Sam Houston State University defeats Central Arkansas in Soutland Conference action to even record at 5-5
HUNTSVILLE--- The Sam Houston State Bearkats (5-5, 2-3) used a steady dose of blitzing and took advantage of several UCA (5-5, 2-4) miscues to come away with a 17-14 win in Southland Conference action at Bowers Stadium Saturday in Huntsville.
The Bearkat win was their first-ever over Central Arkansas. After giving up more than 600 yards of offense last week to McNeese State, UCA must have liked their chances Saturday in Huntsville. After all, The Bears offense is one of the top in the conference averaging over 425 yards of offense per game and more than 30 points per contest.
UCA contributed to their own demise with a blocked punt that was returned for a touchdown and another called back due to a penalty. They also failed to get a field goal attempt up due to a bad snap.
The Bears led the entire first half and broke a scoreless tie just seconds into the second quarter when Leonard Ceaser scored on a 6-yard run giving UCA the 7-0 lead. The Bear defense kept the Sam Houston offense in check in the early going but the Bearkats were able to cut the lead to 7-3 at the 7:55 mark of the second quarter when Miguel Antonio connected on a 38 yard field goal.
Sam Houston States special teams gave the Bearkats the lead for good with 8:12 left in the third quarter when they blocked a punt and Vincent Dotson scooped the ball up and took it in for a touchdown from 36 yards out to give SHSU a 10-7 lead.
It was still anyones game going into the fourth quarter and the Bearkats, with a loud home crowd behind them, made their move. They put together a 5 play 54-yard drive capped off by a Chris Poullard 1-yard touchdown run that pushed the Bearkat lead to 17-7 with 13:52 left in the game.
UCA answered with a scoring drive of their own to keep the game close. The Bears marched down field in 10 plays covering 64-yards that ended with a Brent Grimes 9-yard touchdown run with 9:12 left in the game leaving the SHSU lead at 14-17.
The Bearkats defense took care of business the rest of the way as they preserved the slim three-point lead. They held UCA to 243 yards and under 20 points for the first time all season.
Sam Houston State's Chris Poullard had 62 yards rushing on 19 attempts with a single touchdown. Quarterback Blake Joseph had 44 yards on nine rushes and 166 yards passing on 15-of-24. Jason Madkins had four catches for 80 yards.
UCA was led by Brent Grimes with 71 yards on 18 carries and 0ne touchdown. Robbie Park was 11-of-30 passing for 106 yards. He completed passes to eight different receivers.
