As the Sam Houston Bearkats gear up for their Week 6 clash against the UTEP Miners at the historic Sun Bowl in El Paso, fans of both teams are eagerly anticipating a high-stakes game that promises to deliver excitement and drama. The Bearkats, riding high off an epic comeback victory against Texas State, look to continue their strong Conference USA (CUSA) campaign, while the Miners are hungry for their first win of the season. The stage is set for a Thursday night thriller, with CBS Sports Network broadcasting the action live under the lights.
Bearkats on the Rise: Momentum and Confidence
The Sam Houston Bearkats (4-1, 1-0 CUSA) enter this contest with momentum, having secured four victories in their last five outings. Their season began with a dominant 34-14 victory over Rice, and despite a tough loss to UCF in early September, the Bearkats have bounced back with impressive wins over Hawaii, New Mexico State, and Texas State. Head Coach K.C. Keeler, now in his 11th season, has guided the Bearkats through a remarkable turnaround after last year’s struggles.
Perhaps the most significant win for Sam Houston came just last week, as they erased a 22-point deficit to defeat Texas State 40-39 at NRG Stadium. The Bearkats’ resilient performance showcased their ability to thrive under pressure, with quarterback Hunter Watson leading the charge. Watson’s dual-threat capabilities have been a major asset for the team, as he has emerged as one of the top rushing quarterbacks in CUSA. Alongside standout kicker Christian Pavon, who nailed the game-winning field goal against Texas State, Sam Houston’s offensive unit is primed for another explosive performance.
The Bearkats’ ground game has been the foundation of their success this season, with an average of 253.3 rushing yards per game in their four wins. Running back Jay Ducker, who rushed for 69 yards and three touchdowns against Texas State, continues to be a force in the backfield. Ducker’s combination of speed and power has added a new dimension to Sam Houston’s offense, complementing Watson’s ability to make plays with his legs.
UTEP’s Struggles: A Team in Search of Redemption
The UTEP Miners (0-4, 0-1 CUSA) have had a tough start to their 2024 campaign, but they’re hoping to turn things around on home turf. Under first-year head coach Scotty Walden, the Miners have struggled to find their footing, with early losses to teams like Jacksonville State and Louisiana. However, this matchup against Sam Houston presents an opportunity for UTEP to make a statement in front of their home crowd at the Sun Bowl.
The Miners have historically dominated this series, leading 3-0 all-time, with two wins in El Paso. However, the last time these teams met in 2023, UTEP needed a late field goal to secure a narrow 37-34 overtime victory. That game was a heartbreaker for Sam Houston, who led by 14 points at one stage, only to see UTEP mount a comeback. This year, the Bearkats are determined to rewrite the script and end UTEP’s dominance in the series.
For the Miners to have any chance of pulling off an upset, they’ll need standout performances from key players like quarterback Isaiah Hamilton and linebacker Maurice Westmoreland. Hamilton, known for his strong arm, will have to find ways to stretch the Bearkat defense and keep the chains moving. On the defensive side, Westmoreland’s leadership will be crucial in containing Sam Houston’s potent rushing attack.
Key Matchups to Watch
1. Hunter Watson vs. UTEP’s Secondary
Sam Houston quarterback Hunter Watson is the catalyst of the Bearkats’ offense, and his ability to create plays with both his arm and legs makes him a difficult player to contain. Watson has already thrown for 635 yards and five touchdowns this season while adding another 338 yards and four touchdowns on the ground. UTEP’s secondary, led by veteran safety Alex Szczesniak, will have to find ways to keep Watson in check if they hope to prevent explosive plays.
2. Bearkats’ Ground Game vs. UTEP’s Front Seven
The Bearkats’ rushing attack, averaging over 250 yards per game in their victories, has been the driving force behind their success. Jay Ducker and Watson form a formidable one-two punch, and the offensive line has consistently opened up big running lanes. UTEP’s front seven, anchored by Westmoreland and defensive lineman Oscar Moore, will need to be disruptive at the line of scrimmage to slow down the Bearkat run game.
3. UTEP’s Offense vs. Sam Houston’s Defense
UTEP’s offense has struggled to find consistency this season, but with talented players like Isaiah Hamilton and running back Deion Hankins, they have the potential to put up points in a hurry. Sam Houston’s defense, led by standout linebacker Kavian Gaither, has been solid, holding opponents to under 100 rushing yards in each of their four wins. The Miners will need to be creative and aggressive to find success against a disciplined Bearkat defense.
The Stakes: CUSA Standing and Bowl Eligibility
For Sam Houston, this game carries significant weight as they look to improve to 2-0 in CUSA play and edge closer to bowl eligibility in their first season with full FBS status. With only two more wins needed to secure a bowl berth, the Bearkats have a golden opportunity to make a statement in their new conference.
On the other hand, UTEP is searching for a spark to ignite their season. A win against a hot Sam Houston team could turn things around for the Miners, who are still looking for their first conference victory.
Prediction: Bearkats’ Momentum Too Strong
With the way Sam Houston has been playing, it’s hard to bet against them. Their offense is clicking, their defense is disciplined, and they’ve shown the ability to win close games. UTEP, despite their home-field advantage, may not have the firepower to keep up with the Bearkats’ balanced attack.
Prediction: Sam Houston 35, UTEP 17.
