Sam Houston State Bearkats
Southland
After losing their first two games to Texas Tech and Lamar, and giving up 108 points in the process, Sam Houston State settled down and won six games in a row. However, those wins were against the easier opponents in the Southland Conference and when the Bearkats really needed a win against a quality McNeese State team in November, they had a bad couple of minutes at the end of the first half and were never able to recover.
2015 Record: 8-3, 7-2
Coach: K.C. Keeler
Big Wins: 10/3 Stephen F. Austin (34-28), 11/21 at Central Arkansas (42-13)
Bad Losses: 9/19 Lamar (46-49), 11/7 at McNeese State (10-27)
Strengths:
Usually this is a Sam Houston State team that can put up a lot of points. Even though they gave up 59 points to Texas Tech, they did score 45. And they scored 49 in the loss to Lamar. Jared Johnson is an efficient quarterback who has thrown 18 touchdown passes and just one interception. With receivers like LaDarius Brown, Yedidiah Louis, Gerald Thomas and Davion Davis, the opposition never has an easy time stopping the Sam Houston State passing attack. Johnson can make plays with his legs too, but so can running backs Cory Avery and Jalen Overstreet. Avery is just a sophomore, but he is turning into a very dangerous back and that gives SHSU a very dangerous and balanced offense.
Weaknesses:
The defense has looked much better down the stretch, but that was against the easier competition. However, the playoffs do not provide teams like Incarnate Word and Nicholls State that this defense can suffocate. Getting consistent pressure from defensive end P.J. Hall and linebacker Myke Chatman will be key. The secondary has some talent with players like Trenier Orr and Mikell Everette, but if the opposing quarterback has time, Sam Houston State can allow quite a few yards in a hurry. This group can win in shootouts, but they have a much better chance of making a playoff run if the defense can make things more manageable for the offense.
Statistical Leaders:
Rushing: Cory Avery, RB, 981 yards
Passing: Jared Johnson, QB, 2,176 yards
Receiving: Gerald Thomas, WR, 733 yards
Tackles: P.J. Hall, DE, 48; Myke Chatman, LB, 48
Sacks: P.J. Hall, DE, 7.0
Interceptions: Mikell Everette, CB, 3
2015 Team Stats:
Rushing Offense: 264.1 (9th in nation, 2nd in conference)
Passing Offense: 280.1 (15, 1)
Total Offense: 544.2 (2, 1)
Scoring Offense: 44.0 (3, 1)
Rushing Defense: 194.6 (89, 5)
Pass Defense: 200.5 (43, 2)
Total Defense: 395.1 (70, 4)
Scoring Defense: 25.7 (56, 4)
Turnover Margin: 0.30 (38, 4)
Sacks: 1.80 (77, 5)
Sacks Allowed: 1.00 (15, 2)
Recent Playoff Appearances:
2014 First Round Defeated Southeastern Louisiana
2014 Second Round Defeated Jacksonville State
2014 Quarterfinals Defeated Villanova
2014 Semifinals Lost to North Dakota State
2013 First Round Defeated Southern Utah
2013 Second Round Lost to Southeastern Louisiana
2012 Second Round Defeated Cal Poly
2012 Quarterfinals Defeated Montana State
2012 Semifinals Defeated Eastern Washington
2012 National Championship Lost to North Dakota State
2011 Second Round Defeated Stony Brook
2011 Quarterfinals Defeated Montana State
2011 Semifinals Defeated Montana
2011 Championship Lost to North Dakota State
2004 First Round Defeated Western Kentucky
2004 Quarterfinals Defeated Eastern Washington
2004 Semifinals Lost to Montana
2001 First Round Defeated Northern Arizona
2001 Quarterfinals Lost to Montana
1991 First Round Lost to Middle Tennessee State
1986 First Round Lost to Arkansas State
*all team stats through 11/14
