HOUSTON — Sam Houston briefly held its first lead of the season, but Houston scored the final 35 points of the game to come away with a 38-7 victory at TDECU Stadium on Saturday.
Sam Houston (0-3) came out firing on its opening drive after limiting the Cougars to a field goal.
Grant Gunnell got the start at quarterback and drew a roughing the passer penalty on the first play to get the ball moving. He then connected with wide receiver
Ife Adeyi for a 26-yard pitch and catch, the longest offensive play of the season for the Kats, to move the ball to the Houston 42.
Another 26-yard pass from wideout
Noah Smith to wide receiver Al'Vonte Woodard set up the program's first FBS touchdown, a two-yard run by
Trapper Pannell. It was the second time Pannell made school history; he also scored the final touchdown last season against Southern Utah when Sam Houston was part of the FCS.
The score put the Kats on top 7-3, their first lead of the season. Houston, however, scored 21 unanswered points to close the first half and seize control of the game.
Sam Houston managed just 178 total yards of offense and had two turnovers. The Kats had a drive going in the fourth quarter, but it eventually stalled out in Houston territory.
The defense allowed its most points and yards of the season. The Cougars racked up 538 yards on offense.
Sam Houston will play its first home game of the season at Bowers Stadium on Thursday when Jacksonville State comes to Huntsville.
