BEAUMONT, Texas – Fresh off Saturday's thrilling victory over previously undefeated Incarnate Word, the Lamar University football team will look to turn that exciting victory into a win streak come Saturday afternoon. The Cardinals will take on No. 14 Sam Houston State Saturday at Provost Umphrey Stadium.
 
"Saturday's win was an exciting win for this team, but I'll tell you guys like I told the team, we enjoy that one Saturday night but come Sunday morning it's time to get back to business. We have to be ready face a very talented Sam Houston State football team," said LU head coach Mike Schultz.
 
The Cardinals (2-4/1-3 Southland) put an end to a four-game slide after blocking a field goal and returning the block 66 yards for the game-winning score with no time left on the clock. The victory moved the Cardinals into a two-way tie for eighth in the Southland standings with Northwestern State. Ironically, it was a similar situation that prevented LU from defeating the Demons earlier this year in Beaumont. After rallying from an early 28-0 deficit, the Cardinals scored a touchdown with two minutes remaining to pull within in a point but had the PAT blocked and Northwestern State was able to run out the clock for the win.
 
Sam Houston State enters the week in a three-way tie for second in the Southland standings just a game back of league leader McNeese