It was a wild week across the non-FBS landscape last week. Three games needed overtime to decide a winner, Lamar and Nelson (formerly SAGU) earned signature wins, and Abilene Christian’s Ritse Vaes nailed a 54-yard field goal as time expired to send the Wildcats to victory on the road against Northern Colorado. Click here to catch up on all the action from Week 3 in the blog.

I take pride in being honest with you, the reader, and providing facts and analysis that aren’t sugarcoated to appease a fan base or a coach. To be blunt, Stephen F. Austin was the better team Saturday night in Lake Charles, La.

The Lumberjacks should’ve won that game by two touchdowns. So, how did SFA lose 28-24 at McNeese? 

For one, it took two very fortunate events for the Cowboys. The first happened at the end of the first half. The ‘Jacks offense took the field at their 12-yard line with 1:22 remaining in the first half. Three run plays later, SFA had a first down, and McNeese called a timeout with 28 seconds left instead of allowing the clock to expire.

The following two Lumberjack passes fell incomplete, and quarterback Sam Vidlak chose to run out of bounds after a 4-yard gain to stop the clock. The ensuing punt traveled 24 yards to the McNeese 46-yard line with three seconds remaining in the half. Clifton McDowell’s Hail Mary pass to the end zone found the arms of Jihad Marks among the mass of humans occupying the space. Still, SFA went to the locker room up 10-7.

The next unfortunate event that went against the Lumberjacks is challenging to write about. SFA led 24-14 late in the third quarter. McNeese running back Coleby Hamm fumbled at the end of a 19-yard run. The ball bounced directly to SFA’s Bruce Harmon, who broke a tackle and raced down the left sideline. 

Harmon changed directions near the 10-yard line to miss a would-be tackle by McDowell. After moving back inside the playing field, Harmon attempted to move the ball from his right arm. However, he lost control of the football, bouncing off his right thigh pad and out the back of the end zone for a touchback.

Instead of leading 30-14, the SFA defense remained on the field, and McNeese began a new drive at its 20-yard line.

Give credit to Harmon, who is no doubt devastated about the fumble. He immediately stood up and was on the field for the next play. Let’s be clear: the Lumberjacks still had an opportunity to win the game despite the unfortunate fumble.

The Cowboys pulled to within 24-21 with 7:37 remaining in the contest, but SFA gave up excellent field position at the ‘Jacks 44-yard line after incurring two unsportsmanlike penalties following the touchdown. 

The Lumberjack offense quickly gained a first down in two plays and faced third-and-3 at the McNeese 39-yard line. SFA had the equivalent of a long timeout before the play after an injury and a review of the previous reception. But the Lumberjacks gained no yards on a run up the middle, forcing SFA to attempt to down the ensuing punt inside the 5-yard line. However, the punt quickly bounced into the end zone for a touchback. McNeese’s next drive would provide the final margin in the contest.

This is a difficult loss for the Lumberjacks. It’s evident Colby Carthel was feeling some pressure following a 3-8 season, and a change in athletic director certainly didn’t alleviate any concerns. The Lumberjack faithful expect to compete for an FCS playoff appearance and a conference title each season and felt a move back to the Southland Conference was a recipe for a solid 2024 campaign.

In a positive light, SFA’s hopes of winning the Southland title and earning an automatic bid to the playoffs remain alive after Saturday. The Southland Conference is much stronger than when SFA departed for the WAC and could be a two-bid league this year.

But the path to a playoff bid became narrow – very narrow. They have no room for another loss and no time to grieve because a solid Northern Colorado team is headed to Nacogdoches on Saturday. The ‘Jacks also have challenging road games at Lamar, Southeastern, and Nicholls. Don’t forget about the trip to Commerce, where the Lions currently hold the Lumberjack axe after obtaining it at SLC Media Day.

It might not be time to sound the alarm bells yet, but the maintenance guys are ensuring they’re tuned.