2024 Sam Houston Bearkats football team

2024 Sam Houston Bearkats football
New Orleans Bowl champion
New Orleans Bowl, W 31–26 vs. Georgia Southern
Conference	Conference USA
Record	10–3 (6–2 CUSA)
Head coach	K. C. Keeler (11th season; regular season) Brad Cornelsen (interim; bowl game)
Offensive coordinator	Brad Cornelsen (2nd season)
Offensive scheme	Spread
Defensive coordinator	Skyler Cassity (1st season)
Base defense	3–4
Home stadium	Bowers Stadium
Seasons ←  2023 2025  →

2024 Conference USA football standings

v t e	Conf							Overall
Team		W		L					W		L
Jacksonville State y$		7	–	1					9	–	5
Western Kentucky y		6	–	2					8	–	6
Sam Houston		6	–	2					10	–	3
Liberty		5	–	3					8	–	4
Louisiana Tech		4	–	4					5	–	8
UTEP		3	–	5					3	–	9
FIU		3	–	5					4	–	8
New Mexico State		2	–	6					3	–	9
Middle Tennessee		2	–	6					3	–	9
Kennesaw State*		2	–	6					2	–	10
Championship: Jacksonville State 52, Western Kentucky 12
$ – Conference champion y – Championship game participant * – Ineligible for postseason play due to FCS-to-FBS transition rules

The 2024 Sam Houston Bearkats football team represented Sam Houston State University in Conference USA (CUSA) during the 2024 NCAA Division I FBS football season. The Bearkats were led by K. C. Keeler during the regular season, in his eleventh year as the head coach. ^[1] The Bearkats played their home games at Bowers Stadium, located in Huntsville, Texas. ^[2]

Following a 10–7 road win against FIU on October 22, the Bearkats became bowl eligible in just their second year since joining the FBS. ^[3]

After the regular season, K. C. Keeler announced he accepted the head coaching position at Temple. ^[4] He was replaced on an interim basis by offensive coordinator Brad Cornelsen for the New Orleans Bowl. ^[1]

Offseason

Positions key

C	Center		CB	Cornerback		DB	Defensive back		DE	Defensive end [a]
DL	Defensive lineman		DT	Defensive tackle		FB	Fullback		FS	Free safety
G	Guard [b]		K	Kicker [c]		KR	Kickoff returner		LB	Linebacker
LS	Long snapper		MLB	Middle linebacker [d]		OT	Offensive tackle		OL	Offensive lineman
OLB	Outside linebacker [a]		NT	Nose tackle		P	Punter		PR	Punt returner
QB	Quarterback		RS	Return specialist		RB	Running back		S	Safety
SS	Strong safety		TE	Tight end		WR	Wide receiver

1. May sometimes be referred to as an edge rusher (EDGE)
2. Also known as offensive guard (OG)
3. Also known as placekicker (PK)
4. Also known as inside linebacker (ILB)

Transfers

Outgoing

Player	Position	Destination
Xavier Ward	QB	San Jose State
Jordan Yates	WR	Tennessee Tech
Zachary Session	OL	McNeese
Dakerric Hobbs	CB	New Mexico State
Da'Marcus Crosby	S	New Mexico State
Kaden Kelly	S	Northeastern State
D'Marea Weaver	DB	None

Incoming

Player	Position	Previous Team
S'Maje Burrell	LB	Texas
CJ Johnson	LB	Memphis
Jay Ducker	RB	Memphis
Austin Smith	TE	Memphis
Jalen O'Neal	DB	Abilene Christian
Denver Warren	DL	New Mexico State
Fernando Garza	TE	Texas A&M
Austin Smith	TE	Colorado
Dylan Frazier	DL	SMU
Jaylon Jimmerson	DB	Liberty
Isaiah Cash	DB	Houston Christian
Jase Bauer	QB	Central Michigan
Kaden Taylor	WR	North Texas
Quincy Wright	DL	Oregon State
Joe Swen	S	Oregon State
Kason Tullos	LB	Texas A&M
Nyquee Hawkins	S	Virginia Tech
Kendrick DuJour	DL	Coffeyville CC

^[5]

