2013 Sam Houston State Bearkats football
ConferenceSouthland Conference
Ranking
Sports NetworkNo. 14
FCS CoachesNo. 13
Record9–5 (4–3 Southland)
Head coach
Offensive coordinatorDoug Ruse (2nd season)
Offensive schemeSpread option
Defensive coordinatorMike Collins (1st season)
Base defense3–4
Home stadiumBowers Stadium
2013 Southland Conference football standings
ConfOverall
Team W L  W L 
No. 6 Southeastern Louisiana $^  7 –0   11 –3  
No. 11 McNeese State ^  6 –1   10 –3  
No. 14 Sam Houston State ^  4 –3   9 –5  
Central Arkansas  4 –3   7 –5  
Northwestern State  3 –4   6 –6  
Lamar  2 –5   5 –7  
Nicholls State  1 –6   4 –8  
Stephen F. Austin  1 –6   3 –9  
  • $ – Conference champion
  • ^ – FCS playoff participant
Rankings from The Sports Network poll

The 2013 Sam Houston State Bearkats football team represented Sam Houston State University in the 2013 NCAA Division I FCS football season. The Bearkats were led by fourth-year head coach Willie Fritz and played their home games at Bowers Stadium. They were a member of the Southland Conference.

Before the season

2013 recruits

18 recruits committed to Sam Houston State during the 2013 Spring signing days.[1]

US college sports recruiting information for 2013 recruits
Name Hometown High school / college Height Weight Commit date
Luc Swimberghe
K		 Lindale, TX Lindale 6 ft 0 in (1.83 m) 175 lb (79 kg)  
Recruiting star ratings: Scout: N/A   Rivals: N/A   247Sports: N/A    ESPN:3/5 stars
Darion Flowers
WR		 Tyler, TX Tyler 5 ft 11 in (1.80 m) 160 lb (73 kg)  
Recruiting star ratings: Scout: N/A   Rivals:2/5 stars   247Sports: N/A
Parker Murry
OL		 Plano, TX Plano West 6 ft 2 in (1.88 m) 275 lb (125 kg)  
Recruiting star ratings: Scout: N/A   Rivals:2/5 stars   247Sports: N/A
Ryne Yost
OL		 Lawton, OK Lawton 6 ft 5 in (1.96 m) 275 lb (125 kg)  
Recruiting star ratings: Scout: N/A   Rivals:2/5 stars   247Sports: N/A
Aaron Sowell
OL		 Katy, TX Katy 6 ft 1 in (1.85 m) 275 lb (125 kg)  
Recruiting star ratings: Scout: N/A   Rivals:2/5 stars   247Sports: N/A
Demontrai Lewis
DE		 Lufkin, TX Lufkin 6 ft 3 in (1.91 m) 230 lb (100 kg)  
Recruiting star ratings: Scout: N/A   Rivals:2/5 stars   247Sports: N/A
Forrest Reedy
OL		 Huntsville, TX Huntsville 6 ft 4 in (1.93 m) 297 lb (135 kg)  
Recruiting star ratings: Scout: N/A   Rivals:2/5 stars   247Sports: N/A
Luis Carreno
OG		 Coppell, TX Coppell 6 ft 2 in (1.88 m) 241 lb (109 kg)  
Recruiting star ratings: Scout: N/A   Rivals: N/A   247Sports: N/A
Rey Baltazar
OT		 Marble Falls, Texas Marble Falls High School 6 ft 6 in (1.98 m) 270 lb (120 kg)  
Recruiting star ratings: Scout: N/A   Rivals: N/A   247Sports: N/A
John Roderique
QB		 Webb City, MO Webb City 6 ft 4 in (1.93 m) 200 lb (91 kg)  
Recruiting star ratings: Scout: N/A   Rivals: N/A   247Sports: N/A
Ragan Henderson
ILB		 Rice, TX Rice 6 ft 0 in (1.83 m) 240 lb (110 kg)  
Recruiting star ratings: Scout: N/A   Rivals: N/A   247Sports: N/A
Patrick Hall Jr
DE		 Seguin, TX Seguin 6 ft 1 in (1.85 m) 250 lb (110 kg)  
Recruiting star ratings: Scout: N/A   Rivals: N/A   247Sports: N/A
De'Chaar Greer
RB		 Waco, TX Midway 5 ft 10 in (1.78 m) 196 lb (89 kg)  
Recruiting star ratings: Scout: N/A   Rivals: N/A   247Sports: N/A
Shyon Motlagh
WR		 Heath, TX Rockwall-Heath 6 ft 2 in (1.88 m) 185 lb (84 kg)  
Recruiting star ratings: Scout: N/A   Rivals: N/A   247Sports: N/A
Sammy Webb IV
DB		 Fort Worth, TX Arlington Heights 5 ft 10 in (1.78 m) 170 lb (77 kg)  
Recruiting star ratings: Scout: N/A   Rivals: N/A   247Sports: N/A
Tre Goodwin
OL		 Tyler, TX Tyler JC 6 ft 1 in (1.85 m) 295 lb (134 kg)  
Recruiting star ratings: Scout: N/A   Rivals: N/A   247Sports: N/A
Tyrel Stokes
DB		 Harker Heights, TX Harker Heights 6 ft 0 in (1.83 m) 175 lb (79 kg)  
Recruiting star ratings: Scout: N/A   Rivals: N/A   247Sports: N/A
Jacorey Washington
DE/LB		 Houston, TX Aldine 6 ft 0 in (1.83 m) 240 lb (110 kg)  
Recruiting star ratings: Scout: N/A   Rivals: N/A   247Sports: N/A
Overall recruiting rankings: Scout: Not Ranked   Rivals: Not Ranked  ESPN: Not Ranked
  • Note: In many cases, Scout, Rivals, 247Sports, and ESPN may conflict in their listings of height and weight.
  • In these cases, the average was taken. ESPN grades are on a 100-point scale.

Sources:

  • "2013 Player Commitments – Sam Houston State". ESPN.com.
  • "2013 Team Ranking". Rivals.com.

Orange-White Classic

Sam Houston State returned to the birthplace of Bearkat football, Pritchett Field, for the annual Orange-White spring game. A presentation of the Liberty Mutual Coach of the Year Award to head coach Willie Fritz took place before the game.

Quarterbacks Brian Bell, Don King III, and Rubis Requeno ran the first and second team offenses, where running backs Timothy Flanders and Keyshawn Hill saw limited action, relinquishing most of the rushing duties to backups. The game also saw former backup quarterback Chris Grett play his new position at safety.[2]

Coaching changes

Following the spring game, it was announced that Scott Stoker would no longer be the defensive coordinator of the Bearkats, having accepted the same position at University of Texas El Paso.[3] On May 15, 2013, Sam Houston State announced Mike Collins, former DC and Assistant Head Coach of McNeese State, would become the defensive coordinator for Sam Houston State for the 2013 season.[4]

Preseason All-Americans

Three Sam Houston football players were named The Sports Network All-America for the 2013 season. Timothy Flanders, running back and the back-to-back Southland Conference Player of the Year, earned first team honors. Richard Sincere, the 2011 Southland Conference Offensive Player of the Year, was placed on the second team. Bookie Sneed, cornerback, was named to the third team squad.[5]

Schedule

DateTimeOpponentRankSiteTVResultAttendance
August 316:00 pmHouston Baptist*No. 3
BSNW 74–09,246
September 76:00 pmat No. 7 (FBS) Texas A&M*No. 4
FSSW PPVL 28–6586,800
September 142:00 pmTexas Southern*No. 5
  • Bowers Stadium
  • Huntsville, TX
CSNHW 55–176,403
September 216:00 pmIncarnate Word*No. 5
  • Bowers Stadium
  • Huntsville, TX
BSNW 52–215,789
September 282:00 pmNo. 2 Eastern Washington*No. 4
  • Bowers Stadium
  • Huntsville, TX
CSNHW 49–348,621
October 122:00 pmLamardaggerNo. 2
  • Bowers Stadium
  • Huntsville, TX
BSNW 14–39,156
October 197:00 pmat No. 9 McNeese StateNo. 2
ESPN3L 23–3115,352
October 262:00 pmNorthwestern StateNo. 7
  • Bowers Stadium
  • Huntsville, TX
BSNW 44–105,527
November 23:00 pmvs. Stephen F. AustinNo. 8
SLCTVW 56–4926,213
November 92:00 pmNicholls StateNo. 6
  • Bowers Stadium
  • Huntsville, TX
BSNW 49–247,507
November 163:00 pmat No. 14 Southeastern LouisianaNo. 4
SLCTVL 21–347,302
November 233:00 pmat Central ArkansasNo. 9
L 31–494,227
November 302:00 pmNo. 22 Southern Utah*No. 14
ESPN3W 51–204,069
December 77:00 pmat No. 7 Southeastern Louisiana*No. 14
  • Strawberry Stadium
  • Hammond, LA (NCAA Division I Second Round)
ESPN3L 29–306,874

