Confidence is not an issue for McNeese State as it goes into its season opener at No. 19 Nebraska.

The Cowboys opened the last two seasons as underdogs against Football Bowl Subdivision opponents and flew home as unlikely victors. In their minds, there’s no reason that streak shouldn’t continue.

“I don’t pay attention to critics much, but I’m sure most people don’t give us a chance to win,” said starting quarterback Tyler Bolfing. “But we know inside this fieldhouse we have a great chance to win. We have full expectations of going there and taking back a W.”

Outside of the Jack Doland Fieldhouse, the number of people expecting McNeese to win can likely be counted on one hand. After a farming accident.

Critics are not the only ones stacking the deck against the Cowboys.

The history book is firmly against McNeese.

The Cornhuskers (1-0) are 10-0 all-time against Football Championship Subdivision teams, winning by an average score of 48-10.

They are rarely tripped up by any school that does not play in one of the leagues now known as the Power Five. The last team from outside that realm to down the Huskers was Southern Mississippi in 2004. Before that it was Hawaii in 1955.

Nebraska coach Bo Pelini would prefer his own team not pay attention to those facts.

“You just hear outside noise of the perception of a name school or not a name school,” Pelini said. “Our job is to approach it the same way every week in practice to make sure we’re turning over every stone to get better and not worrying about the outside perception of any team.”

Nebraska’s present is probably more frightening than anything the past has to offer. The Huskers are coming off a 55-7 romp over Florida Atlantic in which they gained 784 yards — 498 on the ground.

Running back Ameer Abdullah was responsible for 232 of those yards and will try to use this game as more kindling to fuel a Heisman Trophy campaign.

“What an opportunity for me and our team to play against a great team like that,” said linebacker Bo Brown. “Not just him. He’s a great player, yeah. But he’s just one guy.”

Bolfing will start behind center for McNeese, but Kansas State transfer Daniel Sams will also play early in the game. Both will be challenged to get the offense moving against a defensive unit that forced nine three-and-outs last week.

But the challenge — and the exposure and paycheck that comes with it — is what makes this uphill battle one McNeese is willing to fight.

“It’s a good opportunity for us,” head coach Matt Viator said. “Our kids are excited about it and we’re looking forward to it.”

Brown isn’t under the illusion McNeese would have a winning record if it faced Nebraska 11 times this year. But, in college football, all you need is that one magic game.

“I was watching (South Carolina coach Steve) Spurrier talk about Alabama at SEC media day and he was saying it wasn’t always about the team with the most talent, luckily it’s the team that’s best that day,” Brown said. “And Saturday we’re going to be the better team.”(MGNonline)

Nati Harnik