HUNTSVILLE — Sam Houston looked out of sync as Western Kentucky dealt the Bearkats a 31-14 setback at Bowers Stadium in Conference USA mid-week action on Wednesday.
The loss snapped a four-game winning streak for the Kats (5-2, 2-1), who remain one win away from becoming bowl eligible for the first time since moving up to the FBS level. Wednesday was also the first time this season Sam Houston went scoreless in the second half as two big plays by the Hilltoppers (5-2, 3-0) turned a close contest into a one-sided affair late in the game.
Both teams had success moving the ball in the first half, they just went about putting points on the board in different ways. The Bearkats hit home runs while the Hilltoppers gobbled up yardage by sustaining long scoring drives.
WKU went 65 yards in seven plays right out of the gate to grab a 7-0 lead, two and a half minutes into the game.
The pace slowed as the teams traded punts, but Sam Houston answered when starting quarterback
Hunter Watson hooked up with
Simeon Evans for a 37-yard score. Following a Toppers field goal,
Michael Phoenix II made the play of the night when he caught a pass from Watson down the right sideline, spun around a defender then won a footrace to the end zone for a 14-7 advantage with just under nine minutes to go the half.
Once again WKU went on a methodical drive to reclaim the lead, going 75 yards on 13 plays to go into the break on top 17-14 with a touchdown pass.
The second half was uneventful as both teams took over defensively. The third quarter came and went without a score, and it did not remedy the situation when Watson was forced out of the game with an injury right before the fourth quarter.
The Kats caught a break when backup passer
Jase Bauer threw what appeared to be an interception down around the goal line to start the final period. Despite a new lease on the drive and a 15-yard personal foul, Sam Houston had the game tying field goal from 32 yards out blocked.
The Hilltoppers jumped on the opportunity and scored two quick touchdowns, the second coming after an SHSU fumble, to break the game open.
The Bearkats have a short turnaround before hitting the road to face FIU on Tuesday in Miami.
