2024 Sam Houston Bearkats football team

2024 Sam Houston Bearkats football
New Orleans Bowl champion
ConferenceConference USA
Record10–3 (6–2 CUSA)
Head coach
Offensive coordinatorBrad Cornelsen (2nd season)
Offensive schemeSpread
Defensive coordinatorSkyler Cassity (1st season)
Base defense3–4
Home stadiumBowers Stadium
2024 Conference USA football standings
Conf. Overall
Team   W   L     W   L  
Jacksonville State y$   7 – 1     9 – 5  
Western Kentucky y   6 – 2     8 – 6  
  6 – 2     10 – 3  
Liberty   5 – 3     8 – 4  
Louisiana Tech   4 – 4     5 – 8  
UTEP   3 – 5     3 – 9  
FIU   3 – 5     4 – 8  
New Mexico State   2 – 6     3 – 9  
Middle Tennessee   2 – 6     3 – 9  
Kennesaw State*   2 – 6     2 – 10  
Championship: Jacksonville State 52, Western Kentucky 12
  • $ – Conference champion
  • y – Championship game participant
  • * – Ineligible for postseason play due to FCS-to-FBS transition rules

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] The Bearkats played their home games at 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] He was replaced on an interim basis by offensive coordinator Brad Cornelsen for the New Orleans Bowl.[1]

Offseason

Positions key
C Center CB Cornerback DB Defensive back DE Defensive end[a]
DL Defensive lineman DT Defensive tackle FB Fullback FS Free safety
G Guard[b] K Kicker[c] KR Kickoff returner LB Linebacker
LS Long snapper MLB Middle linebacker[d] OT Offensive tackle OL Offensive lineman
OLB Outside linebacker[a] NT Nose tackle P Punter PR Punt returner
QB Quarterback RS Return specialist RB Running back S Safety
SS Strong safety TE Tight end WR Wide receiver
  1. ^ a b Sometimes referred to as an edge rusher (EDGE)
  2. ^ Also known as an offensive guard (OG)
  3. ^ Also known as a placekicker (PK)
  4. ^ Also known as an inside linebacker (ILB)

Transfers

Outgoing

Player Position Destination
Xavier Ward QB San Jose State
Jordan Yates WR Tennessee Tech
Zachary Session OL McNeese
Dakerric Hobbs CB New Mexico State
Da'Marcus Crosby S New Mexico State
Kaden Kelly S Northeastern State
D'Marea Weaver DB None

Incoming

Player Position Previous Team
S'Maje Burrell LB Texas
CJ Johnson LB Memphis
Jay Ducker RB Memphis
Austin Smith TE Memphis
Jalen O'Neal DB Abilene Christian
Denver Warren DL New Mexico State
Fernando Garza TE Texas A&M
Austin Smith TE Colorado
Dylan Frazier DL SMU
Jaylon Jimmerson DB Liberty
Isaiah Cash DB Houston Christian
Jase Bauer QB Central Michigan
Kaden Taylor WR North Texas
Quincy Wright DL Oregon State
Joe Swen S Oregon State
Kason Tullos LB Texas A&M
Nyquee Hawkins S Virginia Tech
Kendrick DuJour DL Coffeyville CC

[5]

