HCU falls to McNeese State 10-0 in defensive battle at Husky Stadium

Story and photo by Robert H Kelly
Copyright 2026 All Rights Reserved

HOUSTON, TEXAS (November 7, 2026) The HCU Huskies struggled to find the end zone Saturday night, falling to the McNeese State Cowboys 10-0 in a defensive battle at Husky Stadium.

Both teams played strong defense throughout the first half, keeping the scoreboard empty. HCU had an early chance to take the lead after Darius Bean recovered a muffed punt, giving the Huskies the ball at the McNeese 31-yard line. However, the drive ended with a missed 44-yard field goal.

The Huskies came up with another big defensive play later in the half. McNeese moved deep into HCU territory but was stopped on fourth-and-one near the 12-yard line. Jayven Anderson made the key play in the backfield to force an incomplete pass and end the Cowboys' scoring threat.

HCU also had a chance to score before halftime. A 72-yard reception by Trayjen Llanas-Wilcox helped move the Huskies inside the McNeese 10-yard line. However, the Cowboys came up with an interception in the end zone to keep the game scoreless.

McNeese finally broke through late in the third quarter. The Cowboys put together a 77-yard drive that ended with a 31-yard field goal, giving them a 3-0 lead.

The Cowboys added the game's only touchdown in the fourth quarter when Omiri Wiggins broke loose for a 65-yard scoring run. The touchdown gave McNeese a 10-0 advantage with just over two minutes remaining.

HCU could not answer on its final drive, as the Cowboys held on for the shutout victory.

Anderson led the Huskies' defense with a career-high 13 tackles and 3.5 tackles for loss. Bean finished with 10 tackles, while Llanas-Wilcox led the passing game with five catches for 99 yards.

HCU finished with 197 total yards, compared to 335 for McNeese.

The loss drops the Huskies to 4-6 overall and 3-4 in Southland Conference play. McNeese improves to 5-5 overall and 4-3 in conference action.

Houston Christian will look to bounce back next Saturday, November 14, when it travels to Natchitoches, Louisiana, to face Northwestern State. Kickoff is scheduled for 1 p.m.