HUNTSVILLE – Fourth-ranked Sam Houston State learns its FCS Playoffs journey on Sunday. On Saturday, it reached the 10-win mark with another statement victory.
The Bearkats rolled up 600-plus yards of total offense, blocked a field goal and two point-after attempts while stuffing the Huskies at the line, defeating Houston Baptist, 53-33 on Senior Day at Bowers Stadium.
For the first time since Oct. 13, 1979, three Sam Houston (10-1, 8-1 Southland) receivers surpassed the century mark.Nathan Stewart hauled in three touchdowns to go alongside 198 yards while Yedidiah Louis accounted for 125 yards and a score. Davion Davis added a score and 108 yards.
The Bearkats, who honored 16 seniors prior to the game, sent the group out in style. The victory was the 44th since 2014 as the winningest-class in program history continued its assault on the record book. The group is 25-2 at Bowers Stadium in four seasons.
Jeremiah Briscoe threw for 464 yards on 28-of-43 passing to go alongside five touchdowns. The senior also ran one in from one yard out for the first score of the game after Louis hauled in a 41-yard diving grab at the half-yard line.
Chris Stewart matched P.J. Hall’s program record with two blocked point-after attempts. The junior also scooped a forced fumble by Josh Price as time expired in the third quarter, setting up the final touchdown of the game. Hall also blocked the 14th field goal of his career.
With the win, Sam Houston has now claimed 10 or more victories in four-straight seasons and six of the last seven years. It is the ninth time in the 102-year history of the program that a Sam Houston team has accomplished the feat. It was also the 18th-straight win at Bowers Stadium, a mark that began on Sept. 26, 2015, against the Huskies. The school record is 23 (2010-14).
The FCS Championship Selection Show will take place on Sunday at 10 a.m. on ESPNU. The Bearkats have made 10 FCS playoff appearances and are just one of three teams to reach the playoffs each of the last six seasons. The Kats are 14-6 during that span.