2024 Sam Houston Bearkats football team American college football season
The 2024 Sam Houston Bearkats football team represented Sam Houston State University in Conference USA (CUSA) during the 2024 NCAA Division I FBS football season . The Bearkats were led by K. C. Keeler during the regular season, in his eleventh year as the head coach.[ 1] Bowers Stadium , located in Huntsville, Texas .[ 2]
Following a 10–7 road win against FIU on October 22, the Bearkats became bowl eligible in just their second year since joining the FBS.[ 3]
After the regular season, K. C. Keeler announced he accepted the head coaching position at Temple .[ 4] Brad Cornelsen for the New Orleans Bowl .[ 1]
Offseason
^ a b May sometimes be referred to as an edge rusher (EDGE)
^ Also known as offensive guard (OG)
^ Also known as placekicker (PK)
^ Also known as inside linebacker (ILB)
Transfers
Outgoing
Incoming
[ 5]
Roster
Preseason
The Conference USA preseason media poll was released on July 19. The Bearkats were predicted to finish tied for fifth.[ 6]
Media poll
Predicted finish
Team
Votes (1st place)
1
Liberty
197 (18)
2
Western Kentucky
173 (2)
3
Jacksonville State
166
4
Middle Tennessee
98
5
New Mexico State
97
Sam Houston
7
Louisiana Tech
88
8
FIU
81
9
UTEP
76
10
Kennesaw State
27
Schedule
Date Time Opponent Site TV Result Attendance August 31 6:00 p.m. at Rice * ESPN+ W 34–1417,298 September 7 5:30 p.m. at UCF * ESPN+ L 14–4543,807 September 14 6:00 p.m. Hawaii * ESPN+ W 31–1415,134 September 21 6:00 p.m. New Mexico State Bowers Stadium Huntsville, TX ESPN+ W 31–1113,059 September 28 2:00 p.m. vs. Texas State * ESPN+ W 40–3927,225 8:00 p.m. at UTEP CBSSN W 41–2114,454 7:00 p.m. Western Kentucky Bowers Stadium Huntsville, TX ESPN2 L 14–318,914 6:30 p.m. at FIU ESPNU W 10–710,625 7:00 p.m. Louisiana Tech Bowers Stadium Huntsville, TX ESPNU W 9–39,128 November 16 2:00 p.m. at Kennesaw State ESPN+ W 23–17 OT 7,736 November 23 11:00 a.m. at Jacksonville State CBSSN L 11–2116,312 2:30 p.m. Liberty Bowers Stadium Huntsville, TX CBSSN W 20–188,651 6:00 p.m. vs. Georgia Southern * ESPN2 W 31–2613,151
[ 7]
Game summaries
at Rice
Sam Houston Bearkats (0–0) vs Rice Owls (0–0) – Game summary
Quarter
Total
Bearkats 17
7
10 0 34
Owls
0
7
7 0 14
at Rice Stadium • Houston, TX
Date : Game time : 6:00 p.m. CDT Game weather : Sunny • Temperature: 85 °F (29 °C) • Wind: NE at 8 miles per hour (13 km/h)Game attendance : 17,298Referee : Reid JacksonTV announcers (ESPN+ ) : Chuckie Kempf (play-by-play), Doc Holliday (analyst)
Game information
First quarter (9:42) SHSU – Qua'Vez Humphreys 67 yard pass from Hunter Watson, Christian Pavon kick (Drive: 1 play, 67 yards, 0:12; Sam Houston 7–0 )
(8:52) SHSU – David Fisher 30 yard interception return, Christian Pavon kick (Sam Houston 14–0
(3:37) SHSU – Christian Pavon 52 yard field goal (Drive: 9 plays, 42 yards, 3:43; Sam Houston 17–0 ) Second quarter (11:17) RICE – Kobie Campbell 22 yard pass from E.J. Warner , Tim Horn kick (Drive: 5 plays, 50 yards, 2:40; Sam Houston 17–7 )
(1:53) SHSU – Ife Adeyi 32 yard pass from Hunter Watson, Christian Pavon kick (Drive: 6 plays, 56 yards, 2:10; Sam Houston 24–7 ) Third quarter (10:17) SHSU – John Gentry 1 yard run, Christian Pavon kick (Drive: 10 plays, 76 yards, 4:39; Sam Houston 31–7 )
(7:31) RICE – Dean Connors 15 yard run, Tim Horn kick (Drive: 7 plays, 65 yards, 2:46; Sam Houston 31–14 )