Game summaries

Houston Baptist

Houston Baptist at Sam Houston State
1 234Total
Huskies 0 000 0
• #3 Bearkats 21 28178 74
  • Date: August 31
  • Location: Bowers Stadium
    Huntsville, TX
  • Game start: 6:00PM CST
  • Elapsed time: 2:57
  • Game attendance: 9,246
  • Referee: R Smith
  • TV announcers (BSN): Charlie Farris
Sources:[6]
Scoring summary
111:27SHSUTimot Flaunders 4-yard touchdown run, Luc Swimberghe kick goodSHSU 7–0
18:58SHSUKeshawn Hill 4-yard touchdown run, Luc Swimberghe kick goodSHSU 14–0
16:19SHSUTorra Williams 66-yard touchdown reception from Brian Bell, Luc Swimberghe kick goodSHSU 21–0
213:16SHSUJosh Lyons 8-yard touchdown pass from Brian Bell, Luc Swmiberghe kick goodSHSU 28–0
211:38SHSUShelby Davis 48-yard interception returned for touchdown, Luc Swimberghe kick goodSHSU 35–0
26:28SHSUBrian Bell 2-yard touchdown run, Luc Swimberghe kick goodSHSU 42–0
22:46SHSUSteven Hicks 4-yard touchdown run, Luc Swimberghe kick goodSHSU 49–0
310:44SHSULuc Swimberghe 41-yard field goalSHSU 52–0
39:24SHSUTristan Eche 32-yard interception returned for touchdown, Luc Swimberghe kick goodSHSU 59–0
34:03SHSUDon King III 3-yard touchdown run, Brad Dunavant kick goodSHSU 66–0
48:11SHSUTeam SafetySHSU 68–0
43:58SHSUCory Idlebird 3-yard touchdown run, Brad Dunavant kick failedSHSU 74–0

Sam Houston faced the HBU Huskies for the first time, with HBU fielding its first football team in school history.[7]

SHSU struck on its first possession, ending with a four-yard run by running back Timothy Flanders with 11:27 remaining in the first quarter, followed by the extra point by kicker Luc Swimberghe for a 7–0 lead. On the Bearkats' next possession, running back Keshawn Hill made a four-yard run at the 8:58-minute mark and with the extra point the score was 14–0 Bearkats.[8] This was followed with SHSU quarterback Brian Bell making a 66-yard scoring pass to wide receiver Torrance Williams with 6:19 remaining in the quarter, and the extra point brought the score to 21–0 Bearkats.[9]

In the second quarter, Bell made an eight-yard touchdown pass to tight end Josh Lyons, and Swimberghe's extra point raised the score to 28–0 Bearkats. On the Huskies' next possession, a pass by HBU quarterback Ka'Darius Baker was intercepted by SHSU defensive back Shelby Davis who returned the ball 48 yards for a touchdown at the 11:38 mark, and with the extra point SHSU increased its lead to 35–0. SHSU scored again with two-yard quarterback keeper by Bell at the 6:28 mark, and the Bearkats made a final score in the quarter with a four-yard run by running back Steven Hicks, which, following the extra point, had SHSU going into halftime with a 49–0 lead.[7]

In the third quarter, Schwimberghe completed a 41-yard field goal at the 10:44-minute mark extending SHSU's lead to 52–0. The Bearkats scored less than two minutes later with linebacker Tristan Eche intercepting a pass by HBU quarterback Jonathan Fleming and returning it 32-yards for a second defensive touchdown with 9:24 remaining in the quarter, the extra point raising the lead to 59–0 Bearkats.[8] SHSU backup quarterback Don King III made the final score of the period, a three-yard quarterback keeper which, followed by an extra point by kicker Brad Dunavant brought the score to 66–0 Bearkats.[9]

In the fourth quarter, an error during an HBU punt led to a safety at the 8:11 mark, raising SHSU's lead to 68–0. SHSU made the final score of the game with 3:58 remaining when wide receiver Cory Idlebird made a three-yard run. The extra point attempt by Dunavant failed, and the final score was 74–0.[8]

Sam Houston quarterback Brian Bell completed five passes out of nine attempts for 90 yards, with fellow quarterbacks Don King III and Jared Johnson failing to complete their pass attempts. Sam Houston's Steve Hicks led rushing with 17 carries for 99 yards, followed by Richard Sincere running three times for 64 yards, Cory Idlebird carrying six times for 51 yards and Timothy Flanders carrying nine times for 51 yards.

With the win, Sam Houston improves to 1–0.[10] Sam Houston leads the all-times series 1–0.

Texas A&M Aggies

Sam Houston State at Texas A&M
1 234Total
#4 Bearkats 7 7140 28
• #7 (FBS) Aggies 14 16350 65
  • Date: September 7
  • Location: Kyle Field
    College Station, TX
  • Game start: 6:06PM CST
  • Elapsed time: 3:24
  • Game attendance: 86,800
  • Game weather: 79 °F (26 °C), Cloudy, winds SE at 8mph
  • Referee: Marc Curles
  • TV announcers (FSSW PPV): Bill Land, Shea Walker, & Kayce Smith
Sources:[11]
Scoring summary
110:52TAMUTra Carson 1-yard touchdown run, Taylor Bertolet kick goodTAMU 7–0
17:51SHSUTimothy Flanders 11-yard touchdown run, Luc Swimberghe kick goodTied 7–7
12:43TAMUSabian Holmes 27-yard touchdown pass from Johnny Manziel, Taylor BertoletTAMU 14–7
211:31TAMUBen Malena 1-yard touchdown run, Taylor Bertolet kick failedTAMU 20–7
24:23TAMUJa'Quay Williams 20-yard touchdown pass from Johnny Manziel, Taylor Bertolet kick goodTAMU 27–7
21:59SHSUTimothy Sanders 33-yard touchdown pass from Brian Bell, Luc Swimberghe kick goodTAMU 27–14
20:00TAMUTaylor Bertolet 35-yard Field GoalTAMU 30–14
314:04SHSUTimothy Flanders 68-yard touchdown run, Luc Swimberghe kick goodTAMU 30–21
310:27TAMUTra Carson 1-yard touchdown run, Taylor Bertolet kick goodTAMU 37–21
36:27TAMUBrandon Williams 10-yard touchdown pass from Johnny Manziel, Taylor Bertolet kick goodTAMU 44–21
36:13SHSUTorrance Williams 77-yard touchdown pass from Brian Bell, Luc Swimberghe kick goodTAMU 44–28
35:24TAMUJohnny Manziel 6-yard touchdown run, Taylor Bertolet kick goodTAMU 51–28
33:42TAMUNate Askew 30-yard interception return for a touchdown, Taylor Bertolet kick goodTAMU 58–28
31:14TAMUTravis Labhart 14-yard touchdown pass from Kenny Hill, Taylor Bertolet kick goodTAMU 65–28

Sam Houston faced Texas A&M for the second consecutive year, facing the FBS powerhouse for the twelfth time. The Aggies had won all previous meetings.

The Aggies drew first blood in the first quarter, with A&M running back Tra Carson finishing a drive with a one-yard scoring run with 10:52 remaining in the period, which followed with the extra point brought the score to 7–0 Aggies.[12] The Bearkats struck back on their next possession, with running back Timothy Flanders scoring on an 11-yard run at the 7:51-minute marker, followed by the extra point tying the score 7–7. Aggies quarterback Johnny Manziel connected with a 27-yard pass to wide receiver Sabian Holmes with less than three minutes in the quarter, putting A&M back on top 14–7.

