In The News

And then there were two, but after this week, there will be just one.

The most significant development of the past weekend was TCU's victory against Oklahoma State in overtime by scoring 43-40 to go to the Big 12 Championship Game as the favorite. 

The Horned Frogs are one of two surviving Big 12 teams with an undefeated conference record and the only remaining Big 12 with an unblemished season record.

The Longhorns joined Kansas, Kansas State, and Baylor in close-quarters warfare with Iowa State, resulting in a 24-21 win for the Longhorns. 

Quinn Ewers and Xavier Worthy connected on a fourth-and-goal from the three-yard line to complete the game-winning drive for Texas, which covered 75 yards and scored the game-winning touchdown.

A lot of teams have struggled to move the ball against the Cyclones, but it is of more concern that a struggling Iowa State offense gained over 400 yards against Texas.

The Wildcats gained a position despite having a bye week, but Kansas continued to fall. 

Kansas has not been overpowering in Big 12 action, winning Oklahoma, and Iowa State by a combined total of eight points and pulling away from Texas Tech in a fourth-quarter tie.

The Crimson Tide lost against a stronger team for the first time after coming close in previous games (at Texas and home against Texas A&M). 

For the first time since 2006 and under Nick Saban's direction, that team was Tennessee, who ripped apart the Tide secondary with alarming ease as Bama racked up a Saban-record 17 penalties.

It is easy to assume that last weekend's action-packed games have made fans even more excited for week 8.

Eight teams in the polls, including four in the top 10, were defeated over the weekend's historic slate of games, causing a significant shakeup in the rankings this week.

Here's a look at the AP's Week 8 top 25 rankings.

1.  Georgia (31 1st-place votes)

2.  Ohio State (17)

3.  Tennessee (15)

4.  Michigan

5.  Clemson

6.  Alabama

7.  Ole Miss

8.  TCU

9.   UCLA

10.  Oregon

11.  Oklahoma State

12.  USC

13.  Wake Forest

14.  Syracuse

15.  Utah

16.  Penn State

17.  Kansas State

18.  Illinois

19.  Kentucky

20.  Texas

One of the oldest college football rivalries in Texas, the 96th Battle of the Piney Woods presented by H-E-B again promises to be one of the top FCS games of the 2022 season. In their final season together in the Western Athletic Conference, the Sam Houston Bearkats and the Stephen F. Austin Lumberjacks are back at NRG Stadium for possibly their last thrilling matchup. Following the 2022 season, Sam Houston will transition to Conference USA after spending 34 years in the Southland Conference with SFA and the last two seasons in the WAC. 

Led by Head Coach K.C. Keeler, the 2022 Bearkats are replacing 16 starters from an 11-1 team that reached the FCS quarterfinals a year ago. One of those new additions to the roster is QB Jordan Yates, a grad transfer from Georgia Tech, who started the season and currently leads the team with 195 yards on the ground and one rushing touchdown. 

Sam Houston is coming off its first win of the season after an opening day loss to Texas A&M in College Station. Against Texas A&M Commerce, the Bearkats won 27-17 with Yates scoring on a six-yard touchdown run before junior Keegan Shoemaker came off the bench to lead three scoring drives. RB Zach Hrbacek, a redshirt freshman from Troy, rushed for 131 yards on 19 carries (6.9 yards ave.) and a fourth-quarter touchdown to give the Kats a 24-10 lead, earning the WAC’s Offensive Player of the Week.

In contrast, SFA has a number of returning starters for this year’s matchup, including QB Trae Self, WR/Kick returner Xavier Gipson and WR Lawton Rikel. Both Gipson and Self have been named to the initial 2022 Walter Payton Award watch list, presented by Stats Perform to the national offensive player of the year in college football’s Division I subdivision. 

Colby Carthel, in his fourth season as head coach, is coming off a record-setting home opener and his first shutout at SFA. Last week, the Lumberjacks not only scored the most points in a WAC game in history in their 98-0 victory over Warner University, they also moved up to No. 14 in the latest FCS Coaches Poll. Self was 12-for-14 for 266 yards and four touchdowns, while Gipson finished with six receptions for 149 yards and a pair of touchdowns. The Lumberjacks defense added a pair of touchdowns on fumble recoveries by senior defensive linemen Marje Smith and DE BJ Thompson. 

Last year’s BOTPW culminated in a dramatic comeback when Sam Houston overcame a 13-point fourth-quarter deficit to finish with a 21-20 victory over SFA. The Bearkats hold a 58-35-2 edge in the all-time series entering the 2022 matchup.

The 2022 Battle of the Piney Woods presented by H-E-B will kick off at 2:30 p.m. CT on Saturday, October 1, from NRG Stadium in Houston. The game will be televised on Bally Sports Southwest with radio broadcast of the game on SportsRadio 610 KILT-AM.

HOUSTON –The 2022 Battle of the Piney Woods presented by H-E-B, featuring the Sam Houston Bearkats and Stephen F. Austin Lumberjacks, will kick off at 2:30 p.m. CT on this Saturday, October 1, from NRG Stadium in Houston. Ahead of Saturday’s showdown, fans will have the opportunity participate in two free fan events to extend and enhance the weekend around one of Texas’ oldest college football rivalries. 

