In Ogden, Utah, McNeese secured their third consecutive victory by defeating Weber State 28-25 on Saturday night, with standout performances from Joshon Barbie and quarterback Clifton McDowell III. Barbie showcased his skills by scoring three touchdowns and rushing for 70 yards on 13 carries. On the other hand, McDowell contributed 109 yards rushing and a touchdown on 15 carries, along with 203 passing yards on a 14-of-27 completion rate.
McNeese, with a 4-2 record, dominated the game as Barbie initiated the scoring with a 25-yard run early in the game. Barbie continued his impressive display by securing another touchdown late in the third quarter with a 3-yard run. Following a quick three-and-out by the Wildcats, Barbie added another 9-yard touchdown, extending McNeese’s lead to 28-20 with 10:33 left in the game.
Weber State, with a 2-3 record, attempted a comeback with Damon Bankston scoring a 1-yard touchdown shortly after Barbie’s third touchdown. However, their two-point conversion was unsuccessful, leaving them trailing 28-26. Despite having a promising opportunity with a first-and-10 from the McNeese 38 with 3 minutes remaining, Weber State’s chances dwindled after a holding penalty and failed conversion on fourth-and-12, allowing McNeese to run out the clock.
Bankston of Weber State was a standout player as well, rushing for 140 yards on 21 carries and scoring two touchdowns. The intense matchup between McNeese and Weber State showcased strong offensive performances and strategic plays from both teams, culminating in a close yet decisive victory for McNeese.
This thrilling game adds to McNeese’s winning streak and highlights the skills of key players like Barbie and McDowell, while Weber State’s efforts were commendable despite falling short in the end. The competitive spirit and determination displayed by both teams captivated fans and solidified their positions in the college football landscape.