Roster

2024 Sam Houston Bearkats football team roster
Players Coaches
Offense
Pos. # Name Class
RB 0 Zach Hrbacek  Jr
RB 1 John Gentry  Jr
WR 2 Ife Adeyi  Sr
WR 3 Simeon Evans  Jr
WR 4 Michael Phoenix II  Jr
QB 5 Grant Gunnell GS
WR 6 Noah Smith  Sr
WR 7 Qua'Vez Humphreys  Jr
QB 8 Jase Bauer  Jr
RB 9 Jay Ducker GS
QB 10 Hunter Watson  Jr
WR 11 Malik Phillips Sr
TE 12 Austin Smith  Jr
QB 13 Sylas Gomez  So
WR 14 Jyzaiah Rockwell  So
QB 15 DJ Bailey Fr
WR 15 Shane Johnson  Jr
WR 17 Lonnie Adkism  Fr
TE 19 Elijah Sohn  Sr
RB 21 DJ McKinney  Fr
WR 23 Adrian Murdaugh  Jr
WR 25 Matthew Tatum  Fr
RB 26 Trey Taylor Fr
RB 27 Garret Hagler  So
RB 34 Landan Brown  Fr
TE 48 Braeden Howell  Jr
OL 52 Will Hutchens  Fr
OL 54 Mich'le Joseph So
OL 56 Luke Eckardt Jr
OL 57 Ethan Hagler  Sr
OL 59 Graceson Jackson-Smith  Jr
OL 61 Ben Gehrke Fr
OL 62 Carter Buchheit Fr
OL 65 Easton Fulton  Fr
OL 68 Jeremiah Edmond So
OL 69 Seth Kohlscheen  Sr
OL 70 Rhett Larson  So
OL 71 James Dawn II Jr
OL 73 MarKendrick Beall Sr
OL 75 William McCollum Sr
OL 76 Ford Ivey  Fr
OL 78 Orion Irving  So
OL 79 Kolt Dieterich  Fr
WR 80 Fatu Mukuba Fr
WR 81 Marcus Field Fr
TE 82 Cooper Stevens Fr
WR 83 Darrick Bledsoe III  Fr
WR 84 Kaden Taylor Fr
WR 85 Karson Maynard Fr
TE 86 Thomas Jewett Fr
WR 87 Rushil Patel  Fr
WR 88 Terrance Guillory II Fr
TE 89 Fernando Garza III  Jr
Defense
Pos. # Name Class
DL 0 Chris Murray  Jr
DL 1 Jevon Leon  Sr
DB 2 Da'Veawn Armstead  Jr
DB 3 Caleb Weaver  Jr
DB 4 Jaylon Jimmerson GS
DB 5 David Fisher  Jr
LB 6 Trey Fields Sr
DB 7 Emon Allen  Jr
LB 8 Sincere Jackson  Jr
LB 9 Ysidro Mascorro  Jr
LB 10 Jaylen Phillips Sr
DL 11 Denver Warren  Jr
DB 12 Tyler Bailey  So
DB 13 Ny'Quee Hawkins GS
LB 14 Kavian Gaither Sr
DB 15 Jalen O'Neal  Fr
DB 16 Joe Swen So
OLB 18 Issiah Nixon Sr
DB 19 Isaiah Cash GS
DB 20 Chantson Prox So
DB 21 Dravon Wilson Fr
DB 22 Jaidan Scott  So
DB 23 Railyn Adams Fr
DB 24 Elias Escobar  Sr
DB 25 Dax Horany  Fr
LB 26 S'Maje Burrell  Fr
DB 27 Lyric Smith Fr
LB 28 CJ Johnson  Jr
DB 29 KeSean Raven  Jr
LB 30 Kason Tullos GS
DB 31 Quan Williams  Jr
DL 33 Kendrick DuJour  So
DB 34 Cadiin Johnson  Jr
LB 35 Gannon Tullos  So
LB 36 Dean Ford Fr
OLB 37 Jacquis Ishmeal Jr. Jr
OLB 38 Mitch Melton Fr
DB 39 Jon-Bernard Reynolds So
OLB 42 Ca'lub Holloway  So
DL 44 Briceon Hayes  Jr
LB 45 Eli Wallace  Fr
DB 46 Jason Dabney  Fr
LB 50 Forest Gatlin III  Fr
DL 51 Jaredh Frayre Fr
DL 53 Godgive Ugochukwu  Fr
DL 54 Matthew Westmoreland Fr
DL 55 Jaden Phillips Sr
DL 57 Ryan Gilleylen  So
DL 58 Joshua Frayre Fr
DL 59 Stephan Ochai Fr
DL 90 Richard Outland  Jr
DL 91 Andrew Edmonson  So
DL 92 Jayden Gaines  Fr
DL 93 Seth Mason GS
DL 94 Josiah Stephens Fr
DL 96 Matthew Aribisala  Fr
DL 97 Dylan Frazier  So
DL 98 Quardale Patt Jr
DL 99 Quincy Wright So
Special teams
Pos. # Name Class
K, P 39 Shaun Neibert Fr
LS 41 Zach Stricker  Jr
K, P 43 Jadon Cardell  Jr
LS 46 Carson Whitington  So
K, P 47 Colby Sessums  Jr
K, P 48 Joe Nelson Fr
K, P 49 Christian Pavon  Jr
Head coach
Coordinators/assistant coaches
  • John Johnson – Assistant head coach/running backs
  • Brad Cornelsen – Offensive coordinator
  • Skyler Cassity – Defensive coordinator
  • Mike Bangtson – Offensive line
  • Chris Buckner – Passing game coordinator/wide receivers
  • Ike Eguae – Defensive line
  • Reggie Johnson – Linebackers
  • Matt Merkens – Tight ends
  • Greg Richmond – Defensive ends
  • Julian Wilson – Defensive backs
  • Clayton Barnes – General manager for football
  • Zach Milliet – Special teams analyst
  • Keaton Altman – Offensive graduate assistant
  • Knox Kadum – Offensive graduate assistant
  • Ryan Roberts – Defensive graduate assistant
  • Jacob Surdy – Defensive graduate assistant
Legend
  • (C) Team captain
  • (S) Suspended
  • (I) Ineligible
  • Injured
  • Redshirt

