Scores can be deceiving. The Bearkats lost 59-45 to the Texas Tech Red Raiders which most would think is a crushing defeat at the hands of an FBS team.
The Bearkats held with the Red Raiders in the first quarter, matching them score for score, ending the quarter at 14-14.
Senior running backs Ridgeway Frank and Donavan Williams were the first Bearkats with scoring plays.
Tech jumped out to a 42-31 lead, but a Luc Swimberghe field goal, a two-yard run by Donavan Williams, and a 29-yard touchdown pass from transfer Jeremiah Briscoe to freshman Davion Davis kept the Bearkats in the game.
The third quarter was all Texas Tech, as they jumped out to a 59-31 lead.
The Bearkats had two late touchdown runs by Donavan Williams, but were unable to close gap, falling 59-45.
Briscoe and Johnson combined went 36 for 52 totaling 320 yards, one touchdown and two interceptions. The running game totaled 317 yards on 46 carries with five scores.
Davion Davis did the heaviest lifting in the receiving game with 12 receptions, one touchdown, and 103 yards.
However, those of us who watched have learned a lot more than the stat sheets will show about the 2015 Sam Houston State Bearkats.
Jared Johnson showed excellence at extending plays with his legs, and showing good pocket awareness. Jeremiah Briscoe showed he has a cannon for an arm that could prove to be a big weapon this season.
Donavan Williams rushed for four touchdowns and 99 yards against what will most likely prove to be the biggest, fastest, strongest defense we face all season. He is also the MVP and Southland Conference Offensive Player of the Week.
Davion Davis had a chemistry with both quarterbacks which could make him one of the deadliest receivers in all of FCS this year. LaDarius Brown, the transfer from TCU looked solid as well, using his size to extend plays and break tackles after catching the ball.
The defense struggled to keep Tech from moving the ball up and down the field, but there were positives on that side of the ball as well.
Sophomore Alfonzo McMillian had an interception that he returned for 27 yards, and made two big impact tackles as well.
Sophomore P.J. Hall struggled getting into the backfield, only getting 3 tackles. However, this was the biggest and strongest offensive line he will have to try to beat all season.
Three big things we can take away from this game are the offense is abundant with star power, the defense showed promise against a big opponent, and Coach Keeler was serious about using the depth all across the field.
The Bearkats have no game this weekend due to a bye week, so the next game is against Lamar on the 19th of September at Bowers Stadium.
"defense showed promise"? 59 points were allowed....where does that speak "promise" ?