Winning Streaks Collide
12/14/2011 8:43:00 AM | Football
Two teams with long winning streaks will meet head on in the NCAA Division I football playoff semifinals Friday night at Elliott T. Bowers Stadium.
Sam Houston, the No. 1 seed in the playoffs, is 13-0 this year and owns a school record 15-game winning streak going back to the final two contests of 2010.
The No. 4 seeded Grizzlies (11-2) have won nine straight games including a 48-10 quarterfinal victory over Northern Iowa.
With a berth in the national championship game in Frisco January 7 at stake, the contest that kicks off at 7 p.m. Friday could be a real Texas shoot-out.
"We're looking forward to this tremendous challenge to go against Montana," said Sam Houston State coach Willie Fritz. "We know about all the history and tradition of Montana football. They're a very, very talented team."
Sam Houston State's 15-game streak is the longest active streak in either Division I subdivision (Bowl or Championship).
The Bearkats finished 2010 with wins over Central Arkansas and Texas State before winning each of their 13 games so far this season. The 15-game streak is the longest in school history, breaking the previous mark of 12 set way back in 1956.
Montana's winning streak began after a Big Sky Conference loss at Sacramento State on Sept. 24. Since then, the Grizzlies have been dominant as they rolled to the Big Sky championship
Led by quarterback Jordan Johnson, the Grizzlies' offense is averaging 38.7 points per game in its last nine games. Meanwhile, the Montana defense has held teams to 10 points.
If Friday's game is tight at halftime, the third quarter will likely decide it.
Montana and Sam Houston State both have been devastating in the third quarter this season. The Grizzlies have outscored opponents 138-51 in third quarter, while the Bearkats have done it by a 177-24 count, including 35-7 in their two playoff victories.
"Give credit to both our players and the coaching staff," Fritz said. "Our assistants have done an excellent job of coming in at half time and making adjustments. And our players are smart and football-wise. They're very coachable and go out and get it done."
Montana will be looking to stop a Bearkat offense that features several weapons -- running back Tim Flanders, wide receiver Richard Sincere and quarterback Brian Bell - and boasts a running attack that relies on big plays.
SHSU has trailed in only five games this season, but has never been behind by more than seven points.
"Montana is the best team we've faced this year," Sam Houston all-Southland center Travis Watson said. "They have a tradition of success in FCS playoffs. This is going to be a tremendous challenge for us, but we're excited about the opportunity."
Friday's game marks the second semifinal game between the Grizzlies and Bearkats. Montana won the previous meeting 34-13 in Missoula in 2004. Montana is making its 11th trip to the NCAA Division I playoff semifinals and brings a 7-3 all-time mark in semifinal games into Friday's contest.
General admission tickets priced at $15 each are on sale now online at www.gobearkats.com or at the SHSU athletic ticket office located in the Ron Mafrige Field House at Bowers Stadium.
Sam Houston State students may purchase game tickets at the discounted price of $5 thanks to the contributions of local Huntsville and Conroe area businesses. SHSU student tickets will be on sale in the Lowman Student Center mall area through Thursday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. daily. Student tickets also are available at the Field House ticket office.
Fans who have pre-purchased tickets are urged to pick up those tickets (and parking passes if applicable) early. A special Will Call window will be open from 12 noon to 6 p.m. at the Bowers Stadium West Side ticket office (located beneath in the press box facing campus) Wednesday and Thursday.
• Pre-purchased ticket Will Call Pickup Information
With Sam Houston commencement at 6:30 p.m. and the football game at 7 p.m. Friday, special parking areas for each event have been designated.
• Commencement/Football Game Parking information
For more information, please call the SHSU athletic ticket office at (936) 294-1729 or visit the athletic web site at www.gobearkats.com .
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