WKU Ends Sam Houston’s Four-Game Winning Streak with 31-14 Setback

HUNTSVILLE, Texas – Sam Houston's winning streak came to an end as the Bearkats fell 31-14 to Western Kentucky in a Conference USA showdown Wednesday at Bowers Stadium. The defeat halted Sam Houston’s four-game win streak and leaves the Bearkats (5-2, 2-1 C-USA) one win away from bowl eligibility in their first season at the FBS level.

Despite a competitive first half, the Bearkats went scoreless in the second half, a first for the team this season. Two big plays by WKU (5-2, 3-0 C-USA) in the fourth quarter transformed a close contest into a lopsided affair.

In the opening half, both teams found success offensively, though in different styles. While Sam Houston relied on big plays, the Hilltoppers controlled the ball with methodical scoring drives. WKU struck first, capping a 65-yard drive with a touchdown two and a half minutes into the game.

Sam Houston responded later in the first quarter with a 37-yard touchdown pass from starting quarterback Hunter Watson to Simeon Evans, tying the game 7-7. After WKU added a field goal, the Bearkats took a 14-10 lead on a dazzling 50-yard catch-and-run by Michael Phoenix II. However, the Hilltoppers reclaimed the lead just before halftime, going 75 yards on a 13-play drive to lead 17-14 at the break.

The second half was dominated by defense, and Sam Houston’s fortunes took a turn when Watson exited with an injury late in the third quarter. Backup quarterback Jase Bauer threw an apparent interception near the goal line early in the fourth quarter, but the play was wiped out by a penalty. Despite the opportunity, the Bearkats missed a 32-yard field goal attempt that would have tied the game.

WKU capitalized on the miss, scoring two quick touchdowns, including one after a Sam Houston fumble, to seal the victory..Sam Houston will now have a short turnaround before heading to Miami to face FIU on Tuesday at Pitbull Stadium.