Roster
Last update: October 5, 2024

Preseason

C-USA media poll

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

DateTimeOpponentSiteTVResultAttendance
August 316:00 p.m.at Rice*
ESPN+W 34–1417,298
September 75:30 p.m.at UCF*
ESPN+L 14–4543,807
September 146:00 p.m.Hawaii*
ESPN+W 31–1415,134
September 216:00 p.m.New Mexico State
  • Bowers Stadium
  • Huntsville, TX
ESPN+W 31–1113,059
September 282:00 p.m.vs. Texas State*
ESPN+W 40–3927,225
October 38:00 p.m.at UTEP
CBSSNW 41–2114,454
October 167:00 p.m.Western Kentucky
  • Bowers Stadium
  • Huntsville, TX
ESPN2L 14–318,914
October 226:30 p.m.at FIU
ESPNUW 10–710,625
October 297:00 p.m.Louisiana Tech
  • Bowers Stadium
  • Huntsville, TX
ESPNUW 9–39,128
November 162:00 p.m.at Kennesaw State
ESPN+W 23–17 OT7,736
November 2311:00 a.m.at Jacksonville State
CBSSNL 11–2116,312
November 292:30 p.m.Liberty
  • Bowers Stadium
  • Huntsville, TX
CBSSNW 20–188,651
December 196:00 p.m.vs. Georgia Southern*
ESPN2W 31–2613,151

[7]

Game summaries

at Rice

See also: 2024 Rice Owls football team
Sam Houston Bearkats (0–0) vs Rice Owls (0–0) – Game summary
Quarter 1 2 34Total
Bearkats 17 7 10034
Owls 0 7 7014

at Rice Stadium • Houston, TX

  • Date: August 31st
  • 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: 17,298
  • Referee: Reid Jackson
  • TV 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
  • No scoring plays
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

See also: 2024 UCF Knights football team
Game Two – Sam Houston Bearkats (1–0) vs UCF Knights (1–0) – Game summary
Quarter 1 2 34Total
Bearkats 0 7 0714
Knights 14 10 14745

at FBC Mortgage Stadium • Orlando, FL

  • Date: Saturday September 7, 2024
  • Game time: 5:30 p.m. CDT
  • Game weather: 83 °F (28 °C)
  • Game attendance: 43,807
  • Referee: Henry Johns
  • TV announcers (ESPN+): James Westling (play-by-play) and Leger Douzable (analyst)
Game information
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

See also: 2024 Hawaii Rainbow Warriors football team
Game Three – Sam Houston Bearkats (1–1) vs Hawaii Rainbow Warriors (1–1) – Game summary
Quarter 1 2 34Total
Rainbow Warriors 0 3 10013
Bearkats 7 10 7731

at Bowers Stadium, Huntsville, TX

  • Date: September 14
  • Game time: 1:00 p.m. HDT/6:00 p.m. CDT
  • Game weather: Sunny, 96 °F (36 °C)
  • Game attendance: 15,134
  • Referee: Rory Bernard
  • TV 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

See also: 2024 New Mexico State Aggies football team
New Mexico State Aggies (1-2) at Sam Houston Bearkats (2-1) – Game summary
Quarter 1 2 34Total
Aggies 3 0 0811
Bearkats 14 7 01031

at Bowers Stadium, Huntsville, TX

  • Date: September 21
  • Game time: 5:00 p.m. MDT/6:00 p.m. CDT
  • Game weather: Sunny, 94 °F (34 °C)
  • Game attendance: 13,059
  • Referee: Reed Brotherson
  • TV 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

  • No scoring plays

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

vs. Texas State (rivalry)

See also: 2024 Texas State Bobcats football team
Game Five – Texas State Bobcats (2–1) vs. Sam Houston Bearkats (3–1) – Game summary
Quarter 1 2 34Total
Bobcats 22 10 7039
Bearkats 0 21 13640

at NRG Stadium, Houston, TX

  • Date: September 28
  • Game time: 2:00 p.m. CDT
  • Game weather: Indoors 72 °F
  • Game attendance: 27,225
  • Referee: Garrett Dickerson
  • TV 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

See also: 2024 UTEP Miners football team
Game Six – Sam Houston Bearkats (4–1) vs. UTEP Miners (0–4) – Game summary
Quarter 1 2 34Total
Bearkats 7 10 21341
Miners 0 7 7721

at Sun Bowl, El Paso, TX

  • Date: October 3
  • Game time: 8:00 p.m. CDT
  • Game weather: Sunny • Temperature: 83 °F (28 °C) • Wind: NE 3 miles per hour (4.8 km/h)
  • Game attendance: 14,454
  • Referee: Douglas Mercer
  • TV 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

