NDL: S31W14 - Liberty (14) at Sam Houston State (28)
Sam Houston's Ducker breaking a Liberty defenders tackleSam Houston Wins the Rivalry
Article By: The Sam Houston State Bearkats continue to prove their dominance, defending their home turf with a resounding 28-14 victory over their bitter rivals, the Liberty Flames. In a game that was as much about pride as it was about performance, the Bearkats showcased their relentless defense and offensive brilliance, reaffirming their place among the elite in college football.
The Bearkats’ defense was nothing short of spectacular. The Liberty Flames, known for their potent offensive attack, were suffocated throughout the game, managing just 200 total yards. The defense’s ability to shut down Liberty's offensive game plan was a testament to the preparation and intensity instilled by the coaching staff. The defensive line were in sync, pressuring Flames quarterback, Kaidon Salter, all game long and forcing crucial turnovers that kept Liberty from gaining any momentum.
On the other side of the ball, Bearkats’ quarterback Hunter Watson delivered a performance that left fans and critics alike in awe. Davis threw for over 320 yards, slicing through the Liberty defense with surgical precision. His 165 QB rating was a clear indication of his command on the field, as he connected with his receiving corps on several big plays. Watsons sharp decision-making and ability to read Liberty’s defense was key to the Bearkats’ offensive success.
After the game, head coach Larry Bell could hardly contain his enthusiasm. Beating their rivals and staying undefeated was a moment he relished. “This is what it's all about. Beating Liberty in front of our home crowd, that’s the kind of win we build our program on,” said Bell. “Our guys have worked so hard for this, and it’s a credit to their focus and determination.”
When asked about the recent media scrutiny surrounding his team, Coach Bell didn’t mince words. “The media? Fake news,” Bell remarked with a chuckle, but his words were laced with seriousness. “They can say what they want, but all we can do is play the schedule in front of us. They don’t know what goes on inside this program. We’re just using their nonsense as fuel. Every week, we take it personal.”
Bell’s frustration with the media's dismissal of his team’s success was evident. He continued, “They’re trying to downplay what we’ve done, but we’ll keep proving them wrong. We’ll keep stacking wins and doing what we do. The opinions of the media? That’s just noise. They should stop selling our success as nonexistent. Shame on them.”
The Bearkats now have their sights set on their next challenge, a showdown against Jacksonville State. Bell and his players are locked in, fully aware that the road to achieving their goals isn’t over. “We’re focused on Jacksonville State. We’re taking it one game at a time, but our ultimate goal remains the same. We’re here to win, and we’re doing it together,” Bell said firmly.
As for the media, Coach Bell made it clear that their opinions don’t matter to the Bearkats. “We’ll let our play do the talking. We’ve got a mission, and we’re not letting anyone get in the way.”
The Sam Houston State Bearkats have now sent a loud and clear message to the rest of the college football world: And with their eyes set on continuing their perfect season, they will take on whatever challenges come next, with the media and their doubters nowhere in sight.
Reality Check
Article By: The Liberty Flames saw their modest two-game winning streak come to an end in Huntsville, Texas, falling 28-14 to Sam Houston State in a game where the Bearkats' ball control proved to be the decisive factor.
Sam Houston State dominated in several key metrics, converting an impressive 8 of 10 third downs and controlling the clock for over 20 minutes compared to Liberty's mere 7:54 of possession time. The Bearkats' methodical approach kept Liberty's offense sidelined for much of the contest.
"It's hard to score when you don't have the ball," Coach OldManWobbles might have noted after the game. "Their third-down efficiency was the difference. When you let a team convert 80% of their third downs, that's a recipe for a long day."
Despite the loss, Liberty did show flashes of potential, particularly in the running game where they outgained the Bearkats 137-99, with Quinton Cooley (81 yards) and Kaidon Salters (56 yards, 1 TD) finding some success. However, struggles in the passing game, where the quarterback completed just 10 of 18 attempts for 95 yards with one touchdown and two interceptions, ultimately hindered the Flames' comeback attempts.
Hunter Watson led the Bearkats' offensive attack with 321 passing yards, while Sam Houston State's ground game punched in four rushing touchdowns to seal the victory.
"We have to give credit where it's due," the coach might have said. "They executed their game plan very well. We had some bright spots but couldn't string together enough consistency to overcome their advantages in possession and field position."
With the loss, Liberty falls to 2-6 on the season as they continue to search for consistency in Coach OldManWobbles' first year at the helm.
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