On Friday, September 30^th, Bearkat and Lumberjack fans can attend the free Karbachtoberfest at Krabach Biergarten (2032 Karbach St.) for live music from some amazing oompah bands, the notorious Stein-Hoisting Competition, Wiener Dog Races, and concerts on Friday night starting at 7 p.m. CT.  On Saturday, TexFest will open up on the NRG Stadium grounds starting at 12 p.m. with music, food, giveaways and fun for all ages.  Access to TexFest is free for all fans with a game ticket. 

For the second consecutive year, a live television broadcast of the game will be provided by Bally Sports Southwest across the network’s four-state footprint, which includes Texas, Oklahoma, Arkansas and Louisiana. Randy McIlvoy and John Harris will provide the call, with Deepi Sidhu reporting from the sideline. The radio broadcast of the game will be available in the Houston market on SportsRadio 610 KILT-AM with Adam Spolane doing the play-by-play and Seth Payne providing the color commentary.

Fans can purchase tickets and find game information at www.battleofthepineywoods.com, by visiting the Sam Houston Athletics site at www.gobearkats.com or by visiting the SFA Athletics site at www.sfajacks.com.

This year’s game marks the 96th meeting between Sam Houston and Stephen F. Austin dating back to 1923, making the matchup the third oldest college football rivalry in the state of Texas. In 2021, the Sam Houston emerged with a 21-20 victory over the Stephen F. Austin, erasing a 13-point deficit in the fourth quarter to seal the victory. The Bearkats hold a 58-35-2 edge in the all-time series entering the 2022 matchup.

About 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 producing annual college football events such as the TaxAct Texas Bowl and the Battle of the Piney Woods rivalry between Sam Houston and Stephen F. Austin, LSSE has emerged as a premier promoter for international soccer matches, including the Copa de Lone Star, Copa America Centenario, the 2010 MLS All-Star Game featuring Manchester United, the 2006 FC Barcelona U.S. tour, the International Champions Cup, the 2003 and 2008 matches between the United States and Mexico, and the 2005, 2007, 2009, 2011, 2019 and 2021 CONCACAF Gold Cups.

About H-E-B

H-E-B, with annual sales of more than $34 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.

Media Contacts

Tim Wiemann – tim.wiemann@houstontexans.com

Rachel Richards – rachel.richards@houstontexans.com

HOUSTON - As college football fans gear up for another action-packed weekend, let's review the stunning turn of events of week two and current rankings.

Without their primary quarterback, who left with a sprained collarbone late in the first quarter, the Longhorns could not come out on top against number one Alabama, succumbing 20-19.

Following their tight victory, the Crimson Tide slipped from the top in the AP Top 25, with Georgia capturing the position following a dominant performance against an FCS opponent Samford.

After losing to Appalachian State 17-14 on Saturday, things don't look good for Texas A&M.

The Aggies could not score four or less in six of their eight possessions. In terms of productivity, just one of these possessions resulted in a touchdown. The longest of these drives gained only 29 yards, and one ended up in the end zone.

Another top-10 team, No. 9 Baylor, loses in double overtime to No. 21 BYU 26-20 in a nail-biter.

During the second overtime drive, BYU held on to a goal-to-go scenario as quarterback Blake Shapin fired a fourth-down ball out of the back of the end zone to clinch the victory.

Texas Tech upset No. 25 Houston 33-30 in overtime in another Texas clash.

It was the last matchup between the longtime Southwest Conference rivals before the Cougars moved from the American Athletic to the Big 12 the following year.

As expected, this weekend is filled with exciting matches.

Baylor will face Texas State at 11:00 a.m., kicking off the day's games at McLane Stadium. The UH will then host Kansas at 3:00 p.m. Then, Texas Tech will travel to Carter-Finley Stadium at 6:00 p.m. to play NC State.

The Texas A&M matchup with Miami at Kyle Field is wrapping up the evening at 8:00 p.m.

College football rankings for Week 3 AP Poll

1 Georgia 2-0

2 Alabama 2-0

3 Ohio State 2-0

4 Michigan 2-0

5 Clemson 2-0

6 Oklahoma 2-0

7 USC 2-0

8 Oklahoma State 2-0

9 Kentucky 2-0

10 Arkansas 2-0

11 Michigan State 2-0

12 BYU 2-0

13 Miami 2-0

14 Utah 1-1

15 Tennessee 2-0

16 NC State 2-0

17 Baylor 1-1

18 Florida 1-1

19 Wake Forest 2-0

20 Ole Miss 2-0

21 Texas 1-1

22 Penn State 2-0

23 Pittsburgh 1-1

24 Texas A&M 1-1

25 Oregon 1-1

HOUSTON – This week marks the official start of college football, and football fans throughout the nation are ecstatic.

Fans in the Lone Star State are gearing up for two exciting matchups. Sam Houston will play Texas A&M on the road at Kyle Field on Saturday at 11:00 a.m. central on the SEC Network.in the first game. Then at 2:30 p.m., the University of Houston will take on the University of Texas at San Antonio in the Alamodome. 

