Bearkats aim for their 10th win and first FBS bowl victory under interim head coach Brad Cornelsen in the New Orleans Bowl.
Information in this article is sourced in part from GoBearkats.com
Sam Houston State (9-3, 6-2 CUSA) will make its FBS bowl debut Thursday against Georgia Southern (8-4, 6-2 SBC) in the 24th R+L Carriers New Orleans Bowl at the Caesars Superdome. This marks a pivotal moment in the program’s history as the Bearkats aim to cap their season with a 10th victory under interim head coach Brad Cornelsen, who stepped in after K.C. Keeler departed for Temple.
“This team genuinely wants to be here and finish this thing off,” Cornelsen said during preparations. “A chance at 10 wins—really excited about this game.”
Historic Transition and Milestones
The Bearkats’ rapid rise to success in the FBS has been remarkable. After starting the 2023 season 0-8 in their first year at the new level, they have since won 12 of their last 16 games. They became bowl-eligible this season faster than any other team in Conference USA, securing their spot with a win at FIU. Sam Houston joins a short list of programs to achieve nine or more wins within two years of transitioning to the FBS, a feat last accomplished by James Madison and Jacksonville State in 2023.
“It’s been neat,” Cornelsen said about the team’s journey. “The adversity these kids have gone through and their ability to stick together—it’s made us stronger.”
The Bearkats are seeking their 12th season with double-digit wins and their first at the FBS level. The program’s last 10-win season came in 2021 when they were still competing in the FCS.
First-Time FBS Bowl Opponent
This will be the first-ever meeting between Sam Houston and Georgia Southern, two programs that boast seven combined FCS national championships. Both teams have undergone significant transitions in recent years. Georgia Southern, led by third-year head coach Clay Helton, enters the game as a well-rounded opponent, highlighted by their team speed and a strong defensive unit.
“They’ve got good team speed on defense,” Cornelsen said. “There’s no weak spots over there. They’re really sound in what they do.”
The matchup pits two evenly matched teams that have never met before with a reputation for resilience. The Bearkats pulled off the largest comeback in school history earlier this season, erasing a 22-point first-quarter deficit to beat Texas State 40-39 at NRG Stadium in Houston.
Dome Experience Advantage
Thursday’s game will be played in the iconic Caesars Superdome, an NFL venue that has hosted seven Super Bowls. This will mark Sam Houston’s third game this season in a stadium that has hosted a Super Bowl, following matchups at NRG Stadium (Houston) and Rice Stadium. The Bearkats are 12-2 all-time at NRG Stadium and are one of just seven programs to play in multiple Super Bowl venues during the 2024 season.
Sam Houston has had success in domes historically, with notable wins at venues like the Walkup Skydome and challenges in others, such as the Fargodome. Cornelsen believes the team’s preparation and focus will help them overcome any challenges presented by the neutral-site environment.
“The schedule worked out pretty good,” Cornelsen said. “We didn’t have to take two weeks off like some teams. We’re ready to get back to work and take the field.”
Key Players and Focus Areas
Sam Houston’s offense has leaned heavily on its ground game, averaging 282 yards per game during a four-game win streak earlier this season. The Bearkats have yet to record a 250-yard passing game in 2024, a unique distinction among FBS teams with at least nine wins.
“We want to continue to be aggressive,” Cornelsen said. “Those 12- and 15-play drives are hard to sustain, so creating explosive plays will be something we’re looking to do.”
Running back Noah Smith and wide receiver Ife Adeyi, two of nine players remaining from Sam Houston’s 2021 FCS national championship team, will be critical to the team’s success. Smith’s toughness and instinctiveness have been a driving force for the offense.
“Noah’s unique,” Cornelsen said. “He’s not very big, but he runs strong. He’s tough and instinctive—just one of those players who feels the tacklers coming before he sees them.”
What’s at Stake
For Sam Houston, this game is about more than just a win—it’s about solidifying their place as a rising force in the FBS. A victory would make them only the second team to achieve double-digit wins a year after starting a season 0-8, a feat last accomplished by Georgia Southern in 2018.
“The chance to win 10 games and play in our first FBS bowl game is something these players have earned,” Cornelsen said. “Now it’s about executing on the field and finishing the job.”
Kickoff is set for 7 p.m. EST, with the game airing on ESPN2.
More about Georgia Southern
The Georgia Southern Eagles, representing Georgia Southern University in the Sun Belt Conference’s East Division, completed the 2024 NCAA Division I FBS football regular season with an 8-4 overall record and a 6-2 mark in conference play.
Under the leadership of head coach Clay Helton, in his third year with the program, the Eagles secured their third consecutive bowl appearance.
This achievement marks their seventh bowl game in 11 seasons since transitioning to the FBS level.
Historically, Georgia Southern has participated in six bowl games, holding an even 3-3 record.
Their bowl history includes victories in the 2015 GoDaddy Bowl, the 2018 Camellia Bowl, and the 2020 New Orleans Bowl.
The Eagles boast a storied legacy at the FCS level, securing six national championships (1985, 1986, 1989, 1990, 1999, 2000) and achieving two national runner-up finishes (1988, 1998).
Their transition to the FBS has been marked by competitive play within the Sun Belt Conference, including a conference championship in 2014.
In the 2024 season, the Eagles’ offense averaged 28.2 points per game, ranking 65th nationally, while the defense allowed 27.3 points per game, placing them 84th in the country.
Their schedule featured notable victories and competitive matchups, reflecting the program’s continued growth and resilience in collegiate football.
As they prepare for their upcoming bowl game, the Eagles aim to enhance their postseason record and build upon the momentum established under Coach Helton’s guidance.