Roster

2024 Sam Houston Bearkats football team roster
Players			Coaches
Offense Pos. # Name Class RB 0 Zach Hrbacek  Jr RB 1 John Gentry  Jr WR 2 Ife Adeyi  Sr WR 3 Simeon Evans  Jr WR 4 Michael Phoenix II  Jr QB 5 Grant Gunnell GS WR 6 Noah Smith  Sr WR 7 Qua'Vez Humphreys  Jr QB 8 Jase Bauer  Jr RB 9 Jay Ducker GS QB 10 Hunter Watson  Jr WR 11 Malik Phillips Sr TE 12 Austin Smith  Jr QB 13 Sylas Gomez  So WR 14 Jyzaiah Rockwell  So QB 15 DJ Bailey Fr WR 15 Shane Johnson  Jr WR 17 Lonnie Adkism  Fr TE 19 Elijah Sohn  Sr RB 21 DJ McKinney  Fr WR 23 Adrian Murdaugh  Jr WR 25 Matthew Tatum  Fr RB 26 Trey Taylor Fr RB 27 Garret Hagler  So RB 34 Landan Brown  Fr TE 48 Braeden Howell  Jr OL 52 Will Hutchens  Fr OL 54 Mich'le Joseph So OL 56 Luke Eckardt Jr OL 57 Ethan Hagler  Sr OL 59 Graceson Jackson-Smith  Jr OL 61 Ben Gehrke Fr OL 62 Carter Buchheit Fr OL 65 Easton Fulton  Fr OL 68 Jeremiah Edmond So OL 69 Seth Kohlscheen  Sr OL 70 Rhett Larson  So OL 71 James Dawn II Jr OL 73 MarKendrick Beall Sr OL 75 William McCollum Sr OL 76 Ford Ivey  Fr OL 78 Orion Irving  So OL 79 Kolt Dieterich  Fr WR 80 Fatu Mukuba Fr WR 81 Marcus Field Fr TE 82 Cooper Stevens Fr WR 83 Darrick Bledsoe III  Fr WR 84 Kaden Taylor Fr WR 85 Karson Maynard Fr TE 86 Thomas Jewett Fr WR 87 Rushil Patel  Fr WR 88 Terrance Guillory II Fr TE 89 Fernando Garza III  Jr	Defense Pos. # Name Class DL 0 Chris Murray  Jr DL 1 Jevon Leon  Sr DB 2 Da'Veawn Armstead  Jr DB 3 Caleb Weaver  Jr DB 4 Jaylon Jimmerson GS DB 5 David Fisher  Jr LB 6 Trey Fields Sr DB 7 Emon Allen  Jr LB 8 Sincere Jackson  Jr LB 9 Ysidro Mascorro  Jr LB 10 Jaylen Phillips Sr DL 11 Denver Warren  Jr DB 12 Tyler Bailey  So DB 13 Ny'Quee Hawkins GS LB 14 Kavian Gaither Sr DB 15 Jalen O'Neal  Fr DB 16 Joe Swen So OLB 18 Issiah Nixon Sr DB 19 Isaiah Cash GS DB 20 Chantson Prox So DB 21 Dravon Wilson Fr DB 22 Jaidan Scott  So DB 23 Railyn Adams Fr DB 24 Elias Escobar  Sr DB 25 Dax Horany  Fr LB 26 S'Maje Burrell  Fr DB 27 Lyric Smith Fr LB 28 CJ Johnson  Jr DB 29 KeSean Raven  Jr LB 30 Kason Tullos GS DB 31 Quan Williams  Jr DL 33 Kendrick DuJour  So DB 34 Cadiin Johnson  Jr LB 35 Gannon Tullos  So LB 36 Dean Ford Fr OLB 37 Jacquis Ishmeal Jr. Jr OLB 38 Mitch Melton Fr DB 39 Jon-Bernard Reynolds So OLB 42 Ca'lub Holloway  So DL 44 Briceon Hayes  Jr LB 45 Eli Wallace  Fr DB 46 Jason Dabney  Fr LB 50 Forest Gatlin III  Fr DL 51 Jaredh Frayre Fr DL 53 Godgive Ugochukwu  Fr DL 54 Matthew Westmoreland Fr DL 55 Jaden Phillips Sr DL 57 Ryan Gilleylen  So DL 58 Joshua Frayre Fr DL 59 Stephan Ochai Fr DL 90 Richard Outland  Jr DL 91 Andrew Edmonson  So DL 92 Jayden Gaines  Fr DL 93 Seth Mason GS DL 94 Josiah Stephens Fr DL 96 Matthew Aribisala  Fr DL 97 Dylan Frazier  So DL 98 Quardale Patt Jr DL 99 Quincy Wright So	Special teams Pos. # Name Class K, P 39 Shaun Neibert Fr LS 41 Zach Stricker  Jr K, P 43 Jadon Cardell  Jr LS 46 Carson Whitington  So K, P 47 Colby Sessums  Jr K, P 48 Joe Nelson Fr K, P 49 Christian Pavon  Jr	Head coach K. C. Keeler Coordinators/assistant coaches John Johnson – Assistant head coach/running backs Brad Cornelsen – Offensive coordinator Skyler Cassity – Defensive coordinator Mike Bangtson – Offensive line Chris Buckner – Passing game coordinator/wide receivers Ike Eguae – Defensive line Reggie Johnson – Linebackers Matt Merkens – Tight ends Greg Richmond – Defensive ends Julian Wilson – Defensive backs Clayton Barnes – General manager for football Zach Milliet – Special teams analyst Keaton Altman – Offensive graduate assistant Knox Kadum – Offensive graduate assistant Ryan Roberts – Defensive graduate assistant Jacob Surdy – Defensive graduate assistant Legend (C) Team captain (S) Suspended (I) Ineligible Injured Redshirt Roster Last update: October 5, 2024

Preseason

C-USA media poll

The Conference USA preseason media poll was released on July 19. The Bearkats were predicted to finish tied for fifth. ^[6]

Media poll
Predicted finish	Team	Votes (1st place)
1	Liberty	197 (18)
2	Western Kentucky	173 (2)
3	Jacksonville State	166
4	Middle Tennessee	98
5	New Mexico State	97
	Sam Houston
7	Louisiana Tech	88
8	FIU	81
9	UTEP	76
10	Kennesaw State	27

Schedule

Date	Time	Opponent	Site	TV	Result	Attendance
August 31	6:00 p.m.	at Rice *	Rice Stadium Houston, TX	ESPN+	W 34–14	17,298
September 7	5:30 p.m.	at UCF *	FBC Mortgage Stadium Orlando, FL	ESPN+	L 14–45	43,807
September 14	6:00 p.m.	Hawaii *	Bowers Stadium Huntsville, TX	ESPN+	W 31–14	15,134
September 21	6:00 p.m.	New Mexico State	Bowers Stadium Huntsville, TX	ESPN+	W 31–11	13,059
September 28	2:00 p.m.	vs. Texas State *	NRG Stadium Houston, TX (rivalry)	ESPN+	W 40–39	27,225
October 3	8:00 p.m.	at UTEP	Sun Bowl El Paso, TX	CBSSN	W 41–21	14,454
October 16	7:00 p.m.	Western Kentucky	Bowers Stadium Huntsville, TX	ESPN2	L 14–31	8,914
October 22	6:30 p.m.	at FIU	Pitbull Stadium Miami, FL	ESPNU	W 10–7	10,625
October 29	7:00 p.m.	Louisiana Tech	Bowers Stadium Huntsville, TX	ESPNU	W 9–3	9,128
November 16	2:00 p.m.	at Kennesaw State	Fifth Third Bank Stadium Kennesaw, GA	ESPN+	W 23–17 OT	7,736
November 23	11:00 a.m.	at Jacksonville State	JSU Stadium Jacksonville, AL	CBSSN	L 11–21	16,312
November 29	2:30 p.m.	Liberty	Bowers Stadium Huntsville, TX	CBSSN	W 20–18	8,651
December 19	6:00 p.m.	vs. Georgia Southern *	Caesars Superdome New Orleans, LA (New Orleans Bowl)	ESPN2	W 31–26	13,151
*Non-conference game All times are in Central time

