Southern Utah at Sam Houston State FCS Football 2015 Playoffs 1st Round Breakdown
Southern Utah at Sam Houston State, Saturday, 3:00
Southern Utah and Sam Houston State meet again. The last time the Thunderbirds made the playoffs, back in 2013, they were eliminated by Sam Houston State in the first round. Sam Houston State reached the playoffs this season thanks to a convincing victory over Central Arkansas in their season finale. Once again the Bearkats have a very potent offense, led by quarterback Jared Johnson. He is a very efficient quarterback who has thrown 18 touchdowns and just one interception on the season. This is a team that can score some points.
However, Southern Utah is a tough matchup for Sam Houston State. They boast one of the best pass defenses in the country and have certainly been tested in the pass happy Big Sky. Jared Johnson will get to know SUU defensive end James Cowser quite well and how much time Johnson has to throw the ball could make all of the difference. Perhaps the more interesting matchup may come when SUU has the ball. Quarterback Ammon Olsen has had some great games lately, but the SHSU defense has also been getting better as the season has progressed.
It is a little rough that Southern Utah has to go on the road for this game. They are the Big Sky champions, but the selection committee did not give much respect to the Big Sky. In any event, playing in Huntsville, Texas is not easy. Lamar did knock off SHSU in Huntsville 49-46, but that was back in September and this is a very different Sam Houston State team. Southern Utah should be able to keep the score down, but Sam Houston State should be able to get enough out of Johnson and running backs Cory Avery and Jalen Overstreet to get the win and move on to face McNeese State.
Projected Score: Sam Houston State 28, Southern Utah 24
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