First Reaction McNeese State
Winning the Line of Scrimmage
Going into the game, I highlighted the matchup between the Argo Offensive Line and the Cowboy Defensive Line. The West Florida starting five were more than up to the challenge. Against a unit with two All-Conference players and one All-American, Bruce, Simpler, Elam, Dilla, and Roman gave up only 5 hurries, 1.0 TFL, and no sacks. Bodes extremely well for a new look Line. The Argonaut Line set the tone for an offense that averaged 8.3 yards per play and had TD drives of 75, 48, 80, 85, 57, and 78 yards.
The other LOS matchup was equally impressive for the Argonauts. Eight UWF Defensive Linemen finished with 4.5 TFL and 3.5 sacks, with four different (Swett, Penerton, Police, Walker) getting in to the QB. The Argonaut Defense gave up just over 120 yards rushing (excluding sacks) but held McNeese to 2.9 yards per carry. Brandon Penerton lead the way up front with 4 tackles 1.5 TFL 1.0 sack and 1 hurry.
Welcome, David Durden
Durden had a brought a lot for West Florida fans to be excited about. He has a tremendous size and speed combination, and came to Pensacola with impressive production at the FCS level, as an All-Conference performer in the SoCon. Pete Shinnick had repeatedly mention Durden as a player making waves, and the fans didn’t have to wait long to see what the hype was all about.
6 receptions 174 yards and a 44 yard TD with a 74 yard long. Oh, and a 6 yard wildcat TD run. Durden was targeted 12 times and by the second half was being doubled by the Cowboys. He also drew a clutch Pass Interference in the 4th quarter. He has quickly established himself as a go to Receiver for Austin Reed.
Team Win
Everyone gets a Kudos for this one. McNeese State played seven games this spring, McNeese state has almost 30 more scholarship than UWF, McNeese State was playing at home, and it was hot. The Argonauts showed up in Post Season form, ready for a battle. After getting behind early 7-0 West Florida buckled down and never trailed again for the rest of the game. Every big drive by McNeese State was answered. The defense got critical stops forcing three punts and a turnover on downs in 11 drives with three three and outs, and the offense made good on 6 of 11 offensive drives with 2 three and outs and one INT.
Coach Shinnick and the Argonauts will now begin to prepare for the home opener and first on campus game next week against Southwest Baptist, who lost their opener on the road to UT Permian Basin 24-16.