^[7]

Game summaries

at Rice

See also: 2024 Rice Owls football team

Sam Houston Bearkats (0–0) vs Rice Owls (0–0) – Game summary

Quarter	1	2	3	4	Total
Bearkats	17	7	10	0	34
Owls	0	7	7	0	14

at Rice Stadium • Houston, TX

• Date: August 31st
• Game time: 6:00 p.m. CDT
• Game weather: Sunny • Temperature: 85 °F (29 °C) • Wind: NE at 8 miles per hour (13 km/h)
• Game attendance: 17,298
• Referee: Reid Jackson
• TV announcers (ESPN+): Chuckie Kempf (play-by-play), Doc Holliday (analyst)

Game information

First quarter (9:42) SHSU – Qua'Vez Humphreys 67 yard pass from Hunter Watson, Christian Pavon kick (Drive: 1 play, 67 yards, 0:12; Sam Houston 7–0) (8:52) SHSU – David Fisher 30 yard interception return, Christian Pavon kick (Sam Houston 14–0) (3:37) SHSU – Christian Pavon 52 yard field goal (Drive: 9 plays, 42 yards, 3:43; Sam Houston 17–0) Second quarter (11:17) RICE – Kobie Campbell 22 yard pass from E.J. Warner, Tim Horn kick (Drive: 5 plays, 50 yards, 2:40; Sam Houston 17–7) (1:53) SHSU – Ife Adeyi 32 yard pass from Hunter Watson, Christian Pavon kick (Drive: 6 plays, 56 yards, 2:10; Sam Houston 24–7) Third quarter (10:17) SHSU – John Gentry 1 yard run, Christian Pavon kick (Drive: 10 plays, 76 yards, 4:39; Sam Houston 31–7) (7:31) RICE – Dean Connors 15 yard run, Tim Horn kick (Drive: 7 plays, 65 yards, 2:46; Sam Houston 31–14) (3:38) SHSU – Christian Pavon 26 yard field goal (Drive: 10 plays, 67 yards, 3:53; Sam Houston 34–14) Fourth quarter No scoring plays

Statistics	SHSU	RICE
First downs	20	14
Total yards	73–407	62–274
Rushing yards	46–178	18–47
Passing yards	229	227
Passing: Comp–Att–Int	16–27–0	27–44–2
Time of possession	35:20	24:40

Team	Category	Player	Statistics
Sam Houston	Passing	Hunter Watson	16/27, 229 yards, 2 TD
	Rushing	Hunter Watson	14 carries, 57 yards
	Receiving	Qua'Vez Humphreys	3 receptions, 93 yards, 1 TD
Rice	Passing	E.J. Warner	27/44, 227 yards, 1 TD, 2 INT
	Rushing	Dean Connors	12 carries, 52 yards, 1 TD
	Receiving	Matt Sykes	6 receptions, 74 yards

at UCF

See also: 2024 UCF Knights football team

Game Two – Sam Houston Bearkats (1–0) vs UCF Knights (1–0) – Game summary

Quarter	1	2	3	4	Total
Bearkats	0	7	0	7	14
Knights	14	10	14	7	45

at FBC Mortgage Stadium • Orlando, FL

• Date: Saturday September 7, 2024
• Game time: 5:30 p.m. CDT
• Game weather: 83 °F (28 °C)
• Game attendance: 43,807
• Referee: Henry Johns
• TV announcers (ESPN+): James Westling (play-by-play) and Leger Douzable (analyst)

Game information

First quarter UCF: RJ Harvey 19-yard touchdown (Colton Boomer Kick), 8:17 UCF: RJ Harvey 2-yard touchdown (Colton Boomer Kick), 3:07 Second quarter UCF: Colton Boomer 50-yard field goal, 10:36 SHSU: Simeon Evans 64-yard touchdown pass from Noah Smith (Christian Pavon Kick), 8:41 UCF: RJ Harvey 22-yard touchdown (Colton Boomer Kick), 3:59 Third quarter UCF: Myles Montgomery 7-yard touchdown (Colton Boomer Kick), 9:58 UCF: RJ Harvey 2-yard touchdown (Colton Boomer Kick), 7:14 Fourth quarter UCF: P. Boone 3-yard touchdown (Colton Boomer Kick), 12:36 SHSU: Michael Phoenix II 22-yard touchdown pass from Jase Bauer (Christian Pavon Kick), 4:14 Win Probability/Line UCF 91.5%, UCF -21, Over/Under 58.5

Statistics	SHSU	UCF
First downs	12	29
Total yards	287	554
Rushing yards	68	384
Passing yards	219	170
Passing: Comp–Att–Int	9-13-2	12-15
Time of possession	25:57	34:03

Team	Category	Player	Statistics
Sam Houston	Passing	Hunter Watson	9/13, 82 yards, 2 INT
	Rushing	Zach Hrbacek	8 carries, 25 yards
	Receiving	Simeon Evans	3 receptions, 89 yards, 1 TD
UCF	Passing	KJ Jefferson	12/15, 169 yards
	Rushing	RJ Harvey	19 carries, 126 yards, 4 TD
	Receiving	Kobe Hudson	5 receptions, 104 yards

vs. Hawaii

See also: 2024 Hawaii Rainbow Warriors football team

Game Three – Sam Houston Bearkats (1–1) vs Hawaii Rainbow Warriors (1–1) – Game summary

