Sam Houston vs. BYU Short Report | Sep 2, 2023
LaVell Edwards Stadium
Provo, UT
Sep 2, 2023
Upload a photo of you at this game and we'll create a commemorative ticket of it.
Game Recap
The BYU Cougars opened their 2023 season with a dominant defensive performance, shutting out the Sam Houston Bearkats 14-0. From the outset, BYU's defense set the tone, with Tyler Batty's early sack halting Sam Houston's momentum as noted by Fox Sports, 'The Cougars' defensive line overwhelmed the Bearkats' front, wreaking havoc in the backfield.' BYU's offense capitalized with a rushing touchdown from QB Kedon Slovis, providing an early lead.
Despite various opportunities, Sam Houston's offense struggled throughout, hampered by multiple interceptions. ESPN highlighted, 'Sam Houston was unable to find a rhythm due to relentless defensive pressure and critical turnovers.' BYU sealed their victory with two rushing touchdowns by Slovis, while BYU's defense consistently pressured the Bearkats, never allowing them to establish any significant drives. The win was a combined effort, showcasing BYU's capabilities in both offense and defense, as noted by Deseret News, 'The Cougars communicated well and executed the game plan flawlessly in all phases.'
Key Plays:
Tyler Batty (BYU Cougars)
Opening strong, Tyler Batty's sack for a 12-yard loss set the tone early, showcasing BYU's defensive prowess.
Kedon Slovis (BYU Cougars)
Kedon Slovis bolted through the defense for a 5-yard touchdown, a critical play that capitalized on Batty's earlier defensive feat.
Jakob Robinson (BYU Cougars)
Jakob Robinson's clutch interception in the end zone prevented Sam Houston from scoring and shifted momentum back to BYU.
Keegan Shoemaker (Sam Houston Bearkats)
Keegan Shoemaker connected with Noah Smith for a 24-yard pass, one of the Bearkats' few highlights amidst a challenging game.
Kedon Slovis (BYU Cougars)
Slovis added to his impressive performance with a 1-yard rushing touchdown, cementing the Cougars' lead to 14 points.
Jakob Robinson (BYU Cougars)
Jakob Robinson's late-game interception extinguished any lingering hopes for Sam Houston, ensuring BYU's shutout victory.
Standout Players:
Kedon Slovis (BYU Cougars, QB)
Completed 20 of 33 passes for 145 yards and rushed for 2 touchdowns; his ability to both manage the game and take critical scoring opportunities was key to BYU's offensive strategy.
Tyler Batty (BYU Cougars, DE)
Recorded 2 solo tackles, 1 sack. Batty's consistent pressure on the quarterback was a standout aspect of BYU's defensive dominance.
Jakob Robinson (BYU Cougars, CB)
Made 4 solo tackles, 1 assisted tackle, and 2 crucial interceptions. Robinson's play-making ability halted Sam Houston's offensive momentum at critical times.
LJ Martin (BYU Cougars, RB)
Rushed for 91 yards on 16 attempts. Martin's crucial runs, including a 21-yard breakout, consistently kept the clock running in BYU's favor.
Keegan Shoemaker (Sam Houston Bearkats, QB)
Completed 18 of 33 passes for 147 yards. Despite struggling with 3 interceptions, Shoemaker displayed resilience, maintaining composure under BYU’s relentless pressure.
Noah Smith (Sam Houston Bearkats, WR)
Caught 3 passes for 44 yards and contributed 10 yards on punt returns. Smith’s versatility provided some bright spots for Sam Houston's otherwise troubled offense.
Trevor Williams (Sam Houston Bearkats, LB)
Made 11 solo tackles and 1 assisted tackle. Williams' high motor and tackling efficiency were vital in containing BYU’s offense, despite the overall outcome.
References:
Sam Houston State Bearkats vs. BYU Cougars - Final Score - September 02, 2023 | FOX Sports
Sam Houston Bearkats vs. BYU Cougars Live Score and Stats - September 2, 2023 Gametracker - CBSSports.com
3 takeaways from BYU football’s win over Sam Houston – Deseret News
Live coverage: BYU football vs. Sam Houston Bearkats – Deseret News
Team
1
2
3
4
T
Sam Houston Bearkats
0
0
0
0
0
BYU Cougars
7
0
0
7
14
