Sam Houston State Football: Will Bearkats see success in first FBS season?

How will Sam Houston State Football finish in 2023?

The defense will be an asset for the Bearkats, but the quarterback play is too big a question to ignore. Sam Houston State struggles in its first year in Conference USA unless a quarterback emerges.

Sept 2 — at BYU (L): The Cougars are the better team with the better roster. Bearkats receive a tough welcome to FBS at Lavell-Edwards.

Sept. 9 — vs. Air Force (L): The Bearkats open at home with Mountain West powerhouse Air Force. This should be an interesting game. SHSU is stout against the run; the Falcons are one of the best running teams in college football. The Bearkats’ struggles on offense cost them this game.

Sept. 23 — at Houston (L): Another non-conference loss to Power Five newcomer Houston. The Cougars should win this one going away.

Sept. 28 — vs. Jacksonville State (L): 50/50 games usually come down to quarterback play. This 50/50 game goes to the Gamecocks because SHSU is untrustworthy at quarterback.

Oct. 5 — at Liberty (L): Similar to JSU, the defense should keep the ‘Kats in the game, but the offense lets them down.

Oct. 11 — at New Mexico State (L): It’s hard not to be bullish on the Aggies in their first season in Conference USA. The Bearkats’ second straight road game does it no favors, either. NMSU defends home here.

Oct. 18 — vs. FIU (W): The Panthers and Bearkats might fight for the bottom for CUSA this fall. The Panthers are awful against the run, which is the only reason to pick the Bearkats.

Oct. 25 — vs. UTEP (W): This is a 50/50 game, but Sam Houston State has the advantage because the Miners were well-mined in the transfer portal again this offseason.

Nov. 4 — vs. Kennesaw State (W): FBS teams win games like these. SHSU is at home after the off-week against an FCS opponent. The Owls were 5-6 in 2022, so the ‘Kats should win this game.

Nov. 11 — at Louisiana Tech (L): Yet another 50/50 game where quarterback play could cost the Bearkats. Sam Houston falls short in Ruston.

Nov. 18 — at Western Kentucky (L): The Hilltoppers played for the Conference USA title in 2022. Head coach Tyson Helton should have WKU near the top of CUSA again. ‘Toppers win going away.

Nov. 25 — vs. Middle Tennessee (L): The Blue Raiders should contend in a conference without UTSA. Sam Houston football ends its first season in Conference USA with a loss.

Prediction

It’s hard to see Sam Houston State having more success when the quarterback play was so poor in its last season of FCS, and that is going to be the difference between the Bearkats winning three games or six games.

Final record: 3-9, 2-6 C-USA