Quarter	1	2	3	4	Total
Rainbow Warriors	0	3	10	0	13
Bearkats	7	10	7	7	31

at Bowers Stadium, Huntsville, TX

• Date: September 14
• Game time: 1:00 p.m. HDT/6:00 p.m. CDT
• Game weather: Sunny, 96 °F (36 °C)
• Game attendance: 15,134
• Referee: Rory Bernard
• TV announcers (ESPN+): Tom Franklin (play-by-play) and John Harris (analyst)
• Box score, Recap

Game information

First quarter SHSU – Qua'Vez Humphreys 7-yard pass from Hunter Watson (Christian Pavon kick), 11:00. Bearkats 7–0. Drive: 9 plays, 75 yards, 4:00. Second quarter HAW – Kansei Matsuzawa 33-yard field goal, 13:24. Bearkats 7–3. Drive: 7 plays, 45 yards, 1:51. SHSU – Ife Adeyi 9-yard run (Christian Pavon kick), 5:14. Bearkats 14–3. Drive: 16 plays, 75 yards, 8:10. SHSU – Christian Pavon 26-yard field goal, 1:58. Bearkats 17–3. Drive: 7 plays, 27 yards, 2:33. Third quarter HAW – Pofele Ashlock 5-yard pass from Brayden Schager (Kansei Matsuzawa kick), 10:03. Bearkats 17–10. Drive: 11 plays, 75 yards, 4:57. SHSU – John Gentry 3-yard pass from Hunter Watson (Christian Pavon kick), 7:20. Bearkats 24–10. Drive: 5 plays, 93 yards, 2:36. HAW – Kansei Matsuzawa 27-yard field goal, 1:15. Bearkats 24–13. Drive: 12 plays, 55 yards, 6:05. Fourth quarter SHSU – Qua'Vez Humphreys 55-yard pass from Hunter Watson (Christian Pavon kick), 9:41. Bearkats 31–13. Drive: 4 plays, 68 yards, 2:02.

Statistics	HAW	SHSU
First downs	15	22
Total yards	308	422
Rushing yards	56	257
Passing yards	252	165
Turnovers	1	2
Time of possession	25:38	34:22

Team	Category	Player	Statistics
Hawaii	Passing	Brayden Schager	21/42, 252 yards, TD, INT
	Rushing	Cam Barfield	5 rushes, 24 yards
	Receiving	Pofele Ashlock	8 receptions, 84 yards, TD
Sam Houston	Passing	Hunter Watson	15/23, 165 yards, 3 TD, INT
	Rushing	Jay Ducker	15 rushes, 148 yards
	Receiving	Qua'Vez Humphreys	4 receptions, 106 yards, 2 TD

vs. New Mexico State

See also: 2024 New Mexico State Aggies football team

New Mexico State Aggies (1-2) at Sam Houston Bearkats (2-1) – Game summary

Quarter	1	2	3	4	Total
Aggies	3	0	0	8	11
Bearkats	14	7	0	10	31

at Bowers Stadium, Huntsville, TX

• Date: September 21
• Game time: 5:00 p.m. MDT/6:00 p.m. CDT
• Game weather: Sunny, 94 °F (34 °C)
• Game attendance: 13,059
• Referee: Reed Brotherson
• TV announcers (ESPN+): Tom Franklin (play-by-play) and Ken Moore (analyst)
• Box score, Recap

Game information

First quarter NMSU – Abraham Montano 32-yard field goal, 6:36. Aggies 3–0. Drive: 13 plays, 58 yards, 4:30. SHSU – Hunter Watson 46-yard run (Christian Pavon kick), 5:31. Bearkats 7–3. Drive: 4 plays, 75 yards, 1:05. SHSU – Jay Ducker 1-yard run (Christian Pavon kick), 0:35. Bearkats 14–3. Drive: 7 plays, 35 yards, 1:50. Second quarter SHSU – Hunter Watson 8-yard run (Christian Pavon kick), 6:26. Bearakts 21–3. Drive: 17 plays, 80 yards, 8:20. Third quarter No scoring plays Fourth quarter SHSU – Simeon Evans 20-yard pass from Jase Bauer (Christian Pavon kick), 13:29. Bearkats 28–3. Drive: 13 plays, 89 yards, 6:36. NMSU – Jerry Lydiatt 3-yard pass from Santino Marucci (Santino Marucci pass to Seth McGowan), 8:35. Bearkats 28–11. Drive: 12 plays, 74 yards, 4:47. SHSU – Christian Pavon 46-yard field goal, 1:51. Bearkats 31–11. Drive: 13 plays, 45 yards, 6:44.

Statistics	NMSU	SHSU
First downs	12	24
Total yards	152	382
Rushing yards	78	280
Passing yards	74	102
Passing: Comp–Att–Int	14–29–2	12–26–2
Time of possession	23:22	36:38

Team	Category	Player	Statistics
New Mexico State	Passing	Santino Marucci	14/29, 74 yards, TD, 2 INT
	Rushing	Seth McGowan	12 rushes, 50 yards
	Receiving	T. J. Pride	5 receptions, 33 yards
Sam Houston	Passing	Hunter Watson	9/21, 64 yards, 2 INT
	Rushing	Hunter Watson	12 rushes, 116 yards, 2 TD
	Receiving	Noah Smith	4 receptions, 38 yards

vs. Texas State (rivalry)

See also: 2024 Texas State Bobcats football team

Game Five – Texas State Bobcats (2–1) vs. Sam Houston Bearkats (3–1) – Game summary

Quarter	1	2	3	4	Total
Bobcats	22	10	7	0	39
Bearkats	0	21	13	6	40

at NRG Stadium, Houston, TX

• Date: September 28
• Game time: 2:00 p.m. CDT
• Game weather: Indoors 72 °F
• Game attendance: 27,225
• Referee: Garrett Dickerson
• TV announcers (ESPN+): Randy McIlvoy (play-by-play) and John Harris (analyst)

