaz to take a 14-10 lead.

After the first half, the Cowboys did bite into the deficit with a field goal, but it was UTRGV’s show afterward.

Marburger’s experience and veteranship showed prowess on the road as he garnered four touchdown passes on the night off of 17-29 passing. Although the first half had his groove shaken up here and there, once the second quarter came in, he adjusted and got the ball rolling for the Vaqueros. He also had 257 yards passing and 51 yards rushing.

One of the game’s highlights that really pushed the Vaqueros in motion was the 75-yard heave to Diaz to give them a 21-13 lead in the fourth quarter.

Diaz was on top of the boards for both teams in terms of catching with seven receptions. He had three touchdowns on the night for 134 yards.

McNeese’s Jake Strong, who is a dual threat QB, had a touchdown on the night, with two interceptions. He threw 25-35 for 275 yards. He rushed five times for 13 total yards. The defense for UTRGV did halt him as they sacked him four times on the night.

UTRGV will play their final game of the season back in Edinburg on Saturday at 5 p.m. Their opponent will be the East Texas A&M Lions (3-8, 3-4).