Houston, TX
Aug 31, 2024
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First meeting in 31 years, the Sam Houston Bearkats secured a statement win against the Rice Owls, breaking their four-game losing streak to Rice that dated back to 1941, with a final score of 34-14. The Bearkats struck early with a 67-yard touchdown pass from Hunter Watson to Qua'Vez Humphreys, marking the longest offensive play for Sam Houston since last season. The defense showcased their might as David Fisher returned an interception 30 yards for a touchdown moments later, putting the Bearkats up 14-0 within just a couple of minutes of the kickoff.
Rice Owls could not regain their footing, despite select standout plays. Under relentless pressure, quarterback E.J. Warner managed a touchdown pass to Kobie Campbell but suffered from multiple sacks and interceptions. Special teams also struggled, with a missed field goal early in the game. Sam Houston maintained their momentum through scores from Watson and John Gentry, as well as a remarkable performance by kicker Christian Pavon. The Bearkats never relented, culminating in Pavon's 26-yard field goal to secure the 34-14 victory.
Quavez Humphreys (Sam Houston Bearkats)
Hunter Watson hit Qua'Vez Humphreys with a 67-yard touchdown pass, marking the longest offensive play for the Bearkats since last season and setting an early dominant tone for the game.
David Fisher (Sam Houston Bearkats)
David Fisher intercepted E.J. Warner's pass and returned it 30 yards for a touchdown, quickly establishing a 14-0 lead within the first few minutes of the game.
Christian Pavon (Sam Houston Bearkats)
On his first collegiate attempt, Christian Pavon nailed a 52-yard field goal, extending the Bearkats' lead to 17-0 and diversifying their scoring methods early in the game.
Kobie Campbell (Rice Owls)
Kobie Campbell caught a 22-yard touchdown pass from E.J. Warner, providing some much-needed momentum for the Owls and reducing their deficit to 17-7.
Ife Adeyi (Sam Houston Bearkats)
In his return from injury, Ife Adeyi caught a 32-yard touchdown pass from Hunter Watson right before halftime, extending the Bearkats' lead to 24-7 and proving his reliability in critical moments.
John Gentry (Sam Houston Bearkats)
John Gentry capped a methodical 10-play, 76-yard drive with a 1-yard touchdown run, pushing the Bearkats further ahead to 31-7 right after the second half began, virtually sealing their commanding lead.
Dean Connors (Rice Owls)
Dean Connors broke through for a 15-yard rushing touchdown, momentarily revitalizing the Owls and cutting the lead to 31-14.
Christian Pavon (Sam Houston Bearkats)
Christian Pavon drilled a 26-yard field goal, cementing the Bearkats' 34-14 lead and ensuring that Rice had an insurmountable deficit heading into the fourth quarter.
Hunter Watson (Sam Houston Bearkats, QB)
Shining in his debut, he threw for 229 yards, including two touchdowns, and added 57 rushing yards despite facing substantial pressure from the Rice defense.
John Gentry (Sam Houston Bearkats, RB)
Contributed a crucial 1-yard touchdown run, capping a significant drive and piling up 56 rushing yards, thereby asserting dominance in ground attack.
David Fisher (Sam Houston Bearkats, DB)
Turned the tide early with a 30-yard pick-six, dismantling Rice's initial offensive attempts and setting the pace for the defensive unit.
E.J. Warner (Rice Owls, QB)
Despite relentless pressure and multiple sacks, managed to throw for 227 yards and one touchdown, demonstrating resilience and leadership under duress.
Dean Connors (Rice Owls, RB)
Scored Rice's second touchdown, showing versatility with 52 rushing yards and nine receptions for 30 yards, attempting to spearhead their offensive efforts.
Matt Sykes (Rice Owls, WR)
Became a go-to target for Warner, catching six passes for 74 yards and standing out in an otherwise stifled air attack.
Sam Houston Bearkats
17
7
10
0
34
Rice Owls
0
7
7
0
14