Game information

First quarter TXST– Joey Herbert 6-yard pass from Jordan McCloud, (Mason Shipley kick), 11:08. Drive: 10 plays, 77 yards, 3:46.Bobcats 7–0. TXST– Kenny Haynes 29-yard fumble return ((Mason Shipley Pass to David Nunez for Two-Point Conversion), 9:21. Drive: 4 plays, 4 yards, 1:47.Bobcats 15–0. TXST– Joey Hobert 2-yard pass from Jordan McCloud, (Mason Shipley kick), 2:20. Drive: 14 plays, 58 yards, 5:35.Bobcats 22–0. Second quarter SHSU– Jay Ducker 1-yard run, (Christian Pavon kick), 11:14. Drive: 13 plays, 75 yards, 6:06.Bobcats 22–7. SHSU– Jay Ducker 14-yard run, (Christian Pavon kick), 6:16. Drive: 8 plays, 58 yards, 3:26.Bobcats 22–14. TXST– Lincoln Pare 14-yard run, (Mason Shipley kick), 3:19. Drive: 7 plays, 65 yards, 2:57.Bobcats 29–14. SHSU– Hunter Watson 3-yard run, (Christian Pavon kick), 0:51. Drive: 7 plays, 29 yards, 1:30.Bobcats 29–21. TXST– Mason Shipley 60-yard field goal, 0:00. Drive: 5 plays, 48 yards, 0:41.Bobcats 32–14. Third quarter TXST– Kole Wilson 4-yard pass from Jordan McCloud (Mason Shipley Kick), 11:57. Drive: 5 plays, 48 yards, 0:41.Bobcats 39–21. SHSU– Hunter Watson 1-yard run (Two Point Conversion failed), 4:30. Bobcats 39–27.Drive: 6 plays, 63 yards, 2:25. SHSU– Jay Ducker 1-yard run (Pavon Christian Kick), 0:51. Bobcats 39–34.Drive: 5 plays, 24 yards, 1:50. Fourth quarter SHSU– Pavon Christian 46-yard field goal, 9:28. Drive: 7 plays, 35 yards, 4:31.Bobcats 39–37. SHSU– Pavon Christian 24-yard field goal, 0:06. Drive: 11 plays, 72 yards, 6:43.Bearkats 40–39.

Statistics	TXST	SHSU
First downs	25	25
Total yards	417	395
Rushing yards	91	300
Passing yards	326	95
Turnovers	1	1
Time of possession	25:38	34:22

Team	Category	Player	Statistics
Texas State	Passing	Jordan McCloud	29/39, 326 yards, 3 TD
	Rushing	Ismail Mahdi	17 carries, 57 yards
	Receiving	Jaden Williams	10 receptions, 133 yards
Sam Houston	Passing	Hunter Watson	10/19, 95 yards
	Rushing	Hunter Watson	27 carries, 105 yards, 2 TD
	Receiving	DJ McKinney	2 receptions, 22 yards

at UTEP

See also: 2024 UTEP Miners football team

Game Six – Sam Houston Bearkats (4–1) vs. UTEP Miners (0–4) – Game summary

Quarter	1	2	3	4	Total
Bearkats	7	10	21	3	41
Miners	0	7	7	7	21

at Sun Bowl, El Paso, TX

• Date: October 3
• Game time: 8:00 p.m. CDT
• Game weather: Sunny • Temperature: 83 °F (28 °C) • Wind: NE 3 miles per hour (4.8 km/h)
• Game attendance: 14,454
• Referee: Douglas Mercer
• TV announcers (CBSSN): Alex Del Barrio (play-by-play) and Taylor McHargue (analyst)

Game information

First quarter (12:45) SAM – Jay Ducker 39-yard run, Christian Pavon kick (Drive: 5 plays, 75 yards, 2:15; Sam Houston 7–0) Second quarter (4:24) SAM – DJ McKinney 23-yard run, Christian Pavon kick (Drive: 10 plays, 81 yards, 3:19; Sam Houston 14–0) (3:12) UTEP – Kory Chapman 0-yard fumble recovery, Buzz Flabiano kick (Sam Houston 14–7) (0:17) SAM – Christian Pavon 19-yard field goal (Drive: 13 plays, 73 yards, 2:55; Sam Houston 17–7) Third quarter (13:23) SAM – Qua'Vez Humphreys 33-yard pass from Hunter Watson, Christian Pavon kick (Drive: 2 plays, 62 yards, 0:38; Sam Houston 24–7) (5:48) SAM – Michael Phoenix II 34-yard pass from Hunter Watson, Christian Pavon kick (Drive: 11 plays, 90 yards, 5:06; Sam Houston 31–7) (3:03) SAM – DJ McKinney 59-yard run, Christian Pavon kick (Drive: 3 plays, 68 yards, 0:53; Sam Houston 38–7) (0:23) UTEP – Marcus Vinson 52-yard pass from Cade McConnell, Buzz Flabiano kick (Drive: 6 plays, 75 yards, 2:40; Sam Houston 38–14) Fourth quarter (9:25) UTEP – Ezell Jolly 4-yard run, Buzz Flabiano kick (Drive: 3 plays, 40 yards, 0:41; Sam Houston 38–21) (2:07) SAM – Christian Pavon 42-yard field goal (Drive: 13 plays, 50 yards, 7:12; Sam Houston 41–21)

Statistics	SHSU	UTEP
First downs	26	15
Total yards	517	323
Rushing yards	293	119
Passing yards	224	204
Turnovers	1	4
Time of possession	35:17	24:43

Team	Category	Player	Statistics
Sam Houston	Passing	Hunter Watson	19/29, 224 yards, 2 TD
	Rushing	DJ McKinney	14 carries, 138 yards, 2 TD
	Receiving	Qua'Vez Humphreys	2 receptions, 47 yards, TD
UTEP	Passing	Cade McConnell	15/28, 204 yards, TD, INT
	Rushing	Ezell Jolly	17 carries, 76 yards, TD
	Receiving	Kenny Odom	4 receptions, 70 yards

vs. Western Kentucky

See also: 2024 Western Kentucky Hilltoppers football team

Game Seven – Western Kentucky Hilltoppers (4–2) vs. Sam Houston Bearkats (5–1) – Game summary