All teams have fascinating storylines, such as returning quarterbacks attempting to reclaim their thrones, powerful offensive weapons, and high expectations for a successful season opener; thus, fans can anticipate a spectacular Saturday filled with college football.

No. 7 Texas A & M vs. SHSU

The Aggies and their 12th man will host the Bearkats, one of the most formidable FCS teams winning the FCS Championship during the 2020 season, on the first Saturday of college football action.

Sam Houston State finished the 2021 season with an 11-1 record; their only loss came in the quarterfinals of the playoffs against Montana State. The rising Bearkats, coached by Sam Houston State's longtime head coach K.C. Keeler, are aiming for a rise to FBS while joining Conference USA in 2023.

However, with the return of redshirt sophomore quarterback Haynes King, the Aggies' 2022 season is one of the most intriguing of the year. King hopes to retake his reign after suffering a devastating injury in the 2021 season opener against Kent State, where he threw for 292 yards, two touchdowns, and three interceptions.

The Aggie's Wrecking Crew have their job cut out as they try to stop the explosive Yates, despite having one of the most profound and talented defensive line rotations in the nation, anchored by junior tackle McKinnley Jackson and sophomore EDGE Fadil Diggs.

Yates, the Bearkats' starting QB, is expected to make a splash on Saturday. Sports Reference reports that the Georgia Tech transfer completed 91 of 153 throws for 908 yards, six touchdowns, and three interceptions in seven games last season, making him a threat to rush and pick up yards at any moment like the Aggies' Haynes King.

Furthermore, the rising Bearkats have had a busy offseason. Adding nine FBS players via the transfer portal this season, including former 5-Star safety B.J. Foster and 2018 recruiting class wide receiver Al'vonte Woodard, both from the University of Texas.

To stop Bearkats’ QB Yates, Aggies’ head coach Jimbo Fisher and defensive coordinator D.J. Durkin must apply relentless pressure, squeeze the pocket, and rotate as many players as possible from their deep 2022 recruiting class.

The Aggies hope to get off to a solid start for the season thanks to the return of the King and the play of their talented defensive line, led by Walter Nolan, Shemar Stewart, and Gabriel Brownlow-Dindy.

An intriguing fact is that the Aggies have never lost to the Bearkats in their history, holding a perfect 12-0 record against them. The two teams last played in 2013, with the Aggies winning 65-28 behind an offensive explosion spearheaded by Johnny Manziel. 

No. 24 UH vs. UTSA

Houston’s head coach, Dana Holgorsen, hopes to repeat last year's tremendous success as the team prepares to join the Big 12 and enters this game with high expectations.

Last season, the Cougars won 12 games and came within one conference championship game. 

The Cougars' primary ambition this season is to win the conference crown, and their roster depth has sports commentators favoring them over the Roadrunners. 

In addition, the Roadrunners face one of the station's most explosive receivers and a potent passing game, which presents a formidable obstacle due to the disparity in their returning productivity.

Compared to their 13th-ranked returning offense, UTSA's 69th-ranked returning defense leaves a lot to be desired, and it's not apparent who will be defending against UH wide receiver Nathaniel “Tank” Dell and the other key matchups.

With 3,546 passing yards and 1,329 receiving yards between them in 2021, Houston senior QB Clayton Tune and junior WR Dell are one of two quarterback-wide receiver duos returning for the next season, hoping to build on the momentum of the previous season.

“Last year gave us a lot of confidence in what we can do and how we can play and win as a team, and I think that energy’s even higher this year,” Tune said. “We’re just scratching the surface.” 

He continued, “The one goal me and everybody on this team should have is to win a conference championship – get back there and win.” 

A recent recipient of the Herbie Award for Most Exciting Player, WR Dell accounted for about one-third of UH's catches while being a threat downfield with an average of 14.3 yards per reception and a target depth of 12 yards.

Despite this, No. 24 Houston is not entirely out of the woods.

In conjunction with the Cougars' struggle to produce on the road, the rising Roadrunners have lately performed well in the red zone.

In particular, they've scored 61% of the time in the red zone. Equally, UTSA's offensive front boasts four returning starters, and their defensive line should be active against the run, even if they cannot penetrate the backfield.

Last season, UTSA also finished 12-2 after a perfect 11-0 start, helping the team ascend to No. 22 in the rankings. However, after beating the Western Kentucky Hilltoppers in the Conference USA title game, the Roadrunners lost the Frisco Bowl and ultimately fell to No. 24 San Diego State.

The Roadrunners are led by record-setting quarterback Frank Harris, who established UTSA single-season records for passing yards (3,177), completions (398), touchdowns (27), attempts (263), completion percentage (.661), passing efficiency (152.5), total offense (3,741), and touchdowns responsible (33), as well as the team's leading tackler over the past two seasons, Rashad Wisdom. Both have been selected as their respective conferences' preseason offensive and defensive players.

Sports commentators and analysts are predicting that the final score will be higher than the point spread, making this one of the most exciting games of the weekend.