(3:38) SHSU – Christian Pavon 26 yard field goal (Drive: 10 plays, 67 yards, 3:53; Sam Houston 34–14 ) Fourth quarter
Statistics
SHSU
RICE
First downs
20
14
Total yards
73–407
62–274
Rushing yards
46–178
18–47
Passing yards
229
227
Passing: Comp–Att–Int
16–27–0
27–44–2
Time of possession
35:20
24:40
Team
Category
Player
Statistics
Sam Houston Passing
Hunter Watson
16/27, 229 yards, 2 TD
Rushing
Hunter Watson
14 carries, 57 yards
Receiving
Qua'Vez Humphreys
3 receptions, 93 yards, 1 TD
Rice Passing
E.J. Warner 27/44, 227 yards, 1 TD, 2 INT
Rushing
Dean Connors
12 carries, 52 yards, 1 TD
Receiving
Matt Sykes
6 receptions, 74 yards
at UCF
Game Two – Sam Houston Bearkats (1–0) vs UCF Knights (1–0) – Game summary
Quarter
Total
Bearkats
0
7
0 7 14
Knights 14
10
14 7 45
at FBC Mortgage Stadium • Orlando, FL
Date : Saturday September 7, 2024Game time : 5:30 p.m. CDTGame weather : 83 °F (28 °C)Game attendance : 43,807Referee : Henry JohnsTV announcers (ESPN+ ) : James Westling (play-by-play) and Leger Douzable (analyst)
Game information
First quarter UCF: RJ Harvey 19-yard touchdown (Colton Boomer Kick), 8:17
UCF: RJ Harvey 2-yard touchdown (Colton Boomer Kick), 3:07 Second quarter UCF: Colton Boomer 50-yard field goal, 10:36
SHSU: Simeon Evans 64-yard touchdown pass from Noah Smith (Christian Pavon Kick), 8:41
UCF: RJ Harvey 22-yard touchdown (Colton Boomer Kick), 3:59 Third quarter UCF: Myles Montgomery 7-yard touchdown (Colton Boomer Kick), 9:58
UCF: RJ Harvey 2-yard touchdown (Colton Boomer Kick), 7:14 Fourth quarter UCF: P. Boone 3-yard touchdown (Colton Boomer Kick), 12:36
SHSU: Michael Phoenix II 22-yard touchdown pass from Jase Bauer (Christian Pavon Kick), 4:14
Win Probability/Line UCF 91.5%, UCF -21, Over/Under 58.5
Statistics
SHSU
UCF
First downs
12
29
Total yards
287
554
Rushing yards
68
384
Passing yards
219
170
Passing: Comp–Att–Int
9-13-2
12-15
Time of possession
25:57
34:03
Team
Category
Player
Statistics
Sam Houston Passing
Hunter Watson
9/13, 82 yards, 2 INT
Rushing
Zach Hrbacek
8 carries, 25 yards
Receiving
Simeon Evans
3 receptions, 89 yards, 1 TD
UCF Passing
KJ Jefferson 12/15, 169 yards
Rushing
RJ Harvey 19 carries, 126 yards, 4 TD
Receiving
Kobe Hudson 5 receptions, 104 yards
vs. Hawaii
Game Three – Sam Houston Bearkats (1–1) vs Hawaii Rainbow Warriors (1–1) – Game summary
Quarter
Total
Rainbow Warriors
0
3
10 0 13
Bearkats 7
10
7 7 31
at Bowers Stadium , Huntsville, TX
Date : September 14Game time : 1:00 p.m. HDT/6:00 p.m. CDT Game weather : Sunny, 96 °F (36 °C)Game attendance : 15,134Referee : Rory BernardTV announcers (ESPN+ ) : Tom Franklin (play-by-play) and John Harris (analyst)Box score , Recap
Game information
First quarter
SHSU – Qua'Vez Humphreys 7-yard pass from Hunter Watson (Christian Pavon kick), 11:00. Bearkats 7–0. Drive: 9 plays, 75 yards, 4:00. Second quarter
HAW – Kansei Matsuzawa 33-yard field goal, 13:24. Bearkats 7–3. Drive: 7 plays, 45 yards, 1:51.
SHSU – Ife Adeyi 9-yard run (Christian Pavon kick), 5:14. Bearkats 14–3. Drive: 16 plays, 75 yards, 8:10.
SHSU – Christian Pavon 26-yard field goal, 1:58. Bearkats 17–3. Drive: 7 plays, 27 yards, 2:33. Third quarter
HAW – Pofele Ashlock 5-yard pass from Brayden Schager (Kansei Matsuzawa kick), 10:03. Bearkats 17–10. Drive: 11 plays, 75 yards, 4:57.
