COLLEGE STATION — Sam Houston hung around with the No. 6 team in the country for most of the game, but offensive struggles doomed the Bearkats in a 31-0 loss to Texas A&M at Kyle Field in the season opener Saturday.
The Kats (0-1) were held to just 198 yards of total offense despite a stellar defensive performance that frustrated the Aggies (1-0). Texas A&M was able to hit three scoring plays of 40 yards or more.
After the start of the second half was delayed for two hours and 54 minutes due to inclement weather, the Aggies began to pull away. Texas A&M marched down the field and running back Devon Achane was able to punch it in from a yard out on third and goal to make it 24-0.
The Aggies found the end zone again in the fourth quarter on a 43-yard pass from quarterback Haynes King to wideout Ainias Smith to push the lead to 31-0.
Sam Houston did come up with a pair of interceptions, one by
BJ Foster in the second quarter and the other by Kameryn Alexander in the third. It was the first time the Kats had two interceptions in a game against an FBS opponent since Baylor in 2012.
Markel Perry and
Trevor Williams led the defense with seven tackles, including three for a loss by Perry.
Sincere Jackson finished with six and Foster had five.
Punter
Jadon Cardell set Sam Houston up with a scoring opportunity when he scampered into Aggie territory on an 18-yard fake punt run in the fourth quarter. The drive ended at the A&M 26-yard line when running back
Dezmon Jackson fumbled.
The Bearkat defense held the Aggies in check most of the first half, coming up with a key stop on third down to force a 52-yard field goal attempt with 7:15 to go in the opening period. Kicker Caden Davis missed wide right.
Sam Houston couldn't muster anything on the ensuing drive and Texas A&M took advantage. King connected with Yulkeith Brown for a 66-yard touchdown to put the Aggies on top 7-0 with just under four minutes to play in the first quarter.
The Bearkats were in prime position to answer when quarterback
Jordan Yates got the ensuing drive headed in the right direction with runs of 17 and 13 yards to move into Aggie territory. Yates tossed a 17-yard pass to
Zach Hrbacek to get to the 23 but two plays later he threw an interception while scrambling out of the pocket to end the drive.
The defense continued to make play after play to keep it close. The Aggies were able to kick a 40-yard field goal and right before the half, A&M got another big play when King hit Smith over the middle for a 63-yard touchdown pass to go into the break on top 17-0.
