With a new set of lessons learned, the Cowboys went back to work Monday promising no letdown despite the slow start.

“We look to get better every day,” said linebacker Kordell Williams, who is coming off a 15-tackle performance against Alcorn State Saturday night.

“It’s all we can do,” he added. “The ones that are true believers will stay tough and work through it.”

The 0-3 Cowboys learned some tough lessons in their 30-19 loss to the Braves. Most importantly that they have to adjust to lots of different situations.

After a pair of clean games the first two weeks with only four penalties, McNeese State was flagged eight times for 90 yards while getting its first taste of Southland Conference officiating.

Two major calls against the Cowboys cost them 32 yards on the opening play and a 59-yard touchdown pass in the second quarter. Also, Alcorn didn’t have any long drives that weren’t extended by a McNeese penalty.

McNeese head coach Gary Goff wasn’t looking for excuses though yesterday after practice.

“We have got to be better in that area,” Goff said. “They were critical penalties. It was a lot of setbacks and adversity to overcome.

“Those are not the only reasons we didn’t win the game. We had our opportunities.”

Penalties, 10 sacks and two plays brought back accounted for a total of 256 lost yardage by the Cowboys.

“We have to keep our confidence and not give up,” said wide receiver Mason Pierce. “I think it is coming. We are getting closer and closer.”

There were some good signs in the loss. Knox Kadum threw for 260 yards, a career-high, but did have two interceptions. And true freshman Kameron Senegal had a pair of catches including his first career touchdown.

“I think Knox played a pretty clean game,” said Goff. “He is a young quarterback and he will have to learn and get better. But it is not all on him.

“He will get better but our supporting cast has to get better. We have to help the man out.”

Both of Knox’s interceptions came in the fourth quarter as the Pokes were trying to desperately get back into the game.

McNeese also needs to quit falling behind by double digits. The Cowboys have run the ball fairly well with Deonta McMahon going for over 100 yards in each of the last two games.

However, large deficits have forced the Cowboys to give up some on running the ball, putting pressure on the offensive line.

“We have to play better, we have to play better as a team,” said Goff.

The Cowboys hope to do that starting this week against Division II Mississippi College.