FCS Playoffs: Sam Houston State vs Kennesaw State preview, prediction, live stream
Sam Houston State brings the nation’s number one offense into Saturday night’s matchup against Kennesaw State’s potent triple-option.
Sam Houston State (11-1) is coming off a 54-42 shootout win against South Dakota after a first round bye. The Bearkats come into Saturday night’s matchup leading the nation in total offense, passing yards, and points per game.
Sam Houston State’s offense is led by senior quarterback Jeremiah Briscoe. Briscoe comes into Saturday night’s matchup leading the nation in passing yards and touchdowns with 4,398 yards and 41 touchdowns.
The Bearkats have two matchup nightmares at receiver in Davion Davis and Nathan Stewart. Davis leads the nation in receiving touchdowns with 17 and has 1,121 yards on the year. Stewart is second in the nation in receiving yards with 1,485 yards on the year. These two have wrecked havoc on opposing secondaries all year long.
Kennesaw State (12-1) has won 12 straight since losing their opening game of the year to Samford. The Owls bring the nations best rushing attack into Huntsville averaging 329 yards per game utilizing the triple-option.
The Owls balanced rushing attack is led by four players, tallying over 650 yards on the year. Junior quarterback Chandler Burks leads the owls with 1,147 yards and 17 touchdowns on the ground this year.
Kennesaw State brings in a stout defense unlike any that Sam Houston State has faced. The Owls only allow 14 points per game and more importantly have forced 34 turnovers on the year including 23 interceptions.
Date: Saturday, Dec. 9
Time: 8:30 p.m. ET
Location: Huntsville, TX
Venue: Elliott T. Bowers Stadium
TV: ESPN3
Live Stream: Watch ESPN
Keys to Victory
In order for Sam Houston State to take one step closer to a national championship, taking care of the ball will be huge. No team has been able to contain the duo of Davion Davis and Nathan Stewart, so look for them to both have big games. If the Bearkats do not beat themselves, they will be in good position to move onto the semifinals.
If Kennesaw State wants to keep their 12 game winning streak alive, the Turnover Plank will need to make multiple appearances. The Owls are the best in the nation at forcing turnovers and need to make the Bearkats commit multiple allowing their offense to utilize a short field.
Another huge key for the Owls is time of possession. Sam Houston State can score quick, their offense is set up to do that. Kennesaw state’s offense can do their defense a huge favor by stringing out long drives and keeping the potent Bearkat offense on the sideline.
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Prediction
Look for the Bearkats to be in a dog fight all night long. Kennesaw State is a defense unlike any other they have faced and will make their fair share of plays. Anticipate the Bearkats scoring below their season average but making enough plays to get the job done in a tight game.
Final Score: Sam Houston State 35, Kennesaw State 31