BEAUMONT, Texas – It is the weekend that fans and alumni from both Lamar University and McNeese circle on the calendar the moment schedules are released as two programs renew the Battle of the Border rivalry Saturday in Beaumont. For Lamar, they are looking to lock in one more win to better their résumé for a berth in the 2025 NCAA FCS Playoffs. If Lamar can secure that victory and advance to the postseason, it would be the just the program's second FCS playoff appearance in program history and the first since 2018.
A win Saturday would not only strengthen the Cards' postseason résumé, but it would also set a new single-season record for wins (as a four-year institution) with nine. The all-time record is 10 which was set during the 1949 season as a junior college program.
For McNeese, they would like nothing better than to close the season with a road win to secure a .500 season in conference play, as they look to rebuild the program under first-year man (in his second stint with the team) Matt Viator. It goes without saying that they would also like to enter Provost Umphrey Stadium and ruin Lamar postseason hopes.
One of the best seasons in school history, the Cardinals have had a tough month of November as LU enters the weekend having dropped two of three – one of the losses coming at nationally ranked Stephen F. Austin. The win during that stretch was a 14-12 victory over then No. Southeastern Louisiana that saw Lamar's defense stifle Southeastern's high-powered offense.
McNeese comes to Beaumont with some late season momentum. McNeese looks to close the season winning three of its final four with their lone setback during that stretch coming last week against UT Rio Grande Valley.
While McNeese has a significant edge in the series, 28-13-1, Lamar has been making up significant ground recently. The Cardinals have won each of the past two meetings, and three of the last four, including a thrilling game last season in Lake Charles that saw Lamar score with no time on the clock for the win.
Saturday's contest will kick off at 3 p.m. from Provost Umphrey Stadium. It will be broadcast live on Newstalk 560 and streamed live on ESPN+. Prior to kick off, the Cardinals will be honoring its 24-member senior class.
Gameday Information
McNeese Cowboys (4-7/3-4 SLC) at No. 19 Lamar Cardinals (8-3/5-2 SLC)
Saturday, Nov. 22, 2025 – 3 p.m.
Homer Bryce Stadium – Beaumont, Texas
TV: ESPN+/Radio: Newstalk 560 KLVI
Series History: Lamar trails, 28-13-1
LU vs. the Cowboys
The Cardinals trail the all-time series against McNeese, 13-28-1 (.321), with a 5-15-1 (.262) mark during games played in Beaumont. The Cardinals have been making up ground in the series lately winning consecutive games and three of the last four, including a thrilling last-second victory in Lake Charles last season, 26-24. The Cardinals step on the field Saturday looking for their first three-game win streak in series history since the 1956, 1966 and 1967 seasons.
Claiming a Piece of History
Lamar's win over Southeastern Louisiana was its eighth of the season and tied a single-season school record (as a four-year institution). A win Saturday would be the most wins in a sesason since 1949 (when the Cardinals won 10 games), but a win Saturday would set a new single-season record as a four-year institution (Lamar was a junior college through the 1951 season).
Winning Record
Lamar has now secured a winning season in three consecutive years which is the program's longest run of success since the 1965 through 1967 seasons. The win over Southeastern Louisiana also secured a step forward for a third-straight season under head coach Pete Rossomando. After guiding the Cardinals to six wins (a five-win improvement from the previous season) in his first year, the Cardinals won seven games last year.
Texas Two Step
LU's victory over Southeastern was LU's second over a nationally ranked program in 2025. It is the first time Lamar has defeated two ranked teams in the same year since 2018. LU is one of just eight FCS teams who have recorded multiple top 25 wins this year, and one of only five with top 15 wins.
Beaumont's Air Defense System
Beaumont senior Kristian Pugh picked off his third pass of the season and is now tied for fourth in the league with three, just one behind the leaders. He has six interceptions for his career.
#PeckEmCards
