After dropping their third Southland Conference game last weekend, the Sam Houston State (2-5, 1-3) football team will return back to Bowers Stadium where they will take on the SLC’s newest member, the Southeastern Louisiana State Lions (3-4, 2-2) in front of a nationally televised audience by College Sports Television.
This weekend’s game will once again put the Bearkat defense against one of the top passing attacks in the SLC. Senior Trey Willie has managed to frustrate defenses with his ability to throw the ball and create plays with his legs. Currently, Willie leads the rankings as the top SLC passer.
This is not the first time this season that the Bearkat defense has had the opportunity to shut down one of the better quarterbacks in the conference. Two weeks ago, SHSU completely suffocated Stephen F. Austin quarterback Zeke Dixon, who went into that game as the top rated SLC passer. Dixon only completed 12 passes for 102 yards and was kept out of the end zone the entire game. SHSU won the contest 52-24.
In recent weeks the Bearkat offense, which struggled throughout the early part of the season, has began to really come together under the leadership of sophomore quarterback Phillip Daugherty.
The offensive efficiency is proven by the Bearkats ability to score in the red zone. SHSU has managed to put points up 25 of the 28 times they have been inside the 20-yard line, giving the Bearkats the best red zone scoring offense in the SLC.
Senior tight end Corey Roberts has emerged as Daugherty’s favorite target as the season has progressed. He has caught a total of five touchdown passes this season, which is among all leading receivers in the Southland Conference. Last Saturday against McNeese, he caught 10 passes for 112 yards.
The game will be played at Bowers Stadium in Huntsville. Kickoff is scheduled for 4 p.m.