Sam Houston Seeks First Win Against Jax State in conference Clash
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Despite a challenging start to the 2025 season, Sam Houston returns home to Shell Energy Stadium this Thursday to face Jax State, seeking to break a five-game losing streak and even the all-time series. The matchup, set for a 7:00 p.m. CT kickoff and broadcast on CBS Sports Network, marks the second of four consecutive midweek games for the Bearkats.
Road Weariness Ends, Home Field Advantage Begins
After playing four of their first five games away from home – a feat not replicated since 2010 – Sam Houston welcomes the chance to play in front of their home crowd. This game also represents a unique setting for the series, as it will be the first contest no
Series history & Conference Affiliation
The series between Sam Houston and Jax State dates back to their Southland Conference affiliation, having competed in the Southland Conference from 1997 to 2002, splitting their six games evenly at 3-3. Both teams also participated in the WAC/ASUN Challenge in the Spring 2021 season, a unique arrangement designed to secure an automatic qualifier for the FCS playoffs. A year later, both schools made the leap to the FBS, joining Conference USA alongside Liberty and NM state for the 2023 season.
Kats Facing Uphill Battle
Sam Houston enters the game with an 0-5 overall record and a 0-2 mark in conference play. The team is looking to avoid starting 0-6 for the second time in three seasons,a fate they last experienced with an 0-8 start in 2023. A key factor in the Bearkats’ struggles has been the turnover battle; they lost the turnover margin for the first time this year in their recent loss at NM State and currently stand at -1 for the season.
Key Players to Watch
Despite the team’s overall record, individual performances have provided luminous spots. Emon all showcased his playmaking ability with a 66-yard pick-6 against Hawaii, joining Jamair diaz as Bearkat defenders to reach the end zone this season. On offense, quarterback Hunter Watson is coming off his most efficient passing game of 2025, throwing for a season-high 222 yards and his first touchdown at NM State. he is also 197 rushing yards away from becoming the fourth bearkat quarterback in program history to reach 1,000 career rushing yards. Alton McCaskill also made a significant impact upon his return to the lineup, recording 64 all-purpose yards and a touchdown against NM State.
Special Teams Spark
Sam Houston’s special teams unit has also demonstrated flashes of brilliance. The team successfully converted an on-side kick against UNLV, and freshman punter Curtis gerrand delivered a 72-yard punt against NM State, the fourth-longest in program history. Kicker Christian Pavon also contributed with a 51-yard field goal, his 15th career field goal and second of 50+ yards.
Unique Scheduling & Travel Demands
The Bearkats are navigating a demanding schedule, playing five non-Saturday games in 2025. This includes a unique stretch of four consecutive midweek games in October. Adding to the challenge, Sam Houston has already played games in three different time zones this season – Mountain, Hawaii-Aleutian, and Central – and is one of nine FBS programs scheduled to compete in four time zones in 2025.
Mascot matchup & FBS Trends
This week’s game features a lighthearted element as Sam Houston prepares to host a team with a poultry mascot. The Bearkats will face the Jax State Gamecocks, and later in the season, will host Delaware, marking the first of two such matchups in 2025. Both teams are among the six FBS programs that feature barnyard fowl as their logo portrayal, alongside the Oregon ducks, Coastal Carolina Chanticleers, South Carolina gamecocks, and Virginia Tech Hokies.
sam Houston will need a complete team effort to overcome Jax State and secure their first win of the season, but the return to Shell Energy Stadium offers a much-needed boost as they navigate a challenging schedule and strive for success in Conference USA.