Quarter	1	2	3	4	Total
Hilltoppers	7	10	0	14	31
Bearkats	0	14	0	0	14

at Bowers Stadium, Huntsville, TX

• Date: October 16
• Game time: 7:00 p.m. CDT
• Game weather: Clear • Temperature: 68 °F (20 °C) • Wind: NE 8 miles per hour (13 km/h)
• Game attendance: 8,914
• Referee: Roy Bernard
• TV announcers (ESPN2): Lowell Galindo (play-by-play) and Fozzy Whittaker (analyst)

Game information

First quarter (12:20) WKU – River Helms 17-yard pass from Caden Veltkamp, Lucas Carneiro kick (Drive: 7 plays, 65 yards, 2:40; Western Kentucky 7–0) Second quarter (14:50) SAM – Simeon Evans 37-yard pass from Hunter Watson, Christian Pavon kick (Drive: 8 plays, 77 yards, 3:03; Tied 7–7) (10:41) WKU – Lucas Carneiro 51-yard field goal (Drive: 10 plays, 32 yards, 4:09; Western Kentucky 10–7) (8:46) SAM – Michael Phoenix II 50-yard pass from Hunter Watson, Christian Pavon kick (Drive: 4 plays, 73 yards, 1:47; Sam Houston 14–10) (2:59) WKU – Elijah Young 11-yard pass from Caden Veltkamp, Lucas Carneiro kick (Drive: 13 plays, 75 yards, 5:47; Western Kentucky 17–14) Third quarter No scoring plays Fourth quarter (11:45) WKU – K.D. Hutchinson 74-yard pass from Caden Veltkamp, Lucas Carneiro kick (Drive: 3 plays, 80 yards, 1:20; Western Kentucky 24–14) (9:31) WKU – Caden Veltkamp 19-yard run, Lucas Carneiro kick (Drive: 3 plays, 24 yards, 0:43; Western Kentucky 31–14)

Statistics	WKU	SHSU
First downs	23	22
Total yards	411	400
Rushing yards	130	165
Passing yards	281	235
Turnovers	1	2
Time of possession	29:45	30:15

Team	Category	Player	Statistics
Western Kentucky	Passing	Caden Veltkamp	20/29, 281 yards, 3 TD
	Rushing	Elijah Young	23 carries, 97 yards
	Receiving	K. D. Hutchinson	3 receptions, 88 yards, TD
Sam Houston	Passing	Hunter Watson	6/9, 128 yards, 2 TD
	Rushing	Jase Bauer	11 carries, 41 yards
	Receiving	Simeon Evans	5 receptions, 59 yards, TD

at FIU

See also: 2024 FIU Panthers football team

Game Eight – Sam Houston Bearkats (5–2) vs. FIU Panthers (2–5) – Game summary

Quarter	1	2	3	4	Total
Bearkats	0	0	7	3	10
Panthers	0	0	0	7	7

at Pitbull Stadium, Miami, FL

• Date: October 22
• Game time: 6:30 p.m. CDT
• Game weather: Cloudy 79 °F (26 °C)
• Game attendance: 10,626
• Referee: Rodney Burnette
• TV announcers (ESPNU): Matt Schumacker (play-by-play) and Dustin Fox (analyst)

Game information

First quarter No scoring plays Second quarter No scoring plays Third quarter SHSU – DJ McKinney 1-yard rush, (Christian Pavon kick), 6:38. Drive: 2 plays, 3 yards, 0:46.Bearkats 7–0. Fourth quarter FIU – Eric Rivers 28-yard pass from Chayden Peery, (Alejandro Prado kick), 14:55. Drive: 12 plays, 65 yards, 6:43.Tie 7–7. SHSU – Pavon Christian 20-yard field goal, 1:57. Drive: 12 plays, 79 yards, 6:06.Bearkats 10–7.

Statistics	SHSU	FIU
First downs	13	11
Total yards	210	200
Rushing yards	134	126
Passing yards	76	74
Turnovers	0	1
Time of possession	31:54	28:06

Team	Category	Player	Statistics
Sam Houston	Passing	Jase Bauer	14/21, 76 yards
	Rushing	Jase Bauer	15 carries, 72 yards
	Receiving	Simeon Evans	5 receptions, 35 yards
FIU	Passing	Chayden Peery	7/12, 58 yards, 1 TD
	Rushing	Shomari Lawrence	8 carries, 44 yards
	Receiving	Eric Rivers	3 receptions, 42 yards, 1 TD

vs. Louisiana Tech

See also: 2024 Louisiana Tech Bulldogs football team

Game Nine – Louisiana Tech Bulldogs (3–4) vs. Sam Houston Bearkats (6–2) – Game summary

Quarter	1	2	3	4	Total
Bulldogs	3	0	0	0	3
Bearkats	2	0	7	0	9

at Bowers Stadium, Huntsville, TX

• Date: October 29
• Game time: 7:00 p.m. CDT
• Game weather: Sunny • Temperature: 79 °F (26 °C) • Wind: SE 12 miles per hour (19 km/h)
• Game attendance: 9,128
• Referee: Ron Hudson
• TV announcers (ESPNU): Mike Corey (play-by-play) and Rene Ingoglia (analyst)

Game information
First quarter LT– Buck Buchanan 24-yard field goal, 2:24. Drive: 13 plays, 48 yards, 5:24.Bulldogs 3–0. SHSU– Kendrick DuJour safety, 0:00. Bulldogs 3–2. Second quarter No scoring plays Third quarter SHSU– Jay Ducker 40-yard run, (Christian Pavon kick) 11:40. Drive: 7 plays, 75 yards, 3:20.Bearkats 9–3. Fourth quarter No scoring plays

Statistics	LT	SHSU
First downs	20	11
Total yards	312	268
Rushing yards	105	105
Passing yards	207	163
Turnovers	4	2
Time of possession	32:33	27:27