SHSU – John Gentry 3-yard pass from Hunter Watson (Christian Pavon kick), 7:20. Bearkats 24–10. Drive: 5 plays, 93 yards, 2:36.
HAW – Kansei Matsuzawa 27-yard field goal, 1:15. Bearkats 24–13. Drive: 12 plays, 55 yards, 6:05. Fourth quarter
SHSU – Qua'Vez Humphreys 55-yard pass from Hunter Watson (Christian Pavon kick), 9:41. Bearkats 31–13. Drive: 4 plays, 68 yards, 2:02.
Statistics
HAW
SHSU
First downs
15
22
Total yards
308
422
Rushing yards
56
257
Passing yards
252
165
Turnovers
1
2
Time of possession
25:38
34:22
Team
Category
Player
Statistics
Hawaii Passing
Brayden Schager 21/42, 252 yards, TD, INT
Rushing
Cam Barfield
5 rushes, 24 yards
Receiving
Pofele Ashlock 8 receptions, 84 yards, TD
Sam Houston Passing
Hunter Watson
15/23, 165 yards, 3 TD, INT
Rushing
Jay Ducker
15 rushes, 148 yards
Receiving
Qua'Vez Humphreys
4 receptions, 106 yards, 2 TD
vs. New Mexico State
New Mexico State Aggies (1-2) at Sam Houston Bearkats (2-1) – Game summary
Quarter
Total
Aggies
3
0
0 8 11
Bearkats 14
7
0 10 31
at Bowers Stadium, Huntsville, TX
Date : September 21Game time : 5:00 p.m. MDT/6:00 p.m. CDT Game weather : Sunny, 94 °F (34 °C)Game attendance : 13,059Referee : Reed BrothersonTV announcers (ESPN+ ) : Tom Franklin (play-by-play) and Ken Moore (analyst)Box score , Recap
Game information
First quarter
NMSU – Abraham Montano 32-yard field goal, 6:36. Aggies 3–0. Drive: 13 plays, 58 yards, 4:30.
SHSU – Hunter Watson 46-yard run (Christian Pavon kick), 5:31. Bearkats 7–3. Drive: 4 plays, 75 yards, 1:05.
SHSU – Jay Ducker 1-yard run (Christian Pavon kick), 0:35. Bearkats 14–3. Drive: 7 plays, 35 yards, 1:50. Second quarter
SHSU – Hunter Watson 8-yard run (Christian Pavon kick), 6:26. Bearakts 21–3. Drive: 17 plays, 80 yards, 8:20. Third quarter
Fourth quarter
SHSU – Simeon Evans 20-yard pass from Jase Bauer (Christian Pavon kick), 13:29. Bearkats 28–3. Drive: 13 plays, 89 yards, 6:36.
NMSU – Jerry Lydiatt 3-yard pass from Santino Marucci (Santino Marucci pass to Seth McGowan), 8:35. Bearkats 28–11. Drive: 12 plays, 74 yards, 4:47.
SHSU – Christian Pavon 46-yard field goal, 1:51. Bearkats 31–11. Drive: 13 plays, 45 yards, 6:44.
Statistics
NMSU
SHSU
First downs
12
24
Total yards
152
382
Rushing yards
78
280
Passing yards
74
102
Passing: Comp–Att–Int
14–29–2
12–26–2
Time of possession
23:22
36:38
Team
Category
Player
Statistics
New Mexico State Passing
Santino Marucci
14/29, 74 yards, TD, 2 INT
Rushing
Seth McGowan
12 rushes, 50 yards
Receiving
T. J. Pride
5 receptions, 33 yards
Sam Houston Passing
Hunter Watson
9/21, 64 yards, 2 INT
Rushing
Hunter Watson
12 rushes, 116 yards, 2 TD
Receiving
Noah Smith
4 receptions, 38 yards
Game Five – Texas State Bobcats (2–1) vs. Sam Houston Bearkats (3–1) – Game summary
Quarter
Total
Bobcats
22
10
7 0 39
Bearkats 0
21
13 6 40
at NRG Stadium , Houston, TX
Date : September 28Game time : 2:00 p.m. CDTGame weather : Indoors 72 °FGame attendance : 27,225Referee : Garrett DickersonTV announcers (ESPN+) : Randy McIlvoy (play-by-play) and John Harris (analyst)
Game information
First quarter TXST– Joey Herbert 6-yard pass from Jordan McCloud, (Mason Shipley kick), 11:08. Drive: 10 plays, 77 yards, 3:46. Bobcats 7–0.
