2016 Opponent Previews: Southeastern Louisiana University Lions

We'll be previewing each team on the Cowboy's 2016 schedule in the coming weeks. So let's get started.

The Cowboys kick off the 2016 football season with five of their first six games at Boone Pickens Stadium and they start with a first-time opponent in the Southeastern Louisiana University Lions.

When: September 3, 2:30 pm CST

Where: Boone Pickens Stadium

Watch/Listen: Fox Sports Network, Cowboy Radio Network

Meet the Lions:

SLU went 4-7 overall last year (3-6 in the Southland Conference) and ended the season on a four-game losing streak.

The Lions did win back to back Southland Conference titles in 2013 and 2014, though. They went 1-2 in the FCS Playoffs those two years.

Fifth-year head coach Ron Roberts boasts a 29-20 record and those two conference titles during his tenure.

The Lions will depart from Hammond, Louisiana where they play in front of a 7,408-capacity Strawberry Stadium and travel roughly 700 miles northwest to play in Boone Pickens Stadium (capacity 60,218).

What we will learn:

Let's be honest, the Cowboys should win convincingly and get some reps for the younger guys. If Mason Rudolph plays in the second half, that's a bad sign.

This will be our first look at Barry J. Sanders and this improved hopefully offensive line. If the Cowboys rush for 250 yards, we will have learned little. If they can't move the ball on the ground, we will have learned plenty.

Prediction: OSU 42 - SLU 6

I say the Pokes start hot for the home crowd. This will be their first season opener at home since the Cowboys embarrassed another FCS school, Savannah State 84-0, four years ago.

If the Cowboys take an early two score lead, Gundy will pull back on the reigns and work on his run game. I'm fine with that.