Team	Category	Player	Statistics
Louisiana Tech	Passing	Evan Bullock	16/25, 148 yards, 1 INT
	Rushing	Omiri Wiggins	11 carries, 49 yards
	Receiving	Tru Edwards	8 receptions, 80 yards
Sam Houston	Passing	Hunter Watson	14/22, 146 yards, 1 INT
	Rushing	Jay Ducker	13 carries, 72 yards, 1 TD
	Receiving	Noah Smith	6 receptions, 47 yards

at Kennesaw State

See also: 2024 Kennesaw State Owls football team

Game Ten – Sam Houston Bearkats (7–2) vs. Kennesaw State Owls (1–8) – Game summary

Quarter	1	2	3	4	OT	Total
Bearkats	0	3	7	7	6	23
Owls	0	3	7	7	0	17

at Fifth Third Bank Stadium • Kennesaw, Georgia

• Date: November 16th
• Game time: 3:00 p.m. EDT
• Game weather: Sunny, 67 °F (19 °C)
• Game attendance: 7,736
• Referee: Douglas Mercer
• TV announcers (ESPN+): Nolan Alexander (play-by-play), Barclay Miller (analyst) and Lauren Hoffman (sideline)

Game information

First quarter No scoring plays Second quarter (10:17) KENN – Austin Welch 25 yard field goal (Drive: 13 plays, 83 yards, 10:27; KENN 3–0) (1:56) SHSU – Christian Pavon 29 yard field goal (Drive: 5 plays, 41 yards, 2:15; TIED 3–3) Third quarter (9:27) SHSU – Hunter Watson 25 yard run, Christian Pavon kick (Drive: 13 plays, 75 yards, 5:26; SHSU 10–3) (3:01) KENN – Michael Benefield 1 yard run, Austin Welch kick (Drive: 2 plays, 7 yards, 0:38; TIED 10–10) Fourth quarter (1:54) SHSU – Jay Ducker 17 yard run, Christian Pavon kick (Drive: 8 plays, 70 yards, 4:06; SHSU 17–10) (0:25) KENN – Carson Kent 9 yard pass from Davis Bryson, Austin Welch kick (Drive: 10 plays, 71 yards, 1:21; TIED 17–17) Overtime SHSU – Hunter Watson 10 yard run (Drive: 3 plays, 25 yards; SHSU 23–17)

Statistics	SHSU	KENN
First downs	21	13
Total yards	382	243
Rushing yards	203	106
Passing yards	179	137
Passing: Comp–Att–Int	22–32–1	16–24–1
Time of possession	32:24	27:36

Team	Category	Player	Statistics
Sam Houston	Passing	Hunter Watson	22/32, 179 yds, 1 INT
	Rushing	Jay Ducker	18 carries, 111 yards, 1 TD
	Receiving	Simeon Evans	5 receptions, 64 yards
Kennesaw State	Passing	Davis Bryson	16/24, 137 yds, 1 TD, 1 INT
	Rushing	Davis Bryson	12 carries, 46 yards
	Receiving	Blake Bohannon	5 receptions, 55 yards

at Jacksonville State

See also: 2024 Jacksonville State Gamecocks football team

Game Eleven – Sam Houston Bearkats (8–2) vs. Jacksonville State Gamecocks (7–3) – Game summary

Quarter	1	2	3	4	Total
Bearkats	0	3	8	0	11
Gamecocks	7	7	0	7	21

at JSU Stadium, Jacksonville, AL

• Date: November 23
• Game time: 11:00 a.m. CDT
• Game weather: Sunny 51 °F (11 °C)
• Game attendance: 16,312
• Referee: Garrett Dickerson
• TV announcers (CBSSN): Jordan Kent (play-by-play) and Logan Ryan (analyst)

Game information

First quarter JSU – Tyler Huff 3-yard run (Garrison Rippa kick), 9:45. Gamecocks 7–0.Drive: 14 plays, 75 yards, 5:15. Second quarter SHSU – Christian Pavon 34-yard field goal, 9:12. Gamecocks 7–3.Drive: 9 plays, 41 yards, 4:53. JSU – Tyler Huff 38-yard run (Garrison Rippa kick), 5:14. Gamecocks 14–3.Drive: 10 plays, 75 yards, 3:58. Third quarter SHSU – Hunter Watson 21-yard run (Hunter Watson run for two-point conversation), 8:16. Gamecocks 14–11.Drive: 12 plays, 78 yards, 6:37. Fourth quarter JSU – Tyler Huff 7-yard run (Garrison Rippa kick), 11:31. Gamecocks 21–11.Drive: 14 plays, 80 yards, 6:07.

Statistics	SHSU	JVST
First downs	16	20
Total yards	259	332
Rushing yards	175	278
Passing yards	84	54
Passing: Comp–Att–Int	13-26	9-12
Turnovers	0	1
Time of possession	31:05	28:55

Team	Category	Player	Statistics
Sam Houston	Passing	Hunter Watson	13/25, 84 yards
	Rushing	Hunter Watson	21 carries, 105 yards, 1TD
	Receiving	Noah Smith	6 receptions, 65 yards
Jacksonville State	Passing	Tyler Huff	9/12, 54 yards
	Rushing	Tyler Huff	30 carries, 177 yards, 3TD
	Receiving	Sean Brown	1 reception, 22 yards

vs. Liberty

See also: 2024 Liberty Flames football team

Game Twelve – Liberty Flames (8–2) vs. Sam Houston Bearkats (8–3) – Game summary

Quarter	1	2	3	4	Total
Flames	2	7	0	9	18
Bearkats	3	14	3	0	20

at Bowers Stadium, Huntsville, TX

• Date: November 29
• Game time: 2:30 p.m. CDT
• Game weather: Sunny, 53 °F (12 °C)
• Game attendance: 8,651
• Referee: Rodney Burnette
• TV announcers (CBSSN): Alex Del Barrio (play-by-play), Taylor McHargue (analyst)

