Upset Minded Thunderwolves Invade Saturday
9/13/2014 4:02:00 AM | Football
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The situation is reserved for Sam Houston State as the team heads into the annual Bearkat Family Weekend game Saturday at 6:30 p.m.
Last week, FCS No. 15-ranked Sam Houston headed to Baton Rouge with upset dreams facing FBS No. 10 LSU. This weekend, NCAA Division II No. 2-ranked Colorado State-Pueblo comes to SHSU's Elliott T. Bowers Stadium with similar hopes.
“Just like we went into the LSU game last weekend looking for an upset, Colorado State-Pueblo is coming in here with the same hopes,” Bearkat sophomore quarterback Jared Johnson said. “They're a good team and play with a lot of confidence. We know they believe they can come in here and win the game. They're going to come at us with everything they've got. We have to do the same.”
The Thunderwolves are three-time defending Rocky Mountain Conference champions and, just like Sam Houston, have been a national playoff team three seasons in a row. Colorado State-Pueblo has earned NCAA Division II post season bids the last three years while the Bearkats have been in the FCS playoffs.
“They're a very athletic team with a lot of talent on the perimeter,” SHSU head coach K. C. Keeler said. “They are ranked No. 2 in Division II for a reason. They knocked off North Colorado, an FCS team, last year and certainly have the firepower to do it again this year.”
Colorado State-Pueblo returns 16 starters from last year's 11-1 squad. The Thunderwolves have put together a record of 33-4 during the past three seasons. The Pack started the season a week ago with a 35-6 victory over Division II nationally ranked West Texas A&M.
Keeler says he hasn't had to work hard to get his team focused on just how good a team Colorado State-Pueblo really is.
“The best thing we did was to show the players the video from their big win last week,” Keller said. “They've got an offensive line that is stout and solid and fundamentally sound. A number of their guys started their college careers at a higher level. This is a very talented team.”
Johnson, who has thrown for 845 yards and five touchdowns as the Bearkats' starter in the first three games, knows the team needs to be ready to play.
“We've had some good practices this week,” Johnson said. “It's a long season and we have to be ready to play our best every week.”
Following Saturday night's contest, Sam Houston has an open week. Then, Saturday Sept. 27, the Bearkats begin Southland Conference play against Lamar in Beaumont.
“This is an important game for us,” Keeler said. “We need a big win and need to see progression. This is the kind of game you need to win to propel you into conference play.”
Bearkat Family Weekend annually draws a large crowd to Bowers Stadium and this weekend looks to be no exception. Fans are encouraged to purchase their tickets early to avoid lines.
The Bearkat Alley Tailgate opens at 4:30 p.m. There also will be a “Classic Car Show” in Lot P7 before the game. Gates at Bowers Stadium open at 5 p.m.
KSAM 101.7 FM will broadcast the game live in the Walker County area. The broadcast also will be streamed on www.gobearkats.com.
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