The Aggies scored again in the second quarter at the 11:31 mark with a one-yard run by running back Ben Malena, however the extra point attempt by kicker Taylor Bertolet failed, with the new score 20–7 Aggies. A&M was again on the board at 4:23 with a 20-yard pass by Manziel to wide receiver Ja'Quay Williams, and with the extra point the new score was 27–7 Aggies. The Bearkats finally answered with a 33-yard pass by quarterback Brian Bell to Flanders, and kicker Luc Swimberghe's extra point brought the score to 27–14 Aggies.[12] The Aggies made the final score in the period with a 35-yard field goal by Bertolet in the closing seconds, with the Aggies leading at halftime 30–14.[13]

The Bearkats struck quickly in the third quarter, with Flanders making a 68-yard scoring running at the 14:04 mark, and the extra point reduced the Aggies lead to 30–21.[14] Not to be outdone, the Aggies made two consecutive scoring drives, culminating with a one-yard run by Carson at the 10:27-minute mark and a ten-yard pass by Manziel to running back Brandon Williams at the 6:27-mark, raising the Aggie's lead to 44–28. The Bearkats struck again a mere 14 seconds after the previous Aggies score with Bell connecting with Torrance Williams on a 75-yard pass, bringing the score to 44–28 Aggies.[13] After that Texas A&M kept the Bearkats from the endzone, and Manziel made a six-yard quarterback keeper at the 5:24-minute mark, Aggies linebacker Nate Askew intercepted Bell for a pick-six with 3:42 remaining in the quarter and backup Aggies quarterback connected with wide receiver Travis Labhart at the 1:14-minute mark, all together raising the lead to 65–28 Aggies.[13]

By the fourth quarter both teams had pulled their starters and the game was a defensive standoff, both teams keeping each other from scoring. The final score was 65–28 Aggies.[14]

Sam Houston quarterback Brian Bell completed six of 15 pass attempts for 137 yards with two interception, with fellow quarterback Don King III completing one pass for 13 yards. Sam Houston's rushing game was anchored by Timothy Flanders who ran 19 times for 170 yards including two running touchdowns, followed by Keshawn Hill who carried the ball three times for 42 yards, Richard Sincere who ran six times for 11 yards and Ryan Wilson who rushed five times for ten yards.

With the loss, Sam Houston is tied 1–1.[15] Texas A&M leads the all-times series 12–0.

Texas Southern

Texas Southern at Sam Houston State
1 234Total
Tigers 0 377 17
• #5 Bearkats 0 271414 55
Scoring summary
212:35TXSOEric Medina 27-yard Field GoalTXSO 3–0
25:52SHSUTimothy Flanders 2-yard touchdown run, Luc Swimberghe kick goodSHSU 7–3
24:35SHSUTorrance Williams 6-yard touchdown pass from Brian Bell, Luc Swimberghe kick goodSHSU 14–3
21:15SHSUBrian Bell 3-yard touchdown run, Luc Swimberghe kick goodSHSU 21–3
20:19SHSUTimothy Flanders 1-yard touchdown run, Luc Swimberghe kick failedSHSU 27–3
310:11SHSUShane Young 5-yard touchdown pass from Brian Bell, Luc Swimberghe kick goodSHSU 34–3
34:52SHSUKeshawn Hill 23-yard touchdown run, Luc Swimberghe kick goodSHSU 41–3
34:04TXSODaveonn Porter 50-yard touchdown run, Eric Medina kick goodSHSU 41–10
414:55SHSURagan Henderson 5-yard touchdown pass from Don King III, Luc Swimberghe kick goodSHSU 48–10
411:12TXSOHomer Causey 10-yard touchdown run, Eric Medina kick goodSHSU 48–17
48:13SHSURyan Wilson 1-yard touchdown run, Luc Swimberghe kick goodSHSU 55–17

The Tigers and Bearkats played each other for the second consecutive year, with the 2012 meeting being the first match between the two schools since 1997. SHSU was looking to build on its 9–5 record they had against the Tigers. The Bearkats had won 5 of the last 6 meetings.

The first quarter was a stalemate with neither team scoring, and the Bearkats struggled with their drives including one that ended with a fumble that was recovered by Texas Southern.[17] The second quarter also started bitter for the Bearkats, with SHSU quarterback Brian Bell being intercepted twice, with the first interception being the start of a Tigers drive that ended with a 27-yard field goal by Tigers kicker Eric Medina with 12:35 remaining in the quarter, with Texas Southern leading 3–0.[18]

However, on Texas Southern's first play following the second interception off Bell, SHSU defensive back Desmond Fite forced a fumble off Tigers running back Edward Perkins-Loving and Sam Houston began to recover, beginning a drive that ended with a two-yard rushing touchdown by SHSU running back Timothy Flanders at the 5:52-minute mark, and kicker Luc Swimberghe's extra point brought the score to 7–3 Bearkats.[19] On Texas Southern's next possession, Tigers quarterback Homer Causey fumbled due to pressure from SHSU defensive end Andrew Weaver and Sam Houston defensive back Michael Wade recovered the ball on the Tigers 9-yard line.[17] Bell then completed a six-yard scoring pass to SHSU wide receiver Torrance Williams with 4:35 remaining and the extra point brought the score to 14–3 Bearkats. Bell ran in a three-yard quarterback keeper at the 1:15-minute mark, and another late fumble by the Tigers on their side of the field resulted in a SHSU drive that ended with Flanders running in a one-yard score with 19 seconds remaining, however Swimberghe missed the extra point and the second quarter came to a close with Sam Houston leading 27–3 at halftime.[18]

SHSU started the third quarter with opening drive that ended with a five-yard scoring pass from Bell to SHSU tight end Shane Young at the 10:11 mark, and the extra point raised SHSU's lead to 34–7. On SHSU's next possession, Bearkats running back Keyshawn Hill ran in a 23-yard touchdown raising the score to 41–7 Bearkats. What followed was a trade-off in scoring as Tigers running back Daveonn Porter broke free and made a 50-yard scoring dash for Texas Southern's first touchdown, and Medina's extra point made the score 41–10 Bearkats, which was the final score of the third period.[19]

The Bearkats spent the remainder of the third period working their way down the field. This culminated in a five-yard touchdown pass from backup quarterback Don King III to SHSU tight end Ragan Henderson in the opening seconds of the fourth quarter, with Swimberghe's point after raising SHSU's lead to 48–10.[17] The Tigers retaliated less than four minutes later with a 10-yard quarterback keeper by Causey, and the score was now 48–17 Bearkats.[19] SHSU made one final score with SHSU running back Ryan Wilson running in a one-yard touchdown with 8:13 remaining in the quarter, and the extra point made the final score 55–17 Bearkats.[17]

Sam Houston quarterback Brian Bell completed nine of 17 passes for 121 yards and two interceptions, and Don King III had two successful passes out of two attempts for 13 yards. Sam Houston's Timothy Flanders rushed 19 times for 108 yards, Keyshawn Hill ran seven times for 65 yards, Ryan Wilson charged six times for 37 yards and Bell ran six times for 32 yards. On receiving, Richard Sincere made three catches for 53 yards, Shane Young caught three passes for 51 yards and Chance Nelson had one reception for 15 yards.

Win the win, Sam Houston improved to 2–1.[20] Sam Houston leads the series 10–5.

Incarnate Word

Incarnate Word at Sam Houston State
1 234Total
Cardinals 7 770 21
• #5 Bearkats 10 21147 52
  • Date: September 21
  • Location: Bowers Stadium
    Huntsville, TX
  • Game start: 6:00 PM CST
  • Elapsed time: 2:50
  • Game attendance: 5,789
  • Game weather: 81 °F (27 °C), Fair, winds calm
  • Referee: K Mar
  • TV announcers (BSN): Charlie Farris
Sources:[21]
Scoring summary
112:29UIWCasey Jennings 9-yard touchdown pass from Trent Brittain, Jake Wilcox kick goodUIW 7–0
17:49SHSULuc Swimberghe 19-yard Field GoalUIW 7–3
11:43SHSUChance Nelson 39-yard touchdown pass from Brian Bell, Luc Swimberghe kick goodSHSU 10–7
213:59UIWJunior Sessions 1-yard touchdown run, Jake Wilcox kick goodUIW 14–10
28:52SHSUTimothy Flanders 7-yard touchdown run, Luc Swimberghe kick goodSHSU 17–14
25:29SHSURichard Sincere 26-yard touchdown pass from Brian Bell, Luc Swimberghe kick goodSHSU 24–14
21:49SHSUTorrance Williams 3-yard touchdown pass from Brian Bell, Luc Swimberghe kick goodSHSU 31–14
313:07SHSUTorrance Williams 16-yard touchdown pass from Brian Bell, Luc Swimberghe kick goodSHSU 38–14
311:33SHSUTimothy Flanders 41-yard touchdown run, Luc Swimberghe kick goodSHSU 45–14
33:08UIWCole Wick 19-yard touchdown pass from Trent Brittain, Jake Wilcox kick goodSHSU 45–21
410:26SHSUBrian Bell 1-yard touchdown run, Luc Swimberghe kick goodSHSU 52–21

The Bearkats met the Cardinals for the second time, with Incarnate Word in the process of transitioning to the Southland Conference. Sam Houston won in the previous match-up.

