Talent on display at Saturday's BOTPW
9/27/2016 6:24:00 PM | Football
HOUSTON – Sam Houston State head football coach K.C. Keeler believes this could be the best Bearkats team during his three-year tenure. He feels the same way about Stephen F. Austin.
The Bearkats and Lumberjacks square off Saturday in the 91st Battle of the Piney Woods at Houston's NRG Stadium. Kickoff is scheduled for 3 p.m. with tickets still available by calling the Sam Houston ticket office at (936) 294-1729 or by visiting GoBearkats.com.
“We feel really good about our team,” Keeler said. “We are excited to play a playoff-caliber team that is easily the best SFA team I have seen since I've been here and they were in the playoffs the first year I was here. They have a lot of weapons. It should be a heck of a football team. I think it is two caliber football teams playing each other.”
While much of the talk has centered on a Sam Houston offense that ranks first in total offense (632.7 ypg) and leads the country in scoring (51.7 ppg), the special teams play has been a pivotal part of the program's unblemished start.
“If you look at the stats, we're first in the conference in almost every special team's stat,” Keeler said. “We've really put a tremendous effort in improving special teams. We traveled to the (Baltimore) Ravens over the summer and we worked on different things with them. We're in the process of accomplishing those goals.”
Meanwhile, through the first four games, SFA finds itself near the top of the FCS in several rankings. As a team, the Lumberjacks rank third nationally in team sacks (3.75) while sitting fifth in punt return average (23.6), ninth in rushing defense (91.0 ypg), 14th in passing offense (294.3 ypg) and 20th in tackles for loss (7.5).
“We're playing a tremendous football team and we know it will be a challenge playing those guys,” Keeler said. “It's a rivalry game. A lot of times you can throw the stats out. I think it will be two well coached teams playing each other.”
The Bearkats versus Lumberjacks series dates back to 1923. Sam Houston holds a 53-35 edge in the series with a pair of ties. The Kats have won five straight and is seeking to match the longest win streak in the series at six, held by Sam Houston from 1937-1946.
Former SHSU Football Letterwinners attending the game are encouraged to participate in the Letterwinners Tunnel, which is formed for the Bearkat Football team as they run onto the field. There are a limited number of wristbands (required with a game ticket to participate) available for this opportunity and they will be handed out on a first come, first serve basis.
Former SHSU Football Letterwinners may visit the SHSU Athletics tent in Blue Lot 18 to sign in, pick up a wristband, and get directions on this annual Battle of the Piney Woods tradition beginning at 11 a.m.
