The Sam Houston StateBearkats evened their season record at 4-4 with a 47-37 victory over Nicholls State.
In a turn of events, the Kats were led on offense by the running attack instead of the usual passing game. James Aston had four touchdowns on the way to a 142 yard rushing performance.
The Bearkats jumped out to an early lead with 24 first quarter points. The first was a Taylor Wilkins 37-yard field goal. Later, Trey Payne hauled in a 6-yard touchdown pass from Rhett Bomar.
Aston put up his first two scores of the game in the first quarter on a 2-yard and 4-yard run. He scored again in the second quarter on a 4-yard run.
Nicholls State battled back by putting up 16 points in the second quarter.
Nicholls State started off the second half with a 66-yard touchdown pass from Chris Bunch to Isa Hines. The Kats countered with another run by Aston, this time with a 14-yard run.
Bomar started the fourth quarter off with a 27-yard touchdown pass to Jason Madkins.
Nicholls State added two more touchdowns in the fourth quarter but the Bearkat lead proved to be safe.
Houston finished with 8 catches and 116 yards. He is now two catches away from tying former All-American Jarrod Fuller for most catches in a career with 99.
The offense was stellar with 576 total yards while holding the Colonels to only 306 yards of total offense. That is a far cry from last weeks total put up by Stephen F. Austin.
Bomar quietly had another superb game passing for 394 yards and two scores.
The day belonged to Aston however, who finished with 142 yards rushing and 30 yards receiving on two catches along with his four scores.
The defense forced four fumbles recovering three, and added two interceptions. They were led by Nolen Bucek, who had 10 tackles and one interception.
The Bearkats are now 4-4 on the season and 2-3 in conference play. They take on Southeastern Louisiana on Saturday at 6 p.m. at Bowers Stadium.