Southern Utah at Sam Houston State FCS Football 2013 Playoffs 1st Round Game Breakdown
Southern Utah at Sam Houston State, Saturday, 2:00
Sam Houston State is back in the playoffs again this year after finishing as the national runner-up the past two seasons. They struggled a bit this year, going 8-4, but still return plenty of talent. Senior QB Brian Bell and senior RB Timothy Flanders lead a potent offense. Bell threw for 2,229 yards and 30 touchdowns, while Flanders rushed for 1,172 yards for an offense that has averaged 453.4 yards per game and scores 42.3 points per game. They will go up against a talented Southern Utah defense. The Thunderbirds have the top red zone defense, rush defense, scoring defense, and total defense in the Big Sky Conference. They have also picked off 15 passes. Trouble for them is that their offense has been inconsistent all year. They haven’t been able to establish the run or the pass. Interceptions have been a problem, as they have thrown 15, and they allow 2.25 sacks per game. To have a shot at beating the Bearkats, they will need to establish one, or both, against a defense that has struggled this year. SHSU has allowed 277.7 yards through the air each game and 423.4 yards total. Special teams could be a key. Southern Utah K Colton Cook is 18-22 on field goals this season. With his offense struggling to score, he could provide some much needed points. Sam Houston State’s offense is so talented that they should be able to overcome their other deficiencies and move on to a rematch with #4 Southeastern Louisiana.
Projected Score: Sam Houston State 31, Southern Utah 13
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