The Cardinals started strong, scoring on their opening drive with a nine-yard pass by Cardinals quarterback Trent Brittain to wide receiver Casey Jennings at the 12:29 mark, and the extra point by kicker Jack Wilcox brought the score to 7–0 Cardinals.[22] Sam Houston fought down to the red zone on its following possession, but Incarnate Word's defense kept the Bearkats out of the end zone and Sam Houston had to settle for a 19-yard field goal by kicker Luc Schwimberge with 7:49 remaining in the quarter, bringing the score to 7–3 Cardinals. Sam Houston scored again at the 1:49-minute mark with a 39-yard pass from Bearkats quarterback Brian Bell to wide receiver Chance Nelson to put the Bearkats ahead 10–7 at the end of the quarter.[23]

Incarnate Word struck again early in the second quarter with a one-yard scoring run from Cardinals running back Johnny Sessions, with Wilcox's extra point making the score 14–10 Cardinals.[22][23] The Bearkats answered with a seven-yard rush by running back Timothy Flanders at the 8:52 marker and the Bearkats went ahead 17–14.[24] Sam Houston scored again with 5:29 remaining in the half on a 26-yard pass from Bell to wide receiver Richard Sincere, and again in the closing minutes of the quarter with a 39-yard pass from Bell to wide receiver Torrance Williams, and the Bearkats went into halftime leading 31–14.[22][24]

The Bearkats got on the scoreboard again early in the third quarter, with Bell completing a 16-yard pass to Williams at the 13:07 mark and the extra point raising the score to 38–10 Bearkats.[25] An interception by Bearkats safety Johntel Franklin on the Cardinals next possession gave the Bearkats control in Cardinals territory[24] , and Flanders ran in a 41-yard touchdown with 11:33 remaining in the quarter to raise the lead to 45–14.[23] On this run Flanders became the all-time leading rusher for the Southland Conference, beating a record set in 1997 by Southwest Texas’ Claude Mathis.[24][25] The Cardinals finally answered with a 19-yard pass from Brittain to tight end Cole Wick to narrow the lead to 45–21 Bearkats.[22] Sam Houston made the lone score in fourth quarter with a one-yard quarterback keeper by Bell at the 10:26 mark, and the final score was 52–21 Bearkats.[24]

Sam Houston quarterback Brian Bell completed 19 of 25 passes for 285 yards, including four passing touchdowns. Timothy Flanders again led the running game with 15 carries for 157 yards, Bell rushed seven times for 35 yards, Keyshawn Hill ran six times for 25 yards and Jared Johnson ran three times for 23 yards. Bearkats receiving was anchored by Torrance Williams with nine receptions for 122 yards, Chance Nelson caught three passes for 63 yards, Richard Sincere received two for 35 yards and Gerald Thomas had one 25-yard reception.

With the win, Sam Houston improves to 3–1.[26] Sam Houston leads the all-time series 2–0.

Eastern Washington

Eastern Washington at Sam Houston State
1 234Total
#2 Eagles 13 777 34
• #4 Bearkats 7 21147 49
  • Date: September 28
  • Location: Bowers Stadium
    Huntsville, TX
  • Game start: 3:25 CST
  • Elapsed time: 2:59
  • Game attendance: 8,621
  • Referee: M Defee
  • Television network: CSNH
Sources:[27]
Scoring summary
113:59SHSURichard Sincere 51-yard run, Luc Swimberghe kickSHSU 7–0
112:42EWUDemetrius Bronson 2-yard run, PAT blockedSHSU 7–6
11:38EWUAshton Clark 33-yard pass from Vernon Adams, Kevin Miller kickEWU 13–7
214:07SHSUBrian Bell 8-yard run, Luc Swimberghe kickSHSU 14–13
212:47SHSUDeAntry Loche 42-yard interception return, Luc Swimberghe kickSHSU 21–13
23:39EWUCooper Kupp 59-yard pass from Vernon Adams, Kevin Miller kickSHSU 21–20
20:21SHSUTorrance Williams 18-yard pass from Brian Bell, Luc Swimberghe kickSHSU 28–20
312:38SHSUTimothy Flanders 60-yard run, Luc Swimberghe kickSHSU 35–20
39:08EWUDemetrius Bronson 3-yard run, Kevin Miller kickSHSU 35–27
37:00SHSUTorrance Williams 50-yard pass from Brian Bell, Luc Swimberghe kickSHSU 42–27
46:10SHSUTimothy Flanders 12-yard run, Luc Swimberghe kickSHSU 49–27
45:20EWUQuincy Forte 62-yard pass from Vernon Adams, Kevin Miller kickSHSU 49–34

Sam Houston faced the Eastern Washington Eagles in a rematch of last season's semi-final game, where SHSU managed to hold off a second-half comeback attempt by the Eagles to advance to the FCS national championship.

The start of the game was delayed nearly 90 minutes due to a thunderstorm.[28] Sam Houston made an early statement with SHSU wide receiver Richard Sincere scoring on a 51-yard run barely one minute into the game, and kicker Luc Swimberghe's extra point made the score 7–0 Bearkats.[29] Not to be deterred, Eastern Washington scored on its first possession with a two-yard run by Eagles running back Demitrius Bronson at the 12:42-mark, however kicker Kevin Miller's point after was blocked, and the new score was 7–6 Bearkats.[30] The Eagles struck again with 1:38 remaining in the period on a 33-yard pass from EWU quarterback Vernon Adams to wide receiver Ashton Clark, and the Eagles took the lead 13–7 at the end of the first quarter.[29]

The Bearkats answered early in the second quarter with a drive ending on an eight-yard quarterback keeper by SHSU quarterback Brian Bell at the 14:07 mark, and SHSU retook the lead 14–13.[28] Eastern Washington's next drive came to an abrupt end when SHSU cornerback DeAntrey Loche intercepted a pass by Adams and returned it 42 yards for a score with 12:47 remaining in the quarter, extending the lead to 21–13 Bearkats.[31] The Eagles got on the scoreboard again with a 59-yard pass from Adams to wide receiver Cooper Kupp at the 3:39-minute mark, closing SHSU's lead to 21–20.[30] The Bearkats scored again in the final seconds of the quarter on an 18-yard pass from Bell to wide receiver Torrance Williams, and the period ended with the Bearkats leading 28–20 at halftime.[32]

The Eagles went three and out on their opening possession of the third quarter, and Sam Houston made good use of its subsequent drive, culminating in a 60-yard run by SHSU running back Timothy Flanders at the 12:38-mark, stretching the lead to 35–20 Bearkats.[31] Eastern Washington worked their way down the field again, ending the possession with a three-yard scoring run by Bronson with 9:08 remaining in the quarter to again close the gap with a new score of 35–27 Bearkats.[30] Sam Houston moved the ball to midfield on its next drive which led to a 50-yard touchdown pass from Bell to Williams for a new score of 42–27 Bearkats at the end of the period.[31][32]

What followed was back and forth possessions without scores between the two teams, starting with the Eagles having to punt to the Bearkats. Bearkats running back Keyshawn Hill fumbled late in the third quarter on the Bearkats next possession and the Eagles recovered the ball on the EWU 40 yard line.[30] The Eagles could not capitalize on the turnover, however, as two subsequent 15-yard penalties in the fourth quarter followed by a sack forced the team to punt to the Bearkats.[31] SHSU ended this drive with a 12-yard rush by Flanders at the 6:10-mark, raising the lead to 49–27 Bearkats.[31] The Eagles made a final scoring drive finishing with a 62-yard pass from Adams to EWU running back Quincy Forte with 5:20 remaining in the quarter, and the new score was 49–34 Bearkats.[30] The Eagles attempted an onside kick but SHSU wide receiver Chance Nelson recovered the ball, and the Bearkats spent the remainder of the game running the ball and the clock, ending with Bell taking a knee on the EWU 9-yard line for a final score of 49–34 Bearkats.[30]

Sam Houston quarterback Brian Bell completed four of eight passes for 106 yards, including two touchdowns. The running game was led by Timothy Flanders who rushed 32 times for 280 yards, Richard Sincere who ran eight times for 98 yards, Bell who scrambled eight times for 45 yards and Keyshawn Hill who carried the ball four times for 17 yards. Torrance Williams caught two scoring passes for 68 yards, Ragan Henderson caught one ball for 26 yards and Chance Nelson had one 12-yard reception.

With the win, Sam Houston improves to 4–1.[33] Sam Houston leads the all-time series 3–0.