TXST– Kenny Haynes 29-yard fumble return ((Mason Shipley Pass to David Nunez for Two-Point Conversion), 9:21. Drive: 4 plays, 4 yards, 1:47. Bobcats 15–0.
TXST– Joey Hobert 2-yard pass from Jordan McCloud, (Mason Shipley kick), 2:20. Drive: 14 plays, 58 yards, 5:35. Bobcats 22–0. Second quarter SHSU– Jay Ducker 1-yard run, (Christian Pavon kick), 11:14. Drive: 13 plays, 75 yards, 6:06. Bobcats 22–7.
SHSU– Jay Ducker 14-yard run, (Christian Pavon kick), 6:16. Drive: 8 plays, 58 yards, 3:26. Bobcats 22–14.
TXST– Lincoln Pare 14-yard run, (Mason Shipley kick), 3:19. Drive: 7 plays, 65 yards, 2:57. Bobcats 29–14.
SHSU– Hunter Watson 3-yard run, (Christian Pavon kick), 0:51. Drive: 7 plays, 29 yards, 1:30. Bobcats 29–21.
TXST– Mason Shipley 60-yard field goal, 0:00. Drive: 5 plays, 48 yards, 0:41. Bobcats 32–14. Third quarter TXST– Kole Wilson 4-yard pass from Jordan McCloud (Mason Shipley Kick), 11:57. Drive: 5 plays, 48 yards, 0:41. Bobcats 39–21.
SHSU– Hunter Watson 1-yard run (Two Point Conversion failed), 4:30. Bobcats 39–27. Drive: 6 plays, 63 yards, 2:25.
SHSU– Jay Ducker 1-yard run (Pavon Christian Kick), 0:51. Bobcats 39–34. Drive: 5 plays, 24 yards, 1:50. Fourth quarter SHSU– Pavon Christian 46-yard field goal, 9:28. Drive: 7 plays, 35 yards, 4:31. Bobcats 39–37.
SHSU– Pavon Christian 24-yard field goal, 0:06. Drive: 11 plays, 72 yards, 6:43. Bearkats 40–39.
Statistics
TXST
SHSU
First downs
25
25
Total yards
417
395
Rushing yards
91
300
Passing yards
326
95
Turnovers
1
1
Time of possession
25:38
34:22
Team
Category
Player
Statistics
Texas State Passing
Jordan McCloud 29/39, 326 yards, 3 TD
Rushing
Ismail Mahdi 17 carries, 57 yards
Receiving
Jaden Williams
10 receptions, 133 yards
Sam Houston Passing
Hunter Watson
10/19, 95 yards
Rushing
Hunter Watson
27 carries, 105 yards, 2 TD
Receiving
DJ McKinney
2 receptions, 22 yards
at UTEP
Game Six – Sam Houston Bearkats (4–1) vs. UTEP Miners (0–4) – Game summary
Quarter
Total
Bearkats 7
10
21 3 41
Miners
0
7
7 7 21
at Sun Bowl , El Paso, TX
Date : Game time : 8:00 p.m. CDTGame weather : Sunny • Temperature : 83 °F (28 °C) • Wind : NE 3 miles per hour (4.8 km/h)Game attendance : 14,454Referee : Douglas MercerTV announcers (CBSSN ) : Alex Del Barrio (play-by-play) and Taylor McHargue (analyst)
Game information
First quarter (12:45) SAM – Jay Ducker 39-yard run, Christian Pavon kick (Drive: 5 plays, 75 yards, 2:15; Sam Houston 7–0 ) Second quarter (4:24) SAM – DJ McKinney 23-yard run, Christian Pavon kick (Drive: 10 plays, 81 yards, 3:19; Sam Houston 14–0 )
(3:12) UTEP – Kory Chapman 0-yard fumble recovery, Buzz Flabiano kick (Sam Houston 14–7
(0:17) SAM – Christian Pavon 19-yard field goal (Drive: 13 plays, 73 yards, 2:55; Sam Houston 17–7 ) Third quarter (13:23) SAM – Qua'Vez Humphreys 33-yard pass from Hunter Watson, Christian Pavon kick (Drive: 2 plays, 62 yards, 0:38; Sam Houston 24–7 )
(5:48) SAM – Michael Phoenix II 34-yard pass from Hunter Watson, Christian Pavon kick (Drive: 11 plays, 90 yards, 5:06; Sam Houston 31–7 )
(3:03) SAM – DJ McKinney 59-yard run, Christian Pavon kick (Drive: 3 plays, 68 yards, 0:53; Sam Houston 38–7 )
(0:23) UTEP – Marcus Vinson 52-yard pass from Cade McConnell, Buzz Flabiano kick (Drive: 6 plays, 75 yards, 2:40; Sam Houston 38–14 ) Fourth quarter (9:25) UTEP – Ezell Jolly 4-yard run, Buzz Flabiano kick (Drive: 3 plays, 40 yards, 0:41; Sam Houston 38–21 )
