In The News

“I don’t know if you can get this game any more intense than it has been.” – K.C. Keeler

The 95th Battle of the Piney Woods presented by H-E-B, featuring the top-ranked Sam Houston Bearkats and the Stephen F. Austin Lumberjacks, is back at NRG Stadium on Saturday. Known as one of the oldest college football rivalries in Texas, this matchup again promises to be one of the top FCS games of the 2021 season. 

This is the first time in the series history that either team has entered the game ranked No. 1 in the nation (at any level). 

The defending national FCS champion Bearkats are ranked No.1 in the nation following a 3-0 start to their season. Head Coach K.C. Keeler’s team currently leads the WAC in scoring offense (46.3), total offense (533.0), rushing offense (259.0), rushing defense (77.33), third down conversions (.500) and sacks against (3). 

This spring, Sam Houston wrapped up its final season in the Southland Conference as FCS national champions. The 10-0 Kats won the program’s first FCS national title with a dramatic 23-21 win over top-seeded South Dakota State in the 2020 FCS Championship game in Frisco. All 11 starters on offense and defense, in addition to specialists, from the Bearkats championship roster are back for the 2021 season. 

Colby Carthel, now in his third season as head coach at SFA, has turned the Lumberjacks program around from a 3-9 finish in 2019 to a 6-4 record in 2020. This season, the Lumberjacks are 3-1 entering this matchup and have won eight straight games at Homer Bryce Stadium. The 2021 SFA team leads the league in a number of defensive and special teams categories, including total defense (266.5), scoring defense (16.0), defensive pass efficiency (86.2), passing offense (287.0), field goals made (9), net yards per punt (52.5), punt return average (22.1), punt return TDs (3), interceptions (8), turnover margin (+1.3), fourth-down conversions (.571), sacks by (14) and time of possession (31:42). 

Last week against a nationally-ranked Central Arkansas team, Sam Houston QB Eric Schmid was named Western Athletic Conference’s Offensive Player of the Week. The redshirt junior quarterback from the Woodlands completed 19-of-37 passes for 283 yards and four touchdowns, all before halftime. He also rushed for 48 yards on 10 carries. Seth Morgan, a freshman from Houston, earns his second WAC Special Teams Player of the Week honor after going 3-for-3 on field goals and 4-for-4 on extra points in a 45-35 win over nationally-ranked Central Arkansas. Now a perfect 17-for-17 on extra points and 4-for-4 on field goals, his scores against UCA came from twice from 22 yards and once from 32 yards. 

Stephen F. Austin has outscored its opponents 119-26 in the past two weeks following a hard-fought 28-22 loss to Texas Tech. The Lumberjacks forced four turnovers (two interceptions, two fumbles), including pick returned for a touchdown in their only loss of the season. In last week’s 61-13 win over Lincoln (California), Lenard Lemonds had a 67-yard punt return for a TD and 23 yards on kick returns. Rayshad Nichols recorded seven tackles, including three tackles for loss and a pair of sacks.

Individually, Bearkats RB Ramon Jefferson is the WAC’s leader in rushing yards per game (133.3) and has scored four touchdowns, while Schmid is the leader in total offense (288.0) and passing yards per game (267.0).  Sam Houston DB Jaylen Thomas and Stephen F. Austin CB Myles Brooks are tied for the lead in interceptions with three each.

The Texas rivalry dates back to 1923 with Sam Houston winning the last nine meetings and holding a 57-35-2 record over Stephen F. Austin. Nine of the past 11 BOTPW winners have gone on to advance to the NCAA postseason playoffs.

Kickoff for the Battle of the Piney Woods presented by H-E-B takes place Saturday 4 p.m. CT from NRG Stadium. The game will be televised on Bally Sports Southwest and ESPN Plus.  

HOUSTON – Lone Star Sports & Entertainment announces H-E-B’s three-year extension of the presenting sponsorship for the Battle of Piney Woods presented by H-E-B through the 2023 game.  The new agreement extends H-E-B’s role as presenting sponsor a full decade since the partnership started in 2015 and continues H-E-B’s support of LSSE in bringing major college football events to Houston.  

Lone Star Sports & Entertainment also announced a partnership with Bally Sports Southwest to broadcast the 2021 edition of the game.  This year’s game will air across Bally Sports Southwest’s four state footprint including Texas, Oklahoma, Arkansas and Louisiana, airing on Bally Sports Southwest Plus with a 4:00 p.m. CT kickoff this Saturday, October 2, from NRG Stadium in Houston.