Lamar

Lamar at Sam Houston State
1 234Total
Cardinals 0 300 3
• #2 Bearkats 0 770 14
  • Date: October 12
  • Location: Bowers Stadium
    Huntsville, TX
  • Game start: 2:00 PM CST
  • Elapsed time: 5:18
  • Game attendance: 9,156
  • Game weather: 87 °F (31 °C), Fair, winds SSW at 7mph
  • Referee: R Christal
  • Television network: BSN
Sources:[34]
Scoring summary
27:53SHSUBrian Bell 45-yard run, Luc Swimberghe kickSHSU 7–0
20:10LAMAlex Ball 47-yard field goalSHSU 7–3
32:58SHSUStephen Williams 18-yard pass from Brian Bell, Luc Swimberghe kickSHSU 14–3

Coming off a bye week, Sam Houston faced its first conference opponent of the season, the Lamar Cardinals. Sam Houston led the all-time series 24–9–1.

A highly defensive game left both team with a combined score of 17 points. Sam Houston got on the board first with a 45-yard run by SHSU quarterback Brian Bell 7:53-minute mark in the second quarter, and Luc Swimberghe's extra point made the score 7–0 Bearkats.[35] The Cardinal's got on the scoreboard in the closing seconds of the period with a 47-yard field goal by Cardinal kicker Alex Ball, and the score at halftime was 7–3 Bearkats.

Sam Houston made the lone score of the second half, with an 18-yard pass from Bell to wide receiver Stephen Williams with 2:58 remaining in the third quarter, Swimberghe's extra point raised the Bearkat lead to 14–3.[36] The game was delayed by two hours late in the fourth quarter because of lightning strikes, before the game ended on an incomplete Lamar pass for a final score of 14–3 Bearkats.[35] Lamar was able to hold Flanders to under 90 yards during the game, with majority of his carries in the fourth quarter.[36] However, wide receiver Torrance Williams had 138 yards in punt returns and the SHSU defense kept the Cardinals to only 90 rushing yards.[36] The Bearkats in comparison rushed for 255 yards, a notable decrease compared to 382 yards against Lamar in 2011 and 378 yards in 2012.[35]

Sam Houston quarterback Brian Bell had eight completions out of 17 attempts of 88 passing yards. Timothy Flanders led the running game with 28 rushes for 83 yards, Bell had 11 runs for 75 yards, Keyshawn Hill carried the ball six times for 35 yards and Richard Sincere ran twice for 24 yards. Stephen Williams had three receptions for 44 yards, Torrance Williams caught the ball twice for 17 yards and Chance Nelson had one reception for 10 yards.

With the win, Sam Houston improves to 5–1.[37]

McNeese State

Sam Houston State at McNeese State
1 234Total
#2 Bearkats 3 3314 23
• #9 Cowboys 7 7710 31
  • Date: October 19
  • Location: Cowboy Stadium
    Lake Charles, LA
  • Game start: 7:10 PM CST
  • Elapsed time: 3:10
  • Game attendance: 15,352
  • Game weather: 65 °F (18 °C), Partly cloudy, winds NNW at 9mph
  • Referee: A. Eck
  • Television network: ESPN3
Sources:[38]
Scoring summary
110:40SHSULuc Swimberghe 38-yard field goalSHSU 3–0
16:37MCNSDamon Gladney Jr. 17-yard pass from Cody Stroud, Ryan Rome kickMCNS 7–3
24:45SHSULuc Swimberghe 30-yard field goalMCNS 7–6
20:59MCNSErnest Celine 29-yard pass from Cody Stroud, Ryan Rome kickMCNS 14–6
36:51SHSULuc Swimberghe 21-yard field goalMCNS 14–9
34:39MCNSMarcus Wiltz 4-yard run, Ryan Rome kickMCNS 21–9
414:29SHSUDeon Hutchinson 3-yard pass from Brian Bell, Luc Swimberghe kickMCNS 21–16
410:11MCNSDinotae Spencer 15-yard pass from Cody Stroud, Ryan Rome kickMCNS 28–16
43:18MCNSRyan Rome 33-yard field goalMCNS 31–16
41:00SHSUStephen Williams 18-yard pass from Brian Bell, Luc Swimberghe kickMCNS 31–23

Sam Houston faced the McNeese State Cowboys in its second conference match-up of the season. McNeese held a commanding lead in the series, with a 25–8–1 record against the Bearkats.

Sam Houston scored first, with a 38-yard field goal by kicker Luc Swimberghe at the 10:40 mark in the first quarter to bring the score to 3–0 SHSU.[39] McNeese answered with a 17-yard touchdown pass from quarterback Cody Stroud to wide receiver Damon Gladney Jr. with 6:37 remaining in the quarter, and kicker Ryan Rome's extra point put the Cowboys ahead 7–3.[40]

The second quarter was quiet until the 4:45 mark when Swimberghe made a 30-yard field goal, narrowing McNeese's lead to 7–6.[41] However, McNeese answered in the closing minute of the quarter with a 29-yard scoring pass from Stroud to wide receiver Ernest Celestie, and with the extra point McNeese led at halftime 14–6.[41]

Continuing the theme of the previous two quarters, the Bearkats scored first in the third quarter with another Swimberghe field goal, this one a 21-yarder at the 6:51 mark and the new score was 14–9 McNeese.[39] And again, McNeese answered a SHSU field goal with a trip to the end zone due to four-yard scoring run by running back Marcus Wiltz with 4:39 remaining in the quarter, and with the point after McNeese extended its lead to 21–9.[40][41]

Sam Houston finally found the end zone in the first minute of the fourth quarter on a three-yard pass from SHSU quarterback Brian Bell to tight end Deon Hutchinson, and the extra point by Swimberge brought the score to 21–15 McNeese.[41] The Cowboys struck back the 10:11 mark with a 15-yard pass from Stroud to wide receiver Diontae Spencer, and the new score was 28–16.[39] McNeese then turned an interception off of a bell into an eventual field goal with 3:18 remaining, extending their lead to 31–16.[40] Sam Houston scored on an 18-yard pass from Bell to wide receiver Stephen Williams with 1 minute remaining to narrow the lead to 31–23, however an onside kick attempt failed and McNeese ran out the clock for a final score of 31–23.[39][41]

With the loss, Sam Houston fell to 5–2.[42]

Northwestern State

Northwestern State at Sam Houston State
1 234Total
Demons 0 370 10
• #7 Bearkats 0 17207 44
  • Date: October 26
  • Location: Bowers Stadium
    Huntsville, TX
  • Game start: 2:00 PM CST
  • Elapsed time: 2:46
  • Game attendance: 5,527
  • Game weather: 78 °F (26 °C), Sunny, winds S at 6mph
  • Referee: R. Smith
  • Television network: BSN
Sources:[43]
Scoring summary
29:42SHSULuc Swimberghe 27-yard field goalSHSU 3–0
27:15NWSTChris Moore 42-yard field goalTied 3–3
26:58SHSUTimothy Flanders 7-yard run, Luc Swimberghe kickSHSU 10–3
21:07SHSURichard Sincere 17-yard pass from Brian Bell, Luc Swimberghe kickSHSU 17–3
313:39SHSUTorrance Williams 44-yard pass from Brian Bell, Luc Swimberghe kickSHSU 24–3
35:52SHSUChance Nelson 9-yard pass from Brian Bell, Luc Swimberghe kickSHSU 31–3
34:51SHSUBrian Bell 18-yard run, PAT failedSHSU 37–3
30:56NWSTDe'Mard Llorens 9-yard pass from Zach Adkins, Chris Moore kickSHSU 37-10
46:24SHSUSteven Hicks 2-yard run, Luc Swimberghe kickSHSU 44–10

After losing to McNeese and falling to a #7 ranking in the FCS polls, SHSU looked to lick their wounds and turned their attention to their conference opponent Northwestern State Demons. The Demons held an all-time series lead of 19–16 over the Bearkats.