Game information

First quarter (10:30) SHSU – Christian Pavon 39-yard field goal (Drive: 10 plays, 53 yards, 4:30; SHSU 3–0) (2:34) LIB - Team Safety (Drive: 2 plays, -1 yards, 0:41; SHSU 3–2) Second quarter (10:14) SHSU – Simeon Evans 17 yard pass from Hunter Watson, Christian Pavon kick (Drive: 13 plays, 87 yards, 4:50; SHSU 10–2) (6:45) SHSU – Simeon Evans 2 yard pass from Hunter Watson, Christian Pavon kick (Drive: 5 plays, 31 yards, 2:29; SHSU 17–2) (1:14) LIB – Elijah Canion 10 yard pass from Kaidon Salter, Colin Karhu kick (Drive: 7 plays, 51 yards, 2:10; SHSU 17–9) Third quarter (5:13) SHSU – Christian Pavon 38-yard field goal (Drive: 8 plays, 36 yards, 4:39; SHSU 20-9) Fourth quarter (7:20) LIB – Colin Karhu 43-yard field goal (Drive: 11 plays, 43 yards, 2:40; SHSU 20-12) (1:10) LIB – Kaidon Salter 33 yard run, Two-Point Pass Conversion Failed (Drive: 6 plays, 64 yards, 1:06; SHSU 20-18)

Statistics	LIB	SHSU
First downs	18	18
Total yards	262	333
Rushing yards	179	131
Passing yards	83	202
Passing: Comp–Att–Int	12-37-2	19-34-1
Time of possession	24:42	35:18

Team	Category	Player	Statistics
Liberty	Passing	Kaidon Salter	12/35, 83 yards, 1 TD, 2 INT
	Rushing	Quinton Cooley	19 carries, 90 yards
	Receiving	Reese Smith	3 receptions, 26 yards
Sam Houston	Passing	Hunter Watson	19/33, 202 yards, 2 TD, 1 INT
	Rushing	Jay Ducker	24 carries, 96 yards
	Receiving	Simeon Evans	6 receptions, 83 yards, 2 TDs

vs. Georgia Southern (New Orleans Bowl)

See also: 2024 Georgia Southern Eagles football team and 2024 New Orleans Bowl

2024 R+L Carriers New Orleans Bowl
Georgia Southern Eagles (8-4, 6-2) at Sam Houston Bearkats (9-3, 6-2)

Quarter	1	2	3	4	Total
Eagles	0	10	9	7	26
Bearkats	7	14	0	10	31

at Caesars Superdome • New Orleans, Louisiana

• Date: Thursday, December 19, 2024
• Game time: 6:00 p.m. CST
• Game weather: Indoors, 64 °F (18 °C)
• Game attendance: 13,151
• Referee: David Seigle
• TV announcers (ESPN2): Jorge Sedano (play-by-play) Orlando Franklin (analyst)

Game information

First quarter (12:02) SHSU– Jaylon Jimmerson 29-yard interception return, Christian Pavon kick. SHSU 7–0. Drive: 1 play, 0 yards, 0:07. Second quarter (9:15) GASO- Josh Dallas 17-yard pass from JC French, Gavin Stewart kick. Tied 7–7. Drive: 11 plays, 80 yards, 5:16. (5:46) SHSU- Simeon Evans 33-yard pass from Hunter Watson, Christian Pavon kick. SHSU 14–7. Drive: 8 plays, 75 yards, 3:29. (3:09) SHSU- Hunter Watson 2-yard run, Christian Pavon kick. SHSU 21–7. Drive: 4 plays, 13 yards, 1:43. (0:00) GASO- Gavin Stewart 49-yard field goal. SHSU 21–10. Drive: 10 plays, 55 yards, 1:04. Third quarter (7:14) GASO- Jaylen White 1-yard run, Two-Point Conversion failed. SHSU 21–16. Drive: 5 plays, 56 yards, 2:53. (0:05) GASO- Gavin Stewart 49-yard field goal. SHSU 21–19. Drive: 8 plays, 26 yards, 3:56. Fourth quarter (11:37) SHSU- Hunter Watson 1-yard run, Christian Pavon kick. SHSU 28–19. Drive: 8 plays, 88 yards, 3:28. (1:57) SHSU- Christian Pavon 21-yard field goal. SHSU 31–19. Drive: 8 plays, 28 yards, 3:25. (0:09) GASO- JC French 1-yard run, Gavin Stewart kick. SHSU 31–26. Drive: 9 plays, 73 yards, 1:48.

Statistics	GASO	SHSU
First downs	23	15
Total yards	393	267
Rushing yards	181	54
Passing yards	212	213
Passing: Comp–Att–Int	20-33-4	23-28
Time of possession	31:49	28:11

Team	Category	Player	Statistics
Georgia Southern	Passing	JC French	20/33, 212 yards 1 TD, 4 INT
	Rushing	Jalen White	16 carries, 90 yards, 1TD
	Receiving	Derwin Burgess Jr.	6 receptions, 56 yards
Sam Houston	Passing	Hunter Watson	23/28, 213 yards, 1 TD
	Rushing	Jay Ducker	10 carries, 26 yards
	Receiving	Simeon Evans	7 receptions, 85 yards, 1TD

References

1. Sportsdesk, B. V. M. (December 2, 2024). "K.C. Keeler Resigns as Sam Houston Bearkats Football Coach". BVM Sports. Retrieved December 8, 2024.
2. "2023 Football Coaching Staff". Sam Houston Athletics. Retrieved February 2, 2024.
3. "Sam Houston State is bowl eligible for the first time, so which bowl is most likely destination?". Houston Chronicle. Retrieved October 24, 2024.
4. "Temple University Names K.C. Keeler Head Football Coach". Temple.
5. "2024 Sam Houston State Football Transfer Portal". on3.com. Retrieved October 5, 2024.
6. "FB: CUSA Announces Media's Predicted Order of Finish". conferenceUSA.com. Conference USA. July 19, 2024. Retrieved October 2, 2024.
7. "2024 Sam Houston Football Schedule". FBSchedules.com. Retrieved February 2, 2024.