(2:07) SAM – Christian Pavon 42-yard field goal (Drive: 13 plays, 50 yards, 7:12; Sam Houston 41–21 )
Statistics
SHSU
UTEP
First downs
26
15
Total yards
517
323
Rushing yards
293
119
Passing yards
224
204
Turnovers
1
4
Time of possession
35:17
24:43
Team
Category
Player
Statistics
Sam Houston Passing
Hunter Watson
19/29, 224 yards, 2 TD
Rushing
DJ McKinney
14 carries, 138 yards, 2 TD
Receiving
Qua'Vez Humphreys
2 receptions, 47 yards, TD
UTEP Passing
Cade McConnell
15/28, 204 yards, TD, INT
Rushing
Ezell Jolly
17 carries, 76 yards, TD
Receiving
Kenny Odom
4 receptions, 70 yards
vs. Western Kentucky
Game Seven – Western Kentucky Hilltoppers (4–2) vs. Sam Houston Bearkats (5–1) – Game summary
Quarter
Total
Hilltoppers 7
10
0 14 31
Bearkats
0
14
0 0 14
at Bowers Stadium, Huntsville, TX
Date : Game time : 7:00 p.m. CDTGame weather : Clear • Temperature : 68 °F (20 °C) • Wind : NE 8 miles per hour (13 km/h)Game attendance : 8,914Referee : Roy BernardTV announcers (ESPN2 ) : Lowell Galindo (play-by-play) and Fozzy Whittaker (analyst)
Game information
First quarter (12:20) WKU – River Helms 17-yard pass from Caden Veltkamp, Lucas Carneiro kick (Drive: 7 plays, 65 yards, 2:40; Western Kentucky 7–0 ) Second quarter (14:50) SAM – Simeon Evans 37-yard pass from Hunter Watson, Christian Pavon kick (Drive: 8 plays, 77 yards, 3:03; Tied 7–7 )
(10:41) WKU – Lucas Carneiro 51-yard field goal (Drive: 10 plays, 32 yards, 4:09; Western Kentucky 10–7 )
(8:46) SAM – Michael Phoenix II 50-yard pass from Hunter Watson, Christian Pavon kick (Drive: 4 plays, 73 yards, 1:47; Sam Houston 14–10 )
(2:59) WKU – Elijah Young 11-yard pass from Caden Veltkamp, Lucas Carneiro kick (Drive: 13 plays, 75 yards, 5:47; Western Kentucky 17–14 ) Third quarter No scoring plays
Fourth quarter (11:45) WKU – K.D. Hutchinson 74-yard pass from Caden Veltkamp, Lucas Carneiro kick (Drive: 3 plays, 80 yards, 1:20; Western Kentucky 24–14 )
(9:31) WKU – Caden Veltkamp 19-yard run, Lucas Carneiro kick (Drive: 3 plays, 24 yards, 0:43; Western Kentucky 31–14 )
Statistics
WKU
SHSU
First downs
23
22
Total yards
411
400
Rushing yards
130
165
Passing yards
281
235
Turnovers
1
2
Time of possession
29:45
30:15
Team
Category
Player
Statistics
Western Kentucky Passing
Caden Veltkamp 20/29, 281 yards, 3 TD
Rushing
Elijah Young
23 carries, 97 yards
Receiving
K. D. Hutchinson
3 receptions, 88 yards, TD
Sam Houston Passing
Hunter Watson
6/9, 128 yards, 2 TD
Rushing
Jase Bauer 11 carries, 41 yards
Receiving
Simeon Evans
5 receptions, 59 yards, TD
at FIU
Game Eight – Sam Houston Bearkats (5–2) vs. FIU Panthers (2–5) – Game summary
Quarter
Total
Bearkats 0
0
7 3 10
Panthers
0
0
0 7 7
at Pitbull Stadium , Miami, FL
Date : Game time : 6:30 p.m. CDTGame weather : Cloudy 79 °F (26 °C)Game attendance : 10,626Referee : Rodney BurnetteTV announcers (ESPNU ) : Matt Schumacker (play-by-play) and Dustin Fox (analyst)
Game information
First quarter Second quarter Third quarter SHSU – DJ McKinney 1-yard rush, (Christian Pavon kick), 6:38. Drive: 2 plays, 3 yards, 0:46. Bearkats 7–0. Fourth quarter FIU – Eric Rivers 28-yard pass from Chayden Peery, (Alejandro Prado kick), 14:55. Drive: 12 plays, 65 yards, 6:43. Tie 7–7.
