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Sam Houston State looses season opener after missing late tying touchdown by inches

Sam Houston State came within inches of tying the game up with just seconds to go but came up short when a Bearkats pass play was ruled down just inches from the goal line and then the offense was held off by a temacious Western Illinois defense as the game clock wound down allowing WIU to come away with a 35-28 win at Bowers Stadium.

It was a back and forth affair with turnovers playing a huge role in the contest. SHSU Quarterback Blake Joseph coughed the ball up a couple of times but had a solid performance on the night as he went 16 of 27 for 173 yards. The Bearkats defense was one the receiveing end of a couple of WIU that proved to be huge for them as well.

Dre Gibbs led a solid WUI ground game with his 101 yards on 39 carries. His six-yard run early in the fourth quarter put WIU out in front and the score ended up being the difference in the game.

SHSU running back James Ashton powered the Bearkat rushing attack as he racked up 126 yards on 18 carries including a pair of touchdowns. Teammate Chris Brown had a 64 yard interception return for a touchdown as the Bearkats took the lead 28-21 with just over 10 minutes to go in the third quarter.

WIU quarterback Matt Barr had a huge night as he passed for 437 yards on 18 of 26 attempts.. His 30 yard

touchdown pass to Lito Senatus tied the game at 28-28 with 3:55 to go in the third. Barr also had touchdown

passes of 49 yards to Matt Warner and a 26 yarder to Senatus in the third quarter.

Madkins was the leading receiver for the Bearkats with his 60 yards on 5 catches.Jake Lebens chipped in

with five catches for 46 yards and Aston picked up 46 yards on four catches.