For the third time this season, the Bearkats failed to put points on the board in the first quarter, with both teams exiting the first period with a blank scoreboard.[44] SHSU finally got on the board with 9:42 remaining in the second quarter on a 45-yard field goal from kicker Luc Swimberghe, which gave SHSU a 3–0 lead. The Demons tied the score on their next possession with a 42-yard field goal from kicker Chris Moore at the 7:15 mark for a new score 3–3.[45] An impressive 93-yard kickoff return by SHSU running back Keyshawn Hill set up the Bearkats deep in Northwestern's red zone, and SHSU running back Timothy Flanders dotted the "i" with a seven-yard scoring running at the 6:58 mark, and the new score was 10–3 Bearkats.[45][46] The Bearkats got on the board again with a little more than a minute left in the quarter on a 17-yard pass from SHSU quarterback Brian Bell to wide receiver Richard Sincere, and the extra point resulted in the Bearkats leading going into halftime at 17–3.[45]

The Bearkats got possession of the ball first to start the third quarter and quickly took advantage of it, with a 44-yard scoring pass from Bell to wide receiver Torrance Williams at the 13:39-minute-mark, and Swimberghe's kick raised the score to 24–3 SHSU.[44] Sam Houston found the end zone again on a nine-yard pass from Bell to wide receiver Chance Nelson with 5:52 remaining, extending the lead to 31–3 Bearkats.[45] The Demons fumbled the ball on their subsequent kickoff return and SHSU recovered the ball deep in Northwestern territory.[45] This led to Bell making an 18-yard quarterback keeper at the 4:51 mark, however the extra point failed and the new score was 37–3 Bearkats.[45] The Demons finally found the end zone in the closing seconds of the quarter on a nine-yard pass from Northwestern quarterback Zack Adkins to running back De'Mard Llorens, and the extra point by Moore resulted in the third quarter ending 37–10 Bearkats.[44][45]

Sam Houston made the lone score of the closing quarter with two-yard run by Bearkats running back Steven Hicks, and the final score was 44–10 Bearkats.[44][45]

With the win, Sam Houston improved to 6–2.[47]

Stephen F. Austin

Stephen F. Austin vs. Sam Houston State
1 234Total
Lumberjacks 14 7721 49
• #8 Bearkats 14 7728 56
  • Date: November 2
  • Location: Reliant Stadium
    Houston, TX
  • Game start: 3:05 PM CST
  • Elapsed time: 3:43
  • Game attendance: 26,213
  • Game weather: 72 °F (22 °C)
  • Referee: R. Christal
  • Television network: SLC TV
Sources:[48]
Scoring summary
19:58SHSUKeshawn Hill 13-yard run, Luc Swimberghe kickSHSU 7–0
16:27SFABraxton Beardon 26-yard pass from Brady Attaway, Jordan Wiggs kickTied 7–7
13:21SFAGus Johnson 14-yard run, Jordan Wiggs kickSFA 14–7
10:03SHSUTimothy Flanders 11-yard run, Luc Swimberge kickTied 14–14
210:15SFAKeith Lawson 20-yard run, Jordan Wiggs kickSFA 21–14
20:19SHSUStephen Williams 15-yard pass from Brian Bell, Luc Swimberghe kickTied 21–21
311:32SHSUShane Young 4-yard pass from Brian Bell, Luc Swimberge kickSHSU 28–21
38:49SFAMike Brooks 39-yard pass from Brady Attaway, Jordan Wiggs kickTied 28–28
414:53SHSUTorrance Williams 38-yard pass from Brian Bell, Luc Swimberghe kickSHSU 35–28
413:16SHSUKeyshawn Hill 31-yard run, Luc Swimberghe kickSHSU 42–28
413:01SHSURagan Henderson 16-yard pass from Brian Bell, Luc Swimberghe kickSHSU 49–28
412:27SHSUDeAnthony Lache 45-yard interception return, Luc Swimberghe kickSHSU 56–28
48:25SFAMike Brooks 59-yard pass from Brady Attaway, Jordan Wiggs kickSHSU 56–35
45:18SFATyler Boyd 75-yard pass from Brady Attaway, Jordan Wiggs kickSHSU 56–42
41:20SFAMike Brook 2-yard pass from Brady Attaway, Jordan Wiggs kickSHSU 56–49

Sam Houston met Stephen F. Austin in its 88th meeting on nearly the 90th anniversary of the original Battle of the Piney Woods. The Bearkats led the all-time series 50–35–2 going into the game.

The Bearkats scored on their first possession which ended with a 13-yard run by SHSU running back Keshawn Hill at the 9:58-mark, and with SHSU kicker Luc Swimberghe's extra point the Bearkats led 7–0.[49] The Lumberjacks struck back on their next possession with a 26-yard pass from SFA quarterback Brady Attaway to wide receiver Braxton Bearden with 6:27 remaining in the quarter, and SFA kicker Jordan Wigg's point after tied the score 7–7. While the Bearkats went three and out on their next possession, the Lumberjacks took advantage of their subsequent series which resulted in a 14-yard scoring run by SFA running back Gus Johnson at 3:21, and the new score was 14–7 Lumberjacks.[50] Not to be deterred, Sam Houston scored in the closing seconds of the quarter with an 11-yard run by SHSU running back Timothy Flanders, and the first quarter ended with score tied again 14–14.[51]

The first few minutes of the second quarter featured possession-losing fumbles by first the Lumberjacks and then the Bearkats, and the Lumberjacks turned their recovery into a 20-yard scoring run by SFA running back Keith Lawson at the 10:15-minute mark with SFA retaking the lead 21–14.[51] Stephen F. Austin missed a field goal on its next possession, and Sam Houston scored in the closing seconds of the quarter on a 15-yard pass from SHSU quarterback Brian Bell to wide receiver Stephen Williams, and the first half came to a close with the teams again tied 21–21.[51]

The third quarter began with Sam Houston receiving the ball, which ultimately led to a four-yard scoring pass from Bell to SHSU tight end Shane Young at the 11:32-minute mark resulting in the Bearkats leading for the first time since the first quarter 28–21. Stephen F. Austin struck back at the 8:49-mark on a 39-yard pass from Attaway to wide receiver Mike Brooks, and the scores matched 28-28. The two teams exchanged possession without scores and the quarter ended 28–28.[49]

Sam Houston, which had begun its latest possession in the final minutes of the third quarter, scored on the first play of the fourth period with a 38-yard pass from Bell to SHSU wide receiver Torrance Williams and the Bearkats regained the lead 35–28.[51] This was the start of a Bearkat rout, with a Lumberjacks fumble setting up a 31-yard SHSU scoring run by Hill at the 13:16-minute mark, and the score was now 42–28.[50] Stephen F. Austin fumbled again on its next possession, the Bearkats scored quickly on 16-yard pass from Bell to wide receiver Ragan Henderson with 13:01 remaining in the quarter and SHSU extending its lead 49–28 Bearkats.[50][51] SHSU cornerback DeAntrey Loche intercepted a pass by Attaway on SFA's next possession and returned it 45 yards for a defensive touchdown, and SHSU's lead raised to 56–28.[49][50][51] Stephen F. Austin began a comeback attempt starting with a 59-yard pass from Attaway to Brooks with 8:25 remaining in the quarter, narrowing the lead to 56–35 Bearkats.[51] The Lumberjacks scored again on a 75-yard pass from Attaway to wide receiver Tyler Boyd at the 5:18-mark at the Bearkats lead was again reduced, now 56–42.[50] Stephen F. Austin scored on a third pass from Attaway to Brooks with 1:20 remaining in the period and the Bearkats lead dwindled to 56–49.[49][50] The Lumberjacks attempted an onside kick but SHSU wide receiver Chance Nelson recovered the ball and the Bearkats ran out the remainder of the game clock with a final score 56-49.[51]

With the win, Sam Houston improves to 7–2.[52] Sam Houston leads the all-time series 51–35–2.

Nicholls State

Nicholls State at Sam Houston State
1 234Total
Colonels 3 0021 24
• #6 Bearkats 7 14280 49
  • Date: November 9
  • Location: Bowers Stadium
    Huntsville, TX
  • Game start: 2:00 PM CST
  • Elapsed time: 3:00
  • Game attendance: 7,507
  • Game weather: 61 °F (16 °C), Mostly cloudy, winds calm
  • Referee: R. Smith
  • Television network: BSN
Sources:[53]

The Bearkats returned to Bowers for their final home game of the regular season, facing the Nicholls States Colonels on Senior Day.[54] Sam Houston led the series 16–11–1 going into the game.