SHSU – Pavon Christian 20-yard field goal, 1:57. Drive: 12 plays, 79 yards, 6:06. Bearkats 10–7.
Statistics
SHSU
FIU
First downs
13
11
Total yards
210
200
Rushing yards
134
126
Passing yards
76
74
Turnovers
0
1
Time of possession
31:54
28:06
Team
Category
Player
Statistics
Sam Houston Passing
Jase Bauer
14/21, 76 yards
Rushing
Jase Bauer
15 carries, 72 yards
Receiving
Simeon Evans
5 receptions, 35 yards
FIU Passing
Chayden Peery
7/12, 58 yards, 1 TD
Rushing
Shomari Lawrence
8 carries, 44 yards
Receiving
Eric Rivers 3 receptions, 42 yards, 1 TD
vs. Louisiana Tech
Game Nine – Louisiana Tech Bulldogs (3–4) vs. Sam Houston Bearkats (6–2) – Game summary
Quarter
Total
Bulldogs
3
0
0 0 3
Bearkats 2
0
7 0 9
at Bowers Stadium, Huntsville, TX
Date : Game time : 7:00 p.m. CDTGame weather : Sunny • Temperature : 79 °F (26 °C) • Wind : SE 12 miles per hour (19 km/h)Game attendance : 9,128Referee : Ron HudsonTV announcers (ESPNU ) : Mike Corey (play-by-play) and Rene Ingoglia (analyst)
Game information
First quarter LT– Buck Buchanan 24-yard field goal, 2:24. Drive: 13 plays, 48 yards, 5:24. Bulldogs 3–0.
SHSU– Kendrick DuJour safety, 0:00. Bulldogs 3–2. Second quarter Third quarter SHSU– Jay Ducker 40-yard run, (Christian Pavon kick) 11:40. Drive: 7 plays, 75 yards, 3:20. Bearkats 9–3. Fourth quarter
Statistics
LT
SHSU
First downs
20
11
Total yards
312
268
Rushing yards
105
105
Passing yards
207
163
Turnovers
4
2
Time of possession
32:33
27:27
Team
Category
Player
Statistics
Louisiana Tech Passing
Evan Bullock
16/25, 148 yards, 1 INT
Rushing
Omiri Wiggins
11 carries, 49 yards
Receiving
Tru Edwards
8 receptions, 80 yards
Sam Houston Passing
Hunter Watson
14/22, 146 yards, 1 INT
Rushing
Jay Ducker
13 carries, 72 yards, 1 TD
Receiving
Noah Smith
6 receptions, 47 yards
at Kennesaw State
Game Ten – Sam Houston Bearkats (7–2) vs. Kennesaw State Owls (1–8) – Game summary
Quarter
Total
Bearkats 0
3
7 7 6 23
Owls
0
3
7 7 0 17
at Fifth Third Bank Stadium • Kennesaw, Georgia
Date : Game time : 3:00 p.m. EDTGame weather : Sunny, 67 °F (19 °C)Game attendance : 7,736Referee : Douglas MercerTV announcers (ESPN+ ) : Nolan Alexander (play-by-play), Barclay Miller (analyst) and Lauren Hoffman (sideline)
Game information
First quarter No scoring plays
Second quarter (10:17) KENN – Austin Welch 25 yard field goal (Drive: 13 plays, 83 yards, 10:27; KENN 3–0 )
(1:56) SHSU – Christian Pavon 29 yard field goal (Drive: 5 plays, 41 yards, 2:15; TIED 3–3 ) Third quarter (9:27) SHSU – Hunter Watson 25 yard run, Christian Pavon kick (Drive: 13 plays, 75 yards, 5:26; SHSU 10–3 )
(3:01) KENN – Michael Benefield 1 yard run, Austin Welch kick (Drive: 2 plays, 7 yards, 0:38; TIED 10–10 ) Fourth quarter (1:54) SHSU – Jay Ducker 17 yard run, Christian Pavon kick (Drive: 8 plays, 70 yards, 4:06; SHSU 17–10 )
(0:25) KENN – Carson Kent 9 yard pass from Davis Bryson, Austin Welch kick (Drive: 10 plays, 71 yards, 1:21; TIED 17–17 ) Overtime SHSU – Hunter Watson 10 yard run (Drive: 3 plays, 25 yards; SHSU 23–17 )
Statistics
SHSU
KENN
First downs
21
13
Total yards
382
243
Rushing yards
203
106
Passing yards
179
137
Passing: Comp–Att–Int
22–32–1
16–24–1
Time of possession
32:24
27:36
Team
Category
Player
Statistics
Sam Houston Passing
