Bearkats look to maintain momentum in the race for the Conference USA Championship
Some information in this article was provided by GoBearkats.com
With three games remaining in the regular season, the Sam Houston Bearkats (7-2, 4-1 C-USA) travel to Fifth Third Stadium on Saturday to face the Kennesaw State Owls (1-8, 1-4 C-USA). The Bearkats, one game back in the Conference USA standings, are in control of their postseason destiny as they aim for a berth in the league championship game.
“This is a big opportunity for us,” said head coach KC Keeler. “We’ve written history, but there’s a lot more to write. It has to be one game at a time, and the next one up is Kennesaw.”
Kickoff is set for 2:00 p.m. CT, with live coverage available on ESPN+ and the Bearkat Sports Network.
Rested and Ready After 18-Day Layoff
The Bearkats return to action following an 18-day break, their longest layoff of the season. The extended downtime allowed Sam Houston to recover from a grueling midseason stretch and prepare for the final push.
“We’ve been a little banged up, so the break was much needed,” Keeler said. “Practices have been at a high level, and we’re ready to finish the season strong.”
Quarterback Hunter Watson, who has twice been named C-USA Offensive Player of the Week, used the time to recover from a hit to his non-throwing shoulder sustained in the Bearkats’ 9-3 win over Louisiana Tech.
“Hunter looks great,” Keeler noted. “Having him back at 100% will help us be more aggressive offensively.”
Defense Leads the Charge
The Bearkats’ defense has been the backbone of the team’s success, allowing just 10 points combined over the last two games. The unit has not allowed an offensive touchdown in its last eight quarters, a streak dating back to the third quarter of the win over FIU.
“Our defense has played great, and we’ve made adjustments during games to stay ahead,” Keeler said.
Linebacker Caleb Weaver has been a standout performer all season. A Burlsworth Trophy nominee, Weaver leads Conference USA with four interceptions and ranks second in solo tackles. Weaver’s leadership has been pivotal for a defense that ranks first in the league in scoring defense.
The Bearkats also lead Conference USA with 18 takeaways this season, including 10 over the last four games. Defensive lineman Kendrick DuJour added to that total in the win over Louisiana Tech, recording a safety and two sacks.
Ground Game Fuels Offense
While the defense has been stellar, the Bearkats’ offense has leaned heavily on the run game. After finishing last in rushing in Conference USA in 2023, Sam Houston has turned that narrative around, averaging over 220 rushing yards per game in its victories.
“We’ve relied on the run game, and it’s been effective,” Keeler said. “But we’re looking for more balance as we head into these final games.”
Wide receiver Noah Smith, who recently returned to action, is expected to play a larger role this week. Smith, named to the Earl Campbell Tyler Rose Award Watch List, provides a dynamic option in the passing game.
“Noah is just different,” Keeler said. “He can make guys miss and give us a spark offensively.”
Kennesaw State: A Team with Something to Prove
Despite their 1-8 record, the Kennesaw State Owls remain a dangerous opponent. Interim head coach Chandler Burks, who took over following the departure of longtime coach Brian Bohannon, has the Owls motivated to finish the season strong.
“This is a trap game,” Keeler said. “They’re going to play with emotion and aggressiveness. We’re expecting trick plays, and we have to be ready for anything.”
Kennesaw State’s lone win of the season was an upset over Liberty, a victory that ended one of the longest winning streaks in the nation.
The Owls are transitioning from a traditional triple-option offense to a shotgun-based scheme, presenting a unique challenge for Sam Houston’s defense. “You can’t miss an assignment in option football,” Keeler said. “They’re dangerous, and they’ve made progress.”
Series History
The Bearkats lead the all-time series 2-0, with victories in 2017 and 2023, both in Huntsville. Saturday’s game will mark the first meeting at Fifth Third Stadium.
The last meeting between the teams was a thrilling 24-21 Sam Houston victory in 2023. The Bearkats erased a 14-point halftime deficit, shutting out the Owls in the second half and holding them to just 56 yards of offense. Colby Sessums sealed the win with a game-winning 35-yard field goal as time expired.
Key Notes
- Watson’s Leadership: Hunter Watson has twice been named C-USA Offensive Player of the Week and will lead an offense looking to regain its rhythm after scoring just 19 points over the last two games.
- Defensive Efficiency: The Bearkats have allowed the fewest penalties in Conference USA and rank among the top teams nationally in scoring defense.
- Turnover Battle: Sam Houston is 5-0 this season when winning the turnover battle and committing fewer penalties than its opponent.
- Texas Talent: The Bearkats’ roster features 96 players from Texas, the highest percentage among FBS programs in the state.
Game Information
- Matchup: Sam Houston (7-2, 4-1 C-USA) vs. Kennesaw State (1-8, 1-4 C-USA)
- When: Saturday, 2:00 p.m. CT
- Where: Fifth Third Stadium, Kennesaw, Georgia
- Broadcast: ESPN+, Bearkat Sports Network
The Bearkats aim to build on their momentum and stay in contention for the Conference USA Championship. “We’ve prepared well, and now it’s time to execute,” Keeler said. “This one is big for us.”