Nicholls scored on its opening drive with a 37-yard field goal by Colonels kicker Andrew Dolan with 9:49 remaining in the first quarter, taking the lead 3–0.[55] The Bearkats responded on their subsequent possession with a 16-yard rush by SHSU running back Keshawn Hill at the 7:55 mark, and with kicker Luc Swimberghe's extra point the Bearkats led 7–3.[56]

After a series of uneventful possession by both teams, the Bearkats worked their way down the field late in the first quarter, ultimately scoring on the first play of the second quarter with a 32-yard rush by SHSU wide receiver Richard Sincere to raise the lead to 14–3 Bearkats.[57] Sam Houston got on the board again with its next possession when SHSU quarterback Brian Bell made a 45-yard run to the end zone at the 11:31-minute mark, and the Bearkats extended their lead to 21–3.[56] Next, the Colonels worked their way down to the Bearkats red zone, however SHSU linebacker Tanner Brock forced a fumble and the Bearkats recovered the ball. One the Colonel's next possession, SHSU cornerback Tevin Creeks intercepted a pass by Nicholls quarterback Kalen Henderson and made it back to the Nicholls 23-yard line before being tackled after time had expired, and the Bearkats led 21–3 at halftime.[57]

Sam Houston got possession first in the third quarter and capitalized on it with a one-yard scoring run by Hill with 12:10 remaining, and the extra point increased the score to 28–3 Bearkats.[54] On Nicholls' subsequent possession, SHSU defensive back Michael Wade intercepted a pass by Henderson and ran it back 48 yards for a defensive score, widening the gap to 35–3 Bearkats.[55] Sam Houston scored again on its next possession when Bell hit wide receiver Torrance Williams with a short pass who managed to slip a few tackles and take it 56 yards all the way to the house with 8:43 remaining in the quarter, and the Bearkats lead stretched to 42–3.[57] Sam Houston put in their backups and got on the scoreboard one finale time when SHSU quarterback Don King III made a 10-yard touchdown run at the 1:31 mark to extend the lead to 49–3 Bearkats.[57]

The Colonels finally found the end zone at the 10:28 mark in the fourth quarter on a two-yard run from Nicholls running back Mike Henry, and with Dolan's extra point the new score was 49–10 Bearkats.[55] A Bearkats fumble and personal foul late in the period gave the ball back to the Colonels, which resulted in a 46-yard scoring pass from quarterback Beaux Hebert to wide receiver Xavier Marcus, closing the gap to 49–17 Bearkats.[55] The referees made a BS targeting call against Bearkats linebacker Eric Fieilo during a Nicholls onside kick, giving the ball back to the Colonels who subsequently made a seven-yard scoring pass from Hebert to Colonels fullback Russ Gisclair in the final minute of the game, and the final score was 49–24 Bearkats.[56]

With the win, Sam Houston improves to 8–1.[58] Sam Houston leads the all-times series 17–11–1.

Southeastern Louisiana

Sam Houston State at Southeastern Louisiana
1 234Total
#4 Bearkats 7 1400 21
• #14 Lions 0 17143 34
Sources:

Central Arkansas

Sam Houston State at Central Arkansas
1 234Total
#9 Bearkats 3 7147 31
• Bears 21 2107 49
Sources:

FCS Playoffs

Southern Utah

Southern Utah at Sam Houston State
1 234Total
#22 Thunderbirds 10 0100 20
• #14 Bearkats 7 16721 51
Sources:

Southeastern Louisiana

Sam Houston State at Southeastern Louisiana
1 234Total
#14 Bearkats 21 260 29
• #7 Lions 7 1706 30
Sources:

Ranking movements

Ranking movements
Legend: ██ Increase in ranking ██ Decrease in ranking
т = Tied with team above or below
Week
PollPre12345678910111213Final
Sports Network34554222786491414
Coaches445543338–T97491413

Season achievements

On September 14 during the Sam Houston-Texas Southern game, SHSU running back Timothy Flanders surpassed the Southland Conference all-time touchdown record of 59 set by Brent Grimes of Central Arkansas.[59]

During the September 21 contest with Incarnate Word, Flanders broke the Southland Conference all-time rushing record of 4,691 set by Claude Mathis of Texas State University (formerly Southwest Texas State University) in 1997.[23][24]

Also during the Incarnate Word game, SHSU wide receiver Richard Sincere became only the second Bearkat to record more than 1,000 yards in both rushing and receiving and the eighth to break 3,000 all-purpose yards.[24]

Running back Timothy Flanders surpassed 5,000 yards with his 280-yard performance during the upset of then-No. 2 ranked Eastern Washington University on September 28, 2013. He became the first player in the Southland Conference and the 22nd in FCS to achieve the milestone. Flanders also won both conference and national player of the week honors for his monster game.[60]

Roster

2013 Sam Houston State Bearkats football team roster
Players Coaches
Offense
Pos.#NameClass
QB 11 Brian Bell Sr
QB 5 Chris Grett  Jr
QB Jared Johnson So
QB Don King III So
QB Matt Merkins Jr
RB 20 Tim Flanders Sr
RB 25 Ridgeway Frank Sr
RB Steven Hicks So
RB 26 Keyshawn Hill Jr
RB 4 Ryan Wilson Sr
TE Braden King So
TE 84 Beau Smith  Jr
TE 89 Shane Young Jr
WR 87 Brandon Ashcraft  Jr
WR 87 Keith Blanton Sr
WR 85 Edward Herbert Jr
WR Greg Johnson  Jr
WR 1 Emory Miller Jr
WR 86 Dustin Moehlig Jr
WR 6 Richard Sincere Sr
WR 81 Rickey Smith Jr
WR 9 Brandon Wilkerson  Jr
WR 82 Stephen Williams  Jr
WR 10 Torrance Williams Sr
OL 76 Matt Boyles Sr
OL Brandon DeWitt So
OL Roclan Drain So
OL R. J. Earls So
OL 71 Scott Gonzales Jr
OL 79 Justin Havard Jr
OL Donald Jackson III So
OL Richard LoLohea So
OL 75 Jeremy Robinson  Jr
OL Zachary Stevens So
OL Shane Weeks So
OL 72 Joey White Jr
 Defense
Pos.#NameClass
CB Shelby Davis So
CB 42 Benjamin Griffith Jr
CB 38 DeAntrey Loche Sr
CB 29 Andre Moseley  Jr
CB 28 Chuks Orabuchi Jr
CB 17 Bookie Sneed Sr
DB Jarell Crenshaw  So
DB Tristan Eche  Jr
DB Quaylon Ewing-Burton Sr
DB 16 Desmond Fite  Jr
DB 40 Cory Hamlett Jr
DB 31 Michael Wade Jr
DE 34 Casey Devries  Jr
DE 55 Emmanuel Omoegbele  Jr
DE 58 Ishmael Thorns  Jr
DT 91 Preston Sanders Sr
DL 99 Forbes Baggett Sr
DL 97 Jarrett Brown Sr
DL James DeLaRosa So
DL Sione Latu So
DL 66 Gary Lorance Sr
DL 54 Gavareon Marshall  Jr
DL 95 John Trotter Jr
LB Mouf Adebo So
LB 60 Dalton Bynum Jr
LB 50 Collin Callahan  Jr
LB 37 Jeremy Jackson Jr
LB 53 Kevin Jackson  Jr
LB Nigel Robertson So
 Special teams
Pos.#NameClass
DS 63 Ken Jones Sr
Head coach
Coordinators/assistant coaches

[61]

Legend
  • (C) Team captain
  • (S) Suspended
  • (I) Ineligible
  • Injured Injured
  • Redshirt Redshirt

Roster

Media

All Bearkats football games were broadcast by KSAM 101.7 FM. All non-televised Bearkats home games were streamed online by the Bearkats Sports Network at gobearkats.com or ESPN3.

