Bearkat fans, get out of your seats because it is time for football.
After losing to Texas Tech the Bearkats had their bye week and have had two weeks to prep for their next opponent against the Lamar Cardinals.
After defeating Bacone College 66-3 in a “warm up game” against the NAIA opponent, the Cardinals faced a top ten opponent in Baylor.
They hung in early but were unable to keep up with the dynamic Baylor offense and fell 66-31.
Both teams play their first conference game this week.
SHSU beat Lamar 42-10 last season so the Cardinals are looking for revenge. The Bearkats look to continue their winning ways and it is entirely possible.
The Bearkats run an up-tempo, spread style offense very similar to that of the Baylor Bears.
Lamar had trouble keeping pace with Baylor down the stretch due to their defensive depth. Their top of the line cornerbacks and defensive line were doing an excellent job containing the Baylor offense, but due to the up-tempo style they could not play every snap.
When the second and third string defense came in, Baylor lit them up like a Christmas tree. Therefore, SHSU should be looking to do the same.
The SHSU offense struggled with turnovers against Texas Tech and was still able to put up 637 yards in 98 plays.
“Turnovers were our biggest issue last week,” Coach Keeler said. “We’ve been focusing very heavily on fixing that in practice this week. I plan on using both Jared and Jeremiah. They both bring something to the offense and the pair could make us really good if we use them right.”
Another player who stepped up in week one was Donavan Williams.
“It’s a huge honor for Donavan he deserves it,” Keeler said. “And it shows how good he is. I plan on still using all the running backs our up tempo style needs it and all the guys looked good. But Donavan definitely earned those carries in the red zone.”
The defense is facing another dynamic offense that has a similar quarterback situation to the Bearkats with both Joe Minden and Carson Earp taking snaps.
Lamar runs a similar offense to Texas Tech, so the Bearkats should be ready for it this time.
Injured SHSU lineman Forrest Reedy will be back this week and will be a big help to the offensive line as it is one more fresh body for Coach Keeler to use.
The “Orange Out” game is Saturday 6:00 p.m. at Elliot T. Bowers Stadium.