New Orleans Bowl: Bearkats Defeat Eagles 31-26

© Photo by Stephen Lew-Imagn Images

Head coach Phil Longo and the Sam Houston Bearkats (10-3, 6-2 Conference USA) defeated the Georgia Southern Eagles (8-5, 6-2 Sun Belt Conference) 31-26 in a very close battle in the New Orleans Bowl on Dec. 19. The Bearkats were led by quarterback Hunter Watson as he completed 23-of-28 passes for 213 yards and a touchdown. Eagles QB JC French had a tough game with 4 interceptions and the Eagles just could not rally behind that many turnovers.

Game Summary

This one started out quite well for the Bearkats as they came up with nothing on offense on the first drive of the game. But on an ensuing Eagles drive, French threw an interception for a touchdown as Bearkats defensive back Jaylon Jimmerson jumped the route and took it to the house. It was 7-0 Sam Houston early.

After 6 combined drives that came up with no points after the interception, Georgia Southern found the end zone. French connected with wide receiver Josh Dallas for a 17-yard score and it was tied 7-7 early in the second quarter.

On the very next drive, Sam Houston scored another TD as Watson found wide receiver Simeon Evans for a 33-yard score to make it 14-7 Bearkats.

On the Eagles' next drive, French threw another interception and the Bearkats took advantage 4 plays later. Watson ran it in from 2 yards out for a TD and it was 21-7. Sam Houston ended up leading 21-10 at halftime.

Early in the third quarter, Georgia Southern found the end zone again. Running back Jalen White punched it in from 1 yard out and it was 21-16 Bearkats after a failed 2-point conversion.

The Eagles made it 21-19 at the end of the third quarter. But the Bearkats had the answer as the fourth quarter began. Watson ran it in again from 1 yard out and it was 28-19 Sam Houston.

The Bearkats tacked on a field goal and the Eagles scored a garbage-time TD. Sam Houston took this one 31-26 in a hard-fought game.

Turning Point: Bearkats

It can definitely be said that the turning point in this game was a Pick-6 at the very beginning of the game. It set the tone. French had a tough game with 4 INTs and the Eagles could not truly get back in this one until the very end when it did not matter anymore.

What It Means for Each Team

For the Bearkats, it was their very first bowl win in only their second season in the FBS. That is an incredible accomplishment and they should be very proud of themselves.

For the Eagles, this one is going to be one they look back on because French was not accurate at all. The defense could not make enough stops because the offense was not helping them.