De La Poza’s 4th quarter field goals boot Tarleton State past McNeese 27-24

On a cold Saturday night in Lake Charles, Louisiana, Tarleton State University's football team triumphed over McNeese State University with a final score of 27-24. The game's decisive moment arrived in the final quarter as Tarleton State's Alejandro De La Poza booted a 24-yard field goal to secure the victory. De La Poza's kick came at the end of an impressive 16-play, 84-yard drive that spanned nearly four minutes.

Prior to his game-winning kick, De La Poza connected on a 24-yard field goal to tie the game at 24-all after a 10-play, 66-yard drive that lasted just over two minutes.

Earlier in the game, McNeese took the lead when Deaglan Camron nailed a 37-yard field goal to end the third quarter, giving the Texans a 24-21 lead. McNeese's offense was led by quarterback Kaden Anderson, who completed 363 yards on 29 passes and rushed for 141 yards on 17 carries, scoring two touchdowns. Wide receiver Tylan Hines made significant contributions as well, rushing for 141 yards on 17 carries and scoring two touchdowns on runs of 13 and 46 yards.

On the other side of the ball, McNeese's offense was powered by quarterback Devin Lippold, who threw for 286 yards and two touchdowns, and Kaden Anderson, who completed 19 of 26 passes for 363 yards. Wide receiver Elisha Edwards added 111 receiving yards on eight catches for the Cowboys (1-2). Unfortunately, Tarleton State's defense held strong, preventing McNeese from mounting a comeback.

This marked the second straight season that Tarleton State had won their first three games. McNeese will face UT Rio Grande next Saturday in their next contest.