“H-E-B is excited to continue the partnership and see the Battle of the Piney Woods gain exposure to a larger audience via this new broadcast partnership with Bally Sports Southwest.” H-E-B Houston Director of Marketing, Joe Casiano said.  “We can’t wait to see the fans in the stands to cheer on the Bearkats and the Lumberjacks as they take the field this Saturday afternoon.”  

The Battle of the Piney Woods presented by H-E-B is the third oldest college football rivalry in Texas dating back to 1923 and featuring the Sam Houston Bearkats and the Stephen F. Austin Lumberjacks. This year’s event will be the 95th iteration of the game and the 11th year of the game hosted as a neutral site event at NRG Stadium. This year’s game is alsoas well as the first matchup between the two rivals as members of the Western Athletic Conference (WAC). 

In 2019, the Sam Houston Bearkats defeated the Stephen F. Austin Lumberjacks 31-20. Sam Houston holds a 57-35-2 edge in the series following they’re victory in 2019.

Tickets for Saturday’s game are still available by calling 832-667-2390 or visiting https://www.lsse.net/battle-of-the-piney-woods.  

CONTACTS
Carly Klanac
832-667-2164
carly.klanac@lsse.net  

Omar Majzoub
832-667-2241
omar.majzoub@houstontexans.com 

Jackson Riebel
832-667-2051
jackson.riebel@houstontexans.com 

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Lone Star Sports & Entertainment
Lone Star Sports & Entertainment is an event management company founded in 2003 that is closely affiliated with the NFL’s Houston Texans. Since its founding, LSSE has established itself as the leading sports event promoter in Houston. In addition to the Texas Bowl and the Texas Kickoff, LSSE has emerged as a premier promoter for international soccer matches, including Copa America Centenario, the 2010 MLS All-Star Game featuring Manchester United, the 2006 FC Barcelona U.S. tour, 2003 and 2008 matches between the United States and Mexico, and the 2005, 2007, 2009, 2011, 2019 and 2021 CONCACAF Gold Cups. LSSE has also reinvigorated the “Battle of the Piney Woods” rivalry between Stephen F. Austin and Sam Houston State and has promoted major concerts featuring country superstars including George Strait, Taylor Swift and Kenny Chesney.

About H-E-B
H-E-B, with sales of more than $26 billion, operates more than 400 stores in Texas and Mexico. Recognized for its fresh food, quality products, convenient services, and a commitment to environmental responsibility and sustainability, H-E-B strives to provide the best customer experience at everyday low prices. Based in San Antonio, H-E-B employs over 110,000 Partners in Texas and Mexico and serves millions of customers in more than 300 communities. For more information, visit heb.com.

Two weeks into the season and there aren’t many teams without a loss on their record. As the undefeated teams become scarce, so do those season-shaping games that can turn the tide of team from undefeated success stories to desperate for a win heading into more conference play.

Continue reading to get for the top undefeated battles to watch in Week 3 head to @TexasBowl Twitter to let us know who YOU think will keep that zero in the loss column another week. 

Being undefeated two weeks into the season isn’t some crazy feat that’s rarely achieved but playing against another undefeated team is not something football fans get to watch every week. We can’t wait to see these teams battle to keep their perfect record.

(1) Alabama vs (11) Florida
So far Alabama’s first two matchups haven’t even been a close. The defending champions have scored over 40 and held their opponents to under 20 points. While Florida has posted similar stats, they’ve played weaker opponents in closer games. Despite the Gators top 25 ranking, this matchup looks like an easy Alabama win. 

South Carolina vs (2) Georgia
Georgia started off the season with a defensive statement holding Clemson to only three points and then proceeded to obliterate UAB 56-7. Meanwhile, South Carolina barely edged out East Carolina in Week 2. Maybe Georgia doesn’t score 56 again but don’t expect this to be a close one. 

(22) Auburn vs (10) Penn State
The only other ranked matchup up of undefeated teams features an Auburn team that’s sleepwalked through its first two games winning them with a combined score of 122-10. Meanwhile Penn State took down a ranked Wisconsin team in a close matchup to start off the season with a bang. This game leans towards Penn State but don’t be surprised if Auburn comes out with a close win. 

(19) Arizona State vs BYU
Arizona State has cruised to wins in the first two weeks, but this week should be a little different as they face a BYU. Don’t sleep on the Cougs as they look to prove they belong in the big leagues after officially accepting an invite to the Big 12.   

