Bearkats secure 23-17 win in dramatic overtime finish, led by Hunter Watson’s game-winning touchdown.
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Sam Houston battled through a tense overtime game against Kennesaw State on Saturday, ultimately emerging with a 23-17 win at Fifth Third Stadium. The victory, sealed by a 10-yard touchdown run from quarterback Hunter Watson, kept the Bearkats (8-2, 5-1 Conference USA) in the hunt for a conference title.
“It was exactly how it was drawn up,” Watson said of the game-winning play. “We got everything sealed off on the edge, and then I hit the outside. It was one-on-one, and I just had to make a play.”
Defensive struggle defines the first half
Sam Houston and Kennesaw State entered halftime tied at 3 after a defensive battle. The Bearkats’ defense, which has held opponents under 250 total yards three times this season, was strong early, limiting the Owls (1-9, 1-5) to just 106 rushing yards and forcing an interception. David Fisher picked off Kennesaw quarterback Davis Bryson in the first quarter, extending Sam Houston’s streak to 16 straight games with a takeaway.
The offense showed flashes late in the second quarter. Watson connected with Qua’Vez Humphrey for a 44-yard gain, setting up a 29-yard field goal by Christian Pavon to even the score at 3.
“There was no panic at halftime,” head coach KC Keeler said. “We knew we were getting the ball first, and the focus was on executing to open the second half.”
Second-half momentum shifts
The Bearkats opened the third quarter with a 13-play, 75-yard drive, capped by a 25-yard touchdown scramble from Watson. “It was good to get that coming out of the gates after having a slow first half,” Watson said. “Getting the momentum built up gave a little trust to our defense that we were going to go win this game.”
The Owls responded late in the third quarter after an interception set them up at the Sam Houston 7-yard line. Two plays later, Michael Benefield scored to tie the game at 10.
Sam Houston regained the lead in the fourth quarter. Watson relied on wide receiver Simeon Evans for key third-down completions, including a 32-yarder, before Jay Ducker broke free for a 17-yard touchdown run. Ducker finished the game with 111 rushing yards on 18 carries, marking his second 100-yard game as a Bearkat.
Late-game drama
The Owls mounted a 71-yard drive in the final two minutes, converting a 9-yard touchdown pass to force overtime with 25 seconds left. Despite the setback, Watson maintained confidence. “I trust my defense always,” Watson said. “But at the end of the day, we’ve got to execute as an offense and put points on the board.”
In overtime, Kennesaw State’s opening possession ended with a missed field goal, setting up Sam Houston’s chance to win. Watson delivered with his second rushing touchdown of the day, finishing the game with 62 rushing yards and 179 passing yards on 22 completions.
Keeler praised Watson’s grit. “That run to the pylon was big-time,” Keeler said. “If we don’t get in, now we’re trying to kick a field goal to win it. I’d rather win it right there, and we did.”
Milestones and looking ahead
The victory marked Sam Houston’s first overtime win on the road since 2011 against New Mexico and improved their all-time overtime record to 4-9. The Bearkats’ defense allowed just 243 total yards and converted eight of 17 third-down attempts offensively, showcasing the team’s growth in close contests.
“We’ve learned to win these 50-50 games this year,” Keeler said. “Going on the road in this conference and walking away with a win feels pretty good.”
Sam Houston will face Jacksonville State on Nov. 23 at 11 a.m. on CBS Sports Network, as they continue their push for a Conference USA title.
Postgame Notes
- Sam Houston’s defense held Kennesaw State to 248 total yards, including just 106 rushing yards on 35 attempts.
- Simeon Evans caught five passes for 64 yards, with two crucial third-down conversions in the fourth quarter.
- Hunter Watson recorded his third game with two rushing touchdowns this season, including his longest run since a 46-yard score against New Mexico State.
- Jay Ducker tallied 111 rushing yards and a touchdown, his second 100-yard rushing performance as a Bearkat.
- David Fisher’s first-quarter interception extended Sam Houston’s streak of games with a takeaway to 16.
- Christian Pavon’s 29-yard field goal tied the game in the second quarter, extending Sam Houston’s red-zone scoring streak to three games.
Attendance: 7,736. Duration: 3:23. Weather: Sunny, 67°F.