Hunter Watson
22/32, 179 yds, 1 INT
Rushing
Jay Ducker
18 carries, 111 yards, 1 TD
Receiving
Simeon Evans
5 receptions, 64 yards
Kennesaw State Passing
Davis Bryson
16/24, 137 yds, 1 TD, 1 INT
Rushing
Davis Bryson
12 carries, 46 yards
Receiving
Blake Bohannon
5 receptions, 55 yards
at Jacksonville State
Game Eleven – Sam Houston Bearkats (8–2) vs. Jacksonville State Gamecocks (7–3) – Game summary
Quarter
Total
Bearkats
0
3
8 0 11
Gamecocks 7
7
0 7 21
at JSU Stadium , Jacksonville, AL
Date : Game time : 11:00 a.m. CDTGame weather : Sunny 51 °F (11 °C)Game attendance : 16,312Referee : Garrett DickersonTV announcers (CBSSN ) : Jordan Kent (play-by-play) and Logan Ryan (analyst)
Game information
First quarter JSU – Tyler Huff 3-yard run (Garrison Rippa kick), 9:45. Gamecocks 7–0. Drive: 14 plays, 75 yards, 5:15. Second quarter SHSU – Christian Pavon 34-yard field goal, 9:12. Gamecocks 7–3. Drive: 9 plays, 41 yards, 4:53.
JSU – Tyler Huff 38-yard run (Garrison Rippa kick), 5:14. Gamecocks 14–3. Drive: 10 plays, 75 yards, 3:58. Third quarter SHSU – Hunter Watson 21-yard run (Hunter Watson run for two-point conversation), 8:16. Gamecocks 14–11. Drive: 12 plays, 78 yards, 6:37. Fourth quarter JSU – Tyler Huff 7-yard run (Garrison Rippa kick), 11:31. Gamecocks 21–11. Drive: 14 plays, 80 yards, 6:07.
Statistics
SHSU
JVST
First downs
16
20
Total yards
259
332
Rushing yards
175
278
Passing yards
84
54
Passing: Comp–Att–Int
13-26
9-12
Turnovers
0
1
Time of possession
31:05
28:55
Team
Category
Player
Statistics
Sam Houston Passing
Hunter Watson
13/25, 84 yards
Rushing
Hunter Watson
21 carries, 105 yards, 1TD
Receiving
Noah Smith
6 receptions, 65 yards
Jacksonville State Passing
Tyler Huff
9/12, 54 yards
Rushing
Tyler Huff
30 carries, 177 yards, 3TD
Receiving
Sean Brown
1 reception, 22 yards
vs. Liberty
Game Twelve – Liberty Flames (8–2) vs. Sam Houston Bearkats (8–3) – Game summary
Quarter
Total
Flames
2
7
0 9 18
Bearkats 3
14
3 0 20
at Bowers Stadium, Huntsville, TX
Date : Game time : 2:30 p.m. CDTGame weather : Sunny, 53 °F (12 °C)Game attendance : 8,651Referee : Rodney BurnetteTV announcers (CBSSN ) : Alex Del Barrio (play-by-play), Taylor McHargue (analyst)
Game information
First quarter (10:30) SHSU – Christian Pavon 39-yard field goal (Drive: 10 plays, 53 yards, 4:30; SHSU 3–0 )
(2:34) LIB - Team Safety (Drive: 2 plays, -1 yards, 0:41; SHSU 3–2 ) Second quarter (10:14) SHSU – Simeon Evans 17 yard pass from Hunter Watson, Christian Pavon kick (Drive: 13 plays, 87 yards, 4:50; SHSU 10–2 )
(6:45) SHSU – Simeon Evans 2 yard pass from Hunter Watson, Christian Pavon kick (Drive: 5 plays, 31 yards, 2:29; SHSU 17–2 )
(1:14) LIB – Elijah Canion 10 yard pass from Kaidon Salter, Colin Karhu kick (Drive: 7 plays, 51 yards, 2:10; SHSU 17–9 ) Third quarter (5:13) SHSU – Christian Pavon 38-yard field goal (Drive: 8 plays, 36 yards, 4:39; SHSU 20-9 ) Fourth quarter (7:20) LIB – Colin Karhu 43-yard field goal (Drive: 11 plays, 43 yards, 2:40; SHSU 20-12 )
(1:10) LIB – Kaidon Salter 33 yard run, Two-Point Pass Conversion Failed (Drive: 6 plays, 64 yards, 1:06; SHSU 20-18 )
Statistics
LIB
SHSU
First downs
18
18
Total yards
262
333
Rushing yards
179
131
Passing yards
83
202
Passing: Comp–Att–Int
