Sam Houston State is your new No. 1 team in the FCS Coaches Poll.
For the first time this season, a team not named North Dakota State sits atop of the FCS Coaches Poll.
The Bison are still an excellent football team. No one is disputing that. North Dakota State won the national championship last season and scored an impressive road win against FBS power Iowa earlier this year.
But NDSU fell to South Dakota State on Saturday, and now, Sam Houston State is ahead of the rest of the field in the rankings.
RANKINGS: Full FCS Coaches Poll
Here’s what you need to know about the Bearkats.
SCHEDULE
Sam Houston State’s lowest point total this season is 44. Simply put, the Berkats are unstoppable on offense. Here’s their game log to date:
| Date | Opponent | Score | Result |
|---|---|---|---|
| 9/3 | Oklahoma Panhandle | 59-21 | W |
| 9/17 | Lamar | 44-31 | W |
| 9/24 | HBU | 52-16 | W |
| 10/1 | Stephen F. Austin | 63-28 | W |
| 10/8 | Incarnate Word | 63-48 | W |
| 10/14 | Abilene Christian | 48-21 | W |
The Bearkats are averaging 54.8 points per game this season and are outscoring their opponents 329-165. Talk about impressive.
STATISTICAL LEADERS
Sam Houston State is led by star quarterback Jeremiah Briscoe. Briscoe has thrown for 2,080 yards in 2016 to go along with 26 touchdown passes; he’s completing almost 70 percent of his throws. Louis Yeddiah leads the Bearkats in receptions (36) and receiving yards (515).
In the backfield, Sam Houston State boasts a three-pronged attack. Remus Bulmer, Corey Avery and Javin Webb have combined to carry the rock 188 times for 1,236 yards and 17 touchdowns this season. Play eight in the box, and Briscoe will shred your secondary. Play a passive zone, and the Bearkats will gash you on the ground. This is the new No. 1 team for a reason.
KEY MOMENTS
Tyler Scott hauls in an impressive grab in Sam Houston State’s 48-21 win over Abilene Christian:
FINALIST for @HEROSportsFCS Play of Week, @BearkatSports Stewart & Scott TD tip drill combo platter. VOTE NOW: https://t.co/3JUeYBDqT7 pic.twitter.com/jUPU5eU71K
— Southland Conference (@SouthlandSports) October 17, 2016
Behind the scenes of Sam Houston State’s huge win against Stephen F. Austin:
Briscoe throws for 438 yards and seven touchdowns against SFA:
Vote for @BearkatSports QB Jeremiah Briscoe as @LiveOnASN National FCS Player of the Week. https://t.co/yaWhJYs93s #GameChanger pic.twitter.com/TpPA6pcoEG
— Southland Conference (@SouthlandSports) October 3, 2016
Sam Houston State gets off to a sizzling start against HBU:
A few first half highlights of @BearkatsFB against HBU. Kats lead 31-6 @FCS_STATS @FCS_Football pic.twitter.com/A1badpaf4T
— BearkatSportsNetwork (@BearkatVid) September 25, 2016
Can the Bearkats hold onto the No. 1 spot for the duration of the season? Time will tell, but this team is certainly deserving of the honor.
