Keys To The Game Sam Houston vs Louisiana Tech

The Bearkats are back in Black as they return home for a game against the Bulldogs

Last week’s 10-7 victory over FIU wasn’t the prettiest sight at the beauty pageant, but it looked just right to Sam Houston as the win gave the program the first bowl berth in its history. And while head Coach KC Keeler said he and the team admittedly feel a sense of relief now that that goal has been achieved, there is still the matter of winning the conference on the table for the Bearkats. That starts this coming Tuesday as Sam Houston returns home for a Blackout game against LaTech. Let’s see how the ‘Kats can continue their momentum.

1. More physicality on offense.
   Coach Keeler point out that Sam Houston’s entire scoring attack needed much more aggression than they showed against FIU. While he admitted that the Panther’s defensive front was better than anticipated, the offensive line will need more of a push this week in order to gain success in short yardage situations. This will only aid the running backs, who have looked a bit out of sorts over the past two games.

2. No more bad special teams

   It’s easy to point to Chrstian Pavon as the focal point of the troubles for the Bearkats on special teams. But the reality is the non-scholarship backup kicker was battling the flu and almost did not make the trip last week to Miami. A good deal of rest and better health will be great, but that is not the remedy for the kickoff team (kicks landing out of bounds) or the punt return unit (running into one another 10 yards in front of where the ball lands). All but one of LaTech’s loses have come by one score, so limiting mistakes in the field position game will be crucial.

   

3. Continue the excellent linebacker play
   Coach Keeler was proud of the way his guys on defense responded after a not so great performance against WKU. That changed in Miami, where LBs Kavian Gaither and Chris Murray bludgeoned and effected the FIU QBs all night, topping it off with a game sealing interception. A similar performance will be needed against LaTech. Their QB, Evan Bullock is a freshman but isn’t scared to sling it around the field. They’re going to let him keep at it as the Bulldogs continue his development, so let’s see if the LBs can strike fear into the heart of the first year signal caller.

   

4. Crank it Up On Offense
   Now that the ‘Kats know to be more physical, it’s time to open up the playbook. With the defense playing so well, Keeler and offensive coordinator Brad Cornelson opted for a conversative approach to the scoring attack. The result was a barrage of jet sweeps, short passes, and runs up the middle. Quarterback Hunter Watson is scheduled to make his return this week, so that should help timing with WRs and give Sam another reliable rusher to help create home run plays.

   

5. Relish the home cooking

   Sam Houston is returning from a tough road game and are coming home to a Blackout at Bowers Stadium. They’ve lost just one game at home this year and manhandled opponents in their wins. With a solid but young and inexperienced LaTech team coming to Huntsville, the Bearkats need to establish themselves early and set a tone that does not offer hope to the Bulldogs.

   Follow on Twitter/X @fobbstalksball