12-37-2
19-34-1
Time of possession
24:42
35:18
Team
Category
Player
Statistics
Liberty Passing
Kaidon Salter
12/35, 83 yards, 1 TD, 2 INT
Rushing
Quinton Cooley
19 carries, 90 yards
Receiving
Reese Smith
3 receptions, 26 yards
Sam Houston Passing
Hunter Watson
19/33, 202 yards, 2 TD, 1 INT
Rushing
Jay Ducker
24 carries, 96 yards
Receiving
Simeon Evans
6 receptions, 83 yards, 2 TDs
2024 R+L Carriers New Orleans Bowl
Quarter
Total
Eagles
0
10
9 7 26
Bearkats 7
14
0 10 31
at Caesars Superdome • New Orleans, Louisiana
Date : Thursday, December 19, 2024Game time : 6:00 p.m. CST Game weather : Indoors, 64 °F (18 °C)Game attendance : 13,151Referee : David SeigleTV announcers (ESPN2 ) : Jorge Sedano (play-by-play) Orlando Franklin (analyst)
Game information
First quarter (12:02) SHSU– Jaylon Jimmerson 29-yard interception return, Christian Pavon kick. SHSU 7–0. Drive: 1 play, 0 yards, 0:07. Second quarter (9:15) GASO- Josh Dallas 17-yard pass from JC French, Gavin Stewart kick. Tied 7–7. Drive: 11 plays, 80 yards, 5:16.
(5:46) SHSU- Simeon Evans 33-yard pass from Hunter Watson, Christian Pavon kick. SHSU 14–7. Drive: 8 plays, 75 yards, 3:29.
(3:09) SHSU- Hunter Watson 2-yard run, Christian Pavon kick. SHSU 21–7. Drive: 4 plays, 13 yards, 1:43.
(0:00) GASO- Gavin Stewart 49-yard field goal. SHSU 21–10. Drive: 10 plays, 55 yards, 1:04. Third quarter (7:14) GASO- Jaylen White 1-yard run, Two-Point Conversion failed. SHSU 21–16. Drive: 5 plays, 56 yards, 2:53.
(0:05) GASO- Gavin Stewart 49-yard field goal. SHSU 21–19. Drive: 8 plays, 26 yards, 3:56. Fourth quarter (11:37) SHSU- Hunter Watson 1-yard run, Christian Pavon kick. SHSU 28–19. Drive: 8 plays, 88 yards, 3:28.
(1:57) SHSU- Christian Pavon 21-yard field goal. SHSU 31–19. Drive: 8 plays, 28 yards, 3:25.
(0:09) GASO- JC French 1-yard run, Gavin Stewart kick. SHSU 31–26. Drive: 9 plays, 73 yards, 1:48.
Statistics
GASO
SHSU
First downs
23
15
Total yards
393
267
Rushing yards
181
54
Passing yards
212
213
Passing: Comp–Att–Int
20-33-4
23-28
Time of possession
31:49
28:11
Team
Category
Player
Statistics
Georgia Southern Passing
JC French
20/33, 212 yards 1 TD, 4 INT
Rushing
Jalen White
16 carries, 90 yards, 1TD
Receiving
Derwin Burgess Jr.
6 receptions, 56 yards
Sam Houston Passing
Hunter Watson
23/28, 213 yards, 1 TD
Rushing
Jay Ducker
10 carries, 26 yards
Receiving
Simeon Evans
7 receptions, 85 yards, 1TD
References
^ a b Sportsdesk, B. V. M. (December 2, 2024). "K.C. Keeler Resigns as Sam Houston Bearkats Football Coach" . BVM Sports . Retrieved December 8, 2024 . ^ "2023 Football Coaching Staff" . Sam Houston Athletics . Retrieved February 2, 2024 .^ "Sam Houston State is bowl eligible for the first time, so which bowl is most likely destination?" . Houston Chronicle . Retrieved October 24, 2024 .^ "Temple University Names K.C. Keeler Head Football Coach" . Temple .^ "2024 Sam Houston State Football Transfer Portal" . on3.com . Retrieved October 5, 2024 .^ "FB: CUSA Announces Media's Predicted Order of Finish" . conferenceUSA.com . Conference USA. July 19, 2024. Retrieved October 2, 2024 .^ "2024 Sam Houston Football Schedule" . FBSchedules.com . Retrieved February 2, 2024 .
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