Sam Houston Bears an Uphill Battle at No. 8 Texas as Defensive Strengths Clash with Offensive Inconsistencies

Bearkats seek answers under Phil Longo; Longhorns lean on dominant defense and depth as they close non-conference play

The Sam Houston Bearkats (0-3, 0-1 Conference USA) journey into Darrell K Royal-Texas Memorial Stadium Saturday to square off with the No. 8 Texas Longhorns (2-1) in what many see as a measuring stick game for both programs. For Texas, the matchup wraps up nonconference play before they shift focus to a demanding SEC schedule. For Sam Houston, it’s a test of whether recent improvements can translate into results against a nationally ranked, defensively dominant opponent.

Texas is led by Steve Sarkisian, with coordinators focusing on a balanced scheme: enough talent at running back, receivers, and in the trenches to force defenses to account everywhere. The Longhorns have allowed very little on defense this season, particularly against the run. Sam Houston, coached by Phil Longo, has dealt with injuries, quarterback rotation, and a porous defense so far. Longo has said the bye week has helped heal up key players and refocus fundamentals.

According to the Austin American-Statesman, Sam Houston is set to receive $1.5 million for this game. ¹

Kickoff is scheduled for 7:00 p.m. Central, broadcast on SEC Network+, with live streaming options also available.

Statistical State Comparison

On paper, the gap between Texas and Sam Houston is wide in both offense and defense. Texas averages 382.7 yards per game on offense, split roughly between 200.3 passing yards and 182.3 rushing yards. Their scoring average is about 24 points per game. Defensively, Texas allows just 245 total yards per game, broken into approximately 174.3 passing yards allowed and only 70.7 rushing yards allowed. Opponents score about 10.3 points per game against them.

Meanwhile, Sam Houston is averaging about 320.7 yards per game on offense (around 185 passing yards and 135.7 rushing yards) and scoring roughly 21.7 points per game. On defense, the Bearkats are allowing about 442.3 yards per game — including 314.7 passing yards and 127.7 rushing yards. Opponents score an average of 38.7 points per game.

Third-down conversion is another area of contrast: Texas is weak on offense on third downs, converting only around 28.6%, while Sam Houston’s defense allows a high third-down conversion rate. Red zone efficiency favors Texas, whose defense keeps opponents in check, while Sam Houston has struggled to capitalize inside the red zone offensively.

Offense Profiles

Texas Offense

• Quarterback Arch Manning has had mixed results. His passing numbers are modest — completing passes at a moderate rate, sometimes turning to runs and scrambling to make plays.
• The Longhorns have been effective on the ground despite injuries in the backfield. Running backs have carried a heavier load in certain games.
• Wide receivers and tight ends have had variable usage; Jack Endries has emerged as a strong target. Overall, offensive rhythm has been inconsistent, especially when faced with pressure or in red zone situations.
• Texas struggles on third downs offensively; their red zone scoring percentage is among the lower marks for a program of their stature in 2025.

Sam Houston Offense

• Multiple quarterbacks have been in the rotation due to injuries. There has not been consistency week to week, which has made cohesion difficult.
• Their passing game is under pressure: sluggish pass protection, hits to the quarterbacks, and timing issues have affected efficiency.
• Rushing has been uneven; when successful, it's been more on scrambles or broken plays rather than consistently dominant by the backfield.
• In the red zone, Sam Houston has struggled to finish drives with touchdowns, with a red zone offense ranked low among FBS teams. Turnovers and penalties have hampered momentum.

Defense Profiles

Texas Defense

• The longhorns’ defensive unit is among the best in FBS this season. Their ability to limit rushing yards to about 70.7 yards per game is reflective of strong defensive line play and disciplined second level.
• Through the air, they allow roughly 174 passing yards per game, which puts pressure on opponent QBs to make up yardage with bigger, riskier plays.
• Their scoring defense, holding opponents to about 10.3 points per game, creates a margin for error for their own offense.
• Texas also pressures in third-down situations, limiting opponents’ ability to move chains. Red zone defense has been solid, keeping many opponents to field goals or failed attempts.

Sam Houston Defense

• The Bearkats’ defense has yielded over 442 total yards per game, with especially poor numbers in pass defense: more than 314 passing yards allowed per outing.
• They are middle-of-the-pack or worse vs. the run, allowing about 127.7 rushing yards per game.
• Scoring defense is among the worst; nearly 39 points allowed per game. Big plays and long drives against them have been frequent.
• Defensive breakdowns, penalties, and miscommunications have compounded issues in late game situations.

Key Matchups & Strategy

• Arch Manning vs. Pressure: Texas must protect Manning, as Sam Houston’s pass rush has shown flashes. Any sacks or pressures could disrupt Texas’ passing rhythm, which is not yet dominant.
• Run Game Battles: If Sam Houston can control the line of scrimmage and maintain balance in their run game, they may chew clock and reduce pressure on their defense. Conversely, Texas will aim to shut down the run early to force predictable passing.
• Red Zone Efficiency: This could be decisive. Texas’ red zone defense is strong. If Sam Houston is unable to convert trips into touchdowns, the score could stay lopsided.
• Turnovers & Penalties: Sam Houston must limit turnovers; Texas’ defense can capitalize. Penalties have hurt both teams at times, but Sam Houston has suffered more from self-inflicted miscues.
• Special Teams & Time of Possession: Control of the clock will be important. Texas tends to dominate possession. Sam Houston will need to force stops or bursts to swing momentum.

Odds, Expectations, and Intangibles

• Betting lines heavily favor Texas: generally about 39.5-point spread, total points line around 51.5. Observers expect Texas to win by a comfortable margin.
• Texas enters the game with strong home crowd expectations; playing at night in DKR is traditionally advantageous.
• For Sam Houston, this is a chance to test depth, polish fundamentals, and show growth under Phil Longo. Even in a loss, a competitive showing could build confidence.
• For Texas, this game offers a chance to address offensive inconsistency ahead of tougher SEC competition. Strong defensive performances have masked offensive issues; some expect Texas to push for more consistent execution Saturday.

Final Thoughts:

The statistical disparity between Texas and Sam Houston suggests a challenging game for the Bearkats, especially if the Longhorns play near their defensive peaks. Sam Houston’s path to competitiveness lies in protecting their quarterback, avoiding turn-overs, converting in the red zone, and perhaps surprising Texas with big plays. But Texas, with a defense that ranks among the best in FBS by several metrics, may simply be able to control the game through physicality, field position, and limiting explosive plays. Expect Texas to win, but Sam Houston’s ability to keep questions close—or grow during the course of a half—will be closely watched.