College Football

McNeese State starts fast, holds off Incarnate Word 42-35

Updated Mar. 5, 2020 12:59 a.m. ET

foxsports

SAN ANTONIO (AP) Khalil Thomas returned a kickoff 97 yards for a score and Christi Jacobs scooped up a fumble and returned it 22 yards for a touchdown to start the second half as McNeese State rolled to a 42-35 win over Incarnate Word in Southland Conference play Saturday night.

McNeese State (2-2, 1-1) dominated for three quarters, taking a 42-14 lead into the fourth quarter. Trent Brittain led the Cardinals back, throwing to Kody Edwards for a score to close to 42-21. Dorland Fields broke for a 53-yard score with 6:19 left and Brittain got the final score on an 11-yard run with 1:33 left. The ensuing onside kick was recovered by the Cowboys and they ran out the clock.

James Tabary threw for 223 yards and two touchdowns. Dariou Crawley hauled in four of those for 132 yards and one score.

Brittain threw for 209 yards and two TDs for Incarnate Word (1-3, 1-2).