Purdue vs (12) Notre Dame
Neither team boasts a very impressive resume so far with two games down. As the ranked team all the pressure is on Notre Dame to win and not join the list of ranked teams that have fallen out of the top 25. This should be a win for Notre Dame, maybe not a blowout, but a win is a win. 

New Mexico vs (7) Texas A&M
This won’t even be close. Texas A&M should have this one locked up by half time. Our bet is on New Mexico waving bye-bye to that undefeated record, but you never know, anything can happen in college football.

Mississippi State vs Memphis
This is one of those matchups that isn’t very interesting outside of fans of the teams. Mississippi State should come out with a win, but it wouldn’t be totally shocking if Memphis managed the upset. Either way, these fan bases are licking their chops at the thought of going 3-0.

Nevada vs Kansas State
Even though neither of these teams are ranked, it’s honestly one of the matchups we’re looking forward to most. You could honestly just flip a coin to try and predict this matchup, there’s no clear-cut favorite. This will be a battle to the end to keep the title of undefeated.

Utah State vs Air Force
The final undefeated matchup is also a little bit of a toss-up. While there is no clear winner in this faceoff, both Utah State and Air Force have historically been a little streaky. It will be fun to see which team will step up to the plate.

It’s FINALLY Week One for the Big 12 and SEC! Per usual, there are a lot snooze fest matchups as teams boost their confidence (and attempt to avoid an upset) to start off the year. However, there are a few buzz-worthy games we will definitely be tuning into this weekend.

Keep reading for our top three Big 12 and SEC matchups to watch this weekend and respond to the CFB Insider post on @TexasBowl Twitter to share which games YOU will be watching and why.

Big 12 Games to Watch in Week One

1.      (23) Louisiana vs (21) Texas: The Ragin’ Cajuns have proven that they are not to be underestimated with a Big 12 upset over Iowa State in 2020. Their performance earned them top 25 honors in the preseason polls and they have Texas in their sites with a chip on their shoulder as the little guys with a lot to prove. We’re excited to watch running back Chris Smith and quarterback Levi Lewis as they team up to see what they can do against Texas in Week One. The Ragin’ Cajuns aren’t the only ones with a lot to prove. This will be the first true test of the Steve Sarkisian era. How will the Longhorns fair with a top 25 match-up to start the season?

2.      Kansas State vs Stanford: The Wildcats face off against the Cardinal for the first time since 2016 to start off the 2021. While this isn’t quite the top 25 match-up you were necessarily looking for in Week One, this game could do a lot to set the tone for the Big 12 in 2021. K-State looks to prove they deserve to be in the mix at the top of the Big 12 with a returning senior quarter back in Skylar Thompson and running back Deuce Vaughn after a breakout year. They will have to fight past Standford who is coming off of four consecutive wins to close out the 2020 season with a star running back of their own in sophomore Austin Jones.

3.      Texas Tech vs Houston: Once again, while this matchup might not have top AP Poll rankings, this will be a fun one as two Texas teams face off in what could potentially be a season defining start for both programs in the Good Sam Texas Kickoff in Houston. The Texas Tech coaching staff has not received raving reviews after their past few seasons, but the Red Raiders did some major work in the transfer portal and look to make a statement with a new QB1 in Oregon transfer Tyler Shough. Houston’s squad is poised for a breakout season under coach Dana Holgersen’s attack as he returns eight key starters along with a few transfers—including Texas Tech transfer and Ta’Zawn Henry. Who doesn’t love a good revenge game against old teammates?

SEC Games to Watch in Week One

1.      (5) Georgia vs (3) Clemson:

2.      (14) Miami vs (1) Alabama:

3.      LSU vs UCLA:

Our neighbors from Louisiana are facing great challenges from Hurricane Ida and the Houston community wants to show our support as we know many people are coming to the Houston area from Louisiana to seek shelter from the storm.

The Cracker Barrel National Battle of the Bands presented by Pepsi Zero Sugar will provide two complimentary tickets to the event which is tomorrow at NRG Stadium starting at 4 p.m. to any patron who shows proof of residence in Louisiana.

Tickets will be distributed at NRG Park in the Gravel Lot on the Southwest Corner of the NRG Stadium footprint starting at 2 p.m. Sunday, August 29.

Additionally, a portion of the proceeds from tickets sales to the event on Sunday will also go towards Hurricane Ida relief efforts.

Music lovers and fans of the schools can still purchase tickets at www.nationalbattleofthebands.com/tickets, at the NRG Stadium Box Office starting at 11 a.m. Sunday or by calling 832-667-2390.