See also: 2024 Western Kentucky Hilltoppers football team
Game Seven – Western Kentucky Hilltoppers (4–2) vs. Sam Houston Bearkats (5–1) – Game summary
Quarter 1 2 34Total
Hilltoppers 7 10 01431
Bearkats 0 14 0014

at Bowers Stadium, Huntsville, TX

  • Date: October 16
  • Game time: 7:00 p.m. CDT
  • Game weather: Clear • Temperature: 68 °F (20 °C) • Wind: NE 8 miles per hour (13 km/h)
  • Game attendance: 8,914
  • Referee: Roy Bernard
  • TV 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

See also: 2024 FIU Panthers football team
Game Eight – Sam Houston Bearkats (5–2) vs. FIU Panthers (2–5) – Game summary
Quarter 1 2 34Total
Bearkats 0 0 7310
Panthers 0 0 077

at Pitbull Stadium, Miami, FL

  • Date: October 22
  • Game time: 6:30 p.m. CDT
  • Game weather: Cloudy 79 °F (26 °C)
  • Game attendance: 10,626
  • Referee: Rodney Burnette
  • TV announcers (ESPNU): Matt Schumacker (play-by-play) and Dustin Fox (analyst)
Game information
First quarter
  • No scoring plays
Second quarter
  • No scoring plays
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

See also: 2024 Louisiana Tech Bulldogs football team
Game Nine – Louisiana Tech Bulldogs (3–4) vs. Sam Houston Bearkats (6–2) – Game summary
Quarter 1 2 34Total
Bulldogs 3 0 003
Bearkats 2 0 709

at Bowers Stadium, Huntsville, TX

  • Date: October 29
  • Game time: 7:00 p.m. CDT
  • Game weather: Sunny • Temperature: 79 °F (26 °C) • Wind: SE 12 miles per hour (19 km/h)
  • Game attendance: 9,128
  • Referee: Ron Hudson
  • TV 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
  • No scoring plays
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
  • No scoring plays
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

See also: 2024 Kennesaw State Owls football team
Game Ten – Sam Houston Bearkats (7–2) vs. Kennesaw State Owls (1–8) – Game summary
Quarter 1 2 34OTTotal
Bearkats 0 3 77623
Owls 0 3 77017

at Fifth Third Bank Stadium • Kennesaw, Georgia

  • Date: November 16th
  • Game time: 3:00 p.m. EDT
  • Game weather: Sunny, 67 °F (19 °C)
  • Game attendance: 7,736
  • Referee: Douglas Mercer
  • TV 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

See also: 2024 Jacksonville State Gamecocks football team
Game Eleven – Sam Houston Bearkats (8–2) vs. Jacksonville State Gamecocks (7–3) – Game summary
Quarter 1 2 34Total
Bearkats 0 3 8011
Gamecocks 7 7 0721

at AmFirst Stadium, Jacksonville, AL

  • Date: November 23
  • Game time: 11:00 a.m. CDT
  • Game weather: Sunny 51 °F (11 °C)
  • Game attendance: 16,312
  • Referee: Garrett Dickerson
  • TV 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

See also: 2024 Liberty Flames football team
Game Twelve – Liberty Flames (8–2) vs. Sam Houston Bearkats (8–3) – Game summary
Quarter 1 2 34Total
Flames 2 7 0918
Bearkats 3 14 3020

at Bowers Stadium, Huntsville, TX

  • Date: November 29
  • Game time: 2:30 p.m. CDT
  • Game weather: Sunny, 53 °F (12 °C)
  • Game attendance: 8,651
  • Referee: Rodney Burnette
  • TV 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

vs. Georgia Southern (New Orleans Bowl)

See also: 2024 Georgia Southern Eagles football team and 2024 New Orleans Bowl
2024 R+L Carriers New Orleans Bowl
Georgia Southern Eagles (8-4, 6-2) at Sam Houston Bearkats (9-3, 6-2)
Quarter 1 2 34Total
Eagles 0 10 9726
Bearkats 7 14 01031

at Caesars Superdome • New Orleans, Louisiana

  • Date: Thursday, December 19, 2024
  • Game time: 6:00 p.m. CST
  • Game weather: Indoors, 64 °F (18 °C)
  • Game attendance: 13,151
  • Referee: David Seigle
  • TV 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

  1. ^ 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.
  2. ^ "2023 Football Coaching Staff". Sam Houston Athletics. Retrieved February 2, 2024.
  3. ^ "Sam Houston State is bowl eligible for the first time, so which bowl is most likely destination?". Houston Chronicle. Retrieved October 24, 2024.
  4. ^ "Temple University Names K.C. Keeler Head Football Coach". Temple.
  5. ^ "2024 Sam Houston State Football Transfer Portal". on3.com. Retrieved October 5, 2024.
  6. ^ "FB: CUSA Announces Media's Predicted Order of Finish". conferenceUSA.com. Conference USA. July 19, 2024. Retrieved October 2, 2024.
  7. ^ "2024 Sam Houston Football Schedule". FBSchedules.com. Retrieved February 2, 2024.
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