Sam Houston’s defense shines but offense struggles at NRG Stadium’s Salute to Service Classic.
HOUSTON — Air Force scored 10 unanswered points in the fourth quarter to pull away from Sam Houston for a 13-3 victory at the Salute to Service Classic at NRG Stadium on Saturday.
The Bearkats (0-2) defense held its own to keep Sam Houston within striking distance allowing only three points in the first half. Sam Houston just couldn’t get anything going offensively until the third quarter and finished with 80 yards of total offense.
The Kats got a boost to start the second half after Air Force (2-0) had moved into SHSU territory. Fullback Emmanuel Michel broke loose for a 22-yard gain, but linebacker Kavian Gaither forced a fumble and Dakerric Hobbs recovered at the Kats’ 38-yard line.
Running back Zach Hrbacek picked up 14 yards on three carries to move into the Falcons’ territory for the first time in the game, and quarterback Keegan Shoemaker got it down to the 38 with an eight-yard keeper. A sack threated to stall the drive, but a seven-yard pass to Hrbacek and a 10-yard pitch and catch to Ife Adeyi helped move the chains.
Sam Houston has able to overcome a holding penalty when Shoemaker connected with Noah Smith for 13 yards to setup a 45-yard field goal by Colby Sessums to tie the game and end a six-quarter scoring drought for the Kats.
The Falcons broke the tie with their second 42-yard field goal of the game to begin the fourth quarter. Fullback Owen Burk sealed the victory for Air Force with a five-yard touchdown run with just over five minutes left in the game.
The Kats have a bye week before coming back to Houston to face the Cougars on Sept. 23 at 6 p.m.
