Kats focused on improvement during bye week
9/6/2016 2:01:00 PM | Football
HUNTSVILLE – Sam Houston State head football coach K.C. Keeler does not believe in bye weeks. Instead, he terms them, 'get better weeks,' something the program will hope to do without a game on the schedule at this time for the second straight season.
“It's a big week because the disadvantage we have for us is the fact that you get better so much between Week 1 and Week 2 and you can't simulate a football game,” Keeler said. “We just got off the field and had a very physical practice. We'll be in full pads tomorrow and do some live tackling and cutting. I think we will definitely make some growth to go play Lamar the following week.”
Despite a lopsided 59-21 victory against Oklahoma Panhandle State on Saturday, the Bearkats (1-0) fell from No. 2 to No. 4 in the STATS FCS poll on Sunday. According to Keeler, the change has no effect on the way his football program approaches the upcoming week.
“We don't really pay too much attention to that,” Keeler said. “I'd probably rank us exactly where they did. Richmond goes and beats up Virginia. How can you not put them in front of us? It was unfortunate that New Mexico dropped us and picked up another FCS school anyways. It really wasn't anything to do with us in terms of scheduling. It's a long season and we have to worry about the games in front of us.”
In the opener, Sam Houston racked up 668 yards of total offense, the most in the country. Quarterback Jeremiah Briscoe threw for 338 yards and three scores but improvement is still in order for the unit that racked up 29 first downs against the Aggies.
“We had the most yards in the country and we took a knee the last two minutes of the game,” Keeler said. “We probably left about 21 points on the field and still scored 59 so this offense is really talented. Offensively, we saw some really good things. We had a couple of mistakes and left points on the field but at the same time we felt good.”
With its up-tempo offense, Sam Houston turned to its four running backs to split time. Corey Avery and Javin Webb each eclipsed the 100-yard mark in all-purpose yards rushing for 70 yards (13 carries) and 59 yards (11 carries) respectively. In relief, Remus Bulmer (5 carries for 66 yards) and Jordan Brown (5 carries for 26 yards) each saw their moments to shine.
“We have four running backs that could start for anyone in the country,” Keeler said. “We really went with Corey and Javin early and then saw Remus and Jordon Brown and the plays they can make. I think you'll see us play those guys earlier in the game. We had 96 snaps so in our system you need to have depth at that position because the workload they take on.”
Defensively, Sam Houston held Oklahoma Panhandle to 1.6 yards per rush and 55 net rushing yards. The unit will be tested the following weekend against Lamar when they face off against 2015 STATS FCS National Offensive Player of the Year runner-up Kade Harrington.
For the time being, the focus remains internal. With a chip on its shoulder following last season's loss against the Cardinals following the bye week, Sam Houston looks to ensure history does not repeat itself.
“We have to get better,” Keeler said. “We did some really good things. I was really happy the way the kids came out and played. They faked a punt on us and hit us with a touchdown on a return but after that we had a bunch of young guys playing and we averaged 12 yards per return. Defensively, we gave up one big play. I think people expected 80-0 but that's not football.”
