D.D. Terry can no longer be considered a fluke, not after his latest performance in the Kats’ impressive 37-7 over defending SLC champion Nicholls State.
The Kats were rewarded by becoming the 25th ranked team in NCAA Division I-AA.
The feel-good storied running back rushed for 178 yards and three touchdowns en route to Sam Houston’s second consecutive conference victory. Terry was also named SLC Offensive Player of the Week.
It was the most yards rushing from a Bearkat since Charles Harris ran for 215 in 1993 against North Texas.
The win was even better considering the Kats were defeated 37-17 in Thibodaux, La. last season.
Just to prove that everything is clicking for the Kats’, the defense was just as equally impressive in forcing six turnovers, including two fumbles on the Colonels’ first two drives. Last season the Kats allowed 471 yards rushing, on this day it was only 254 from the option-oriented Colonels.
Nicholls had two solid drives going in the first quarter until quarterback Vincent Montgomery fumbled twice. The story of the day was Sam Houston’s ability to score off the turnovers.
Terry scored the Kats’ first two touchdowns of the game giving his team a 13-0 lead early in the second quarter. Nicholls did manage to score their first touchdown of the game with 53 seconds left in the first half when backup quarterback Chris Bunch snuck it in from one-yard out to make the score 13-7.
Both teams went without scoring most of the third quarter until Brett Hicks and Michael Malone connected on a nine-yard score that gave Sam Houston a 20-7 lead.
The Colonels shot themselves in the foot once again when Bunch ended a promising drive with another costly fumble. Sam Houston’s Terry turned it into his third touchdown of the game with a 36-yard touchdown. The drive went 73 yards on only five plays.
Andrew Audelin delivered the final blow with a 12-yard touchdown run and freshman kicker hit a 31-yard field goal to make the score 37-7.
Brett Hicks had another solid game. He didn’t rack up stats (12-of-20, 135 yards), but he managed the game well and gave the Kats a chance to win.
Sam Houston must now put this contest behind them because they will be right back at it on Thursday night when they host Central Arkansas at 7 p.m.
The game will also be televised on Fox Sports Southwest.