References

  1. ↑ "2013 Sam Houston State Bearkats Player Commits". ESPN. Retrieved April 27, 2013.
  2. ↑ Schallenberg, Gene (April 27, 2013). "Orange-White Spring Scrimmage". Sam Houston State Athletics. Retrieved April 27, 2013.
  3. ↑ Bloomquist, Bret (April 24, 2013). "UTEP Football: Miners Bring in New Defensive Coordinator". El Paso Times. Retrieved May 15, 2013.
  4. ↑ "Mike Collins New Defensive Coordinator". Sam Houston State Athletics. May 15, 2013. Retrieved May 15, 2013.
  5. ↑ "Bearkat Trio Named Preseason All-America".
  6. ↑ "Rave Report (Aug 31, 2013)" (PDF). Sam Houston State University. August 31, 2013. Retrieved August 31, 2013.
  7. 1 2 Roepken, Corey (August 31, 2013). "HBU Sees Important First Step in Lopsided Loss to SHSU in Debut". Houston Chronicle. Retrieved September 16, 2013.
  8. 1 2 3 Schallenberg, Gene (September 1, 2013). "BEARKATS FOOTBALL — Kats dominate Houston Baptist from Opening Whistle to Final Seconds". The Huntsville Item. Retrieved September 16, 2013.
  9. 1 2 Hyde, Connor (September 3, 2013). "Rolling Out the Welcome Mat". The Houstonian. Sam Houston State University. Retrieved September 16, 2013.
  10. ↑ "Houston Baptist Huskies vs. Sam Houston State Bearkats". ESPN. August 31, 2013. Retrieved August 31, 2013.
  11. ↑ "Rave Report (Sept. 7, 2013)" (PDF). Sam Houston State University. September 7, 2013. Retrieved September 7, 2013.
  12. 1 2 "Bearkats Football — Unstoppable Aggies". The Huntsville Item. September 8, 2013. Retrieved September 18, 2013.
  13. 1 2 3 Roepken, Corey (August 31, 2013). "Texas A&M rolls past Sam Houston State". Houston Chronicle. Retrieved September 18, 2013.
  14. 1 2 "Texas A&M, Manziel eases past SHSU, 65–28". The Houstonian. September 9, 2013. Archived from the original on November 4, 2013. Retrieved September 18, 2013.
  15. ↑ "Sam Houston State Bearkats vs. Texas A&M Aggies". ESPN. September 7, 2013. Retrieved September 11, 2013.
  16. ↑ "Rave Report (Sept. 14, 2013)" (PDF). Sam Houston State University. September 14, 2013. Retrieved September 23, 2013.
  17. 1 2 3 4 Schallenberg, Gene (September 8, 2013). "Bearkats catch fire in 55–17 blowout of Texas Southern". The Huntsville Item. Retrieved September 18, 2013.
  18. 1 2 Hyde, Connor (September 16, 2013). "SHSU defense a catalyst in offensive momentum for 55–17 victory over TSU". The Houstonian. Sam Houston State University. Retrieved September 23, 2013.
  19. 1 2 3 "Bearkats Roll Past Texas Southern". Sam Houston State Athletics. Retrieved September 23, 2013.
  20. ↑ "Texas Southern Tigers vs. Sam Houston State Bearkats". ESPN. September 14, 2013. Retrieved September 15, 2013.
  21. ↑ "Rave Report (Sept. 19, 2013)" (PDF). Sam Houston State University. September 19, 2013. Retrieved September 23, 2013.
  22. 1 2 3 4 "Cardinals Battle with Bearkats". Cardinals Athletics. September 21, 2013. Retrieved September 25, 2013.
  23. 1 2 3 4 Hyde, Connor (September 23, 2013). "Bearkats rout Cardinals 52–21 despite first quarter problems". The Houstonian. Retrieved September 25, 2013.
  24. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 Schallenberg, Gene (September 22, 2013). "Sam Houston State Football: Record-breaking night for Bearkats". The Huntsville Item. Retrieved September 25, 2013.
  25. 1 2 "Flanders sets SLC record in 52–21 victory". Sam Houston State Athletics. Retrieved September 25, 2013.
  26. ↑ "Incarnate Word vs. Sam Houston State Bearkats". ESPN. September 22, 2013. Retrieved September 23, 2013.
  27. ↑ "Rave Report (Sept. 28, 2013)" (PDF). Sam Houston State University. September 19, 2013. Retrieved September 29, 2013.
  28. 1 2 "Sam Houston State, Flanders run past Eastern Washington". The Sports Network. September 28, 2013. Archived from the original on October 4, 2013. Retrieved October 2, 2013.
  29. 1 2 Hyde, Connor (September 30, 2013). "Bearkats soar over Eagles 49–34". The Houstonian. Retrieved October 2, 2013.
  30. 1 2 3 4 5 6 "#4 Bearkats Run Past #2 Eagles 49–34". EWU Athletic Department. September 28, 2013. Archived from the original on October 5, 2013. Retrieved October 2, 2013.
  31. 1 2 3 4 5 Schallenberg, Gene (September 29, 2013). "Bearkats Football — Kats make big-time statement, upset No. 2 Eastern Washington". The Huntsville Item. Retrieved October 2, 2013.
  32. 1 2 Scott, Brandon K. (September 28, 2013). "FCS #4 Sam Houston Defeats #2 Eastern Washington, 49–34". KBTX. Archived from the original on October 5, 2013. Retrieved October 2, 2013.
  33. ↑ "Eastern Washington Eagles vs. Sam Houston State Bearkats". ESPN. September 28, 2013. Retrieved September 29, 2013.
  34. ↑ "Rave Report (Oct. 12, 2013)" (PDF). Sam Houston State University. October 12, 2013. Retrieved October 18, 2013.
  35. 1 2 3 Schallenberg, Gene (October 12, 2013). "BEARKAT FOOTBALL — Good enough to win". The Huntsville Item. Retrieved October 18, 2013.
  36. 1 2 3 Hyde, Connor (October 14, 2013). "Defense shines as SHSU holds off Lamar 14–3". The Houstonian. Retrieved October 18, 2013.
  37. ↑ "Lamar Cardinals vs. Sam Houston State Bearkats". ESPN. October 12, 2013. Retrieved October 18, 2013.
  38. ↑ "Rave Report (Oct. 19, 2013)" (PDF). Sam Houston State University. October 19, 2013. Retrieved October 28, 2013.
  39. 1 2 3 4 Schallenberg, Gene (October 20, 2013). "SHSU Football: One of those nights". The Huntsville Item. Retrieved November 8, 2013.
  40. 1 2 3 Hickey, Alex (October 19, 2013). "No. 9 Cowboys score huge win over second-ranked Bearkats". American Press. Archived from the original on November 9, 2013. Retrieved November 8, 2013.
  41. 1 2 3 4 5 Hyde, Connor (October 21, 2013). "Bayou Blues". The Houstonian. Retrieved November 8, 2013.
  42. ↑ "Sam Houston State Bearkats vs. McNeese State Cowboys". ESPN. October 19, 2013. Retrieved October 28, 2013.
  43. ↑ "Rave Report (Oct. 26, 2013)" (PDF). Sam Houston State University. October 26, 2013. Retrieved October 28, 2013.
  44. 1 2 3 4 Hyde, Connor (October 26, 2013). "SHSU football regains step in conference with 44–10 win over Demons". The Houstonian. Retrieved November 8, 2013.
  45. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 Schallenberg, Gene (October 27, 2013). "Bearkats Football — Kats special teams make all the difference". The Huntsville Item. Retrieved November 8, 2013.
  46. ↑ "Special teams do in Demons in loss to Bearkats". Natchitoches Times. October 31, 2013. Archived from the original on November 9, 2013. Retrieved November 8, 2013.
  47. ↑ "Northwestern State Demons. vs. Sam Houston State Bearkats". ESPN. October 26, 2013. Retrieved October 28, 2013.
  48. ↑ "Rave Report (Nov. 2, 2013)" (PDF). Sam Houston State University. November 2, 2013. Retrieved November 10, 2013.
  49. 1 2 3 4 Roepken, Corey (November 2, 2013). "SHSU wins Battle of the Piney Woods in shootout at Reliant Stadium". Houston Chronicle. Retrieved November 10, 2013.
  50. 1 2 3 4 5 6 Hyde, Connor (November 4, 2013). "SHSU capitalize off fourth quarter mistakes against SFA, 56–49 win". The Houstonian. Retrieved November 10, 2013.
  51. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 Schallenberg, Gene (November 3, 2013). "Bearkat Football: Sam still standing after wild 56–49 shootout in Houston". The Huntsville Item. Retrieved November 10, 2013.
  52. ↑ "Sam Houston State Bearkats vs. Stephen F. Austin Lumberjacks". ESPN. November 2, 2013. Retrieved November 10, 2013.
  53. ↑ "Rave Report (Nov. 9, 2013)" (PDF). Sam Houston State University. November 9, 2013. Retrieved November 14, 2013.
  54. 1 2 "Kats extend home streak to 21 with Senior Day win". Sam Houston State University. November 9, 2013. Retrieved November 14, 2013.
  55. 1 2 3 4 Renois, Teddy (November 9, 2013). "Sam Houston State Rolls Nicholls, 49–24". The Daily Comet. Retrieved November 14, 2013.
  56. 1 2 3 Hyde, Connor (November 9, 2013). "Bearkats roll through Colonels 49–24". The Houstonian. Retrieved November 14, 2013.
  57. 1 2 3 4 Schallenberg, Gene (November 9, 2013). "SHSU Football: Twenty-One and Counting". The Huntsville Item. Retrieved November 14, 2013.
  58. ↑ "Nicholls State Colonels vs. Sam Houston State Bearkats". ESPN. November 9, 2013. Retrieved November 14, 2013.
  59. ↑ "Flanders Sets Record, Helps Lead Sam Houston State to 55–17 Win". Southland Conference. September 14, 2013. Archived from the original on October 19, 2013. Retrieved September 15, 2013.
  60. ↑ The Sports Network (September 30, 2013). "Attaway, Flanders Highlight Weekly FCS Award Winners". Fox News. Retrieved October 3, 2013.
  61. ↑ "Sam Houston State Football Staff". Sam Houston State Athletics. Retrieved September 17, 2013.
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