Trent Manuel connected on three field goals to give McNeese State the margin needed for a 15-13 win over Abilene Christian in Southland Conference play on Saturday.
McNeese State (8-0, 7-0), averaging 34 points a game, was stymied throughout as Abilene Christian, which has now lost five straight games, stayed within striking distance. The Wildcats (2-6, 2-5) led 6-3 with 6:18 remaining in the second quarter when Herschel Sims passed to quarterback Dallas Sealey from the 9 for a touchdown.
McNeese State's Daniel Sams ran in from the 2 for a score and a 12-6 lead with 10:37 left in the third. Manuel, who had field goals from 27 and 28 yards earlier, booted a 23-yarder for a 15-6 lead with 10:37 left in the game.
The Wildcats answered when Sealey hit Carl Whitley on a 24-yard scoring strike with 3:54 left.
McNeese State had five turnovers as Sams was intercepted three times.
This content appears as provided to The Globe by the originating wire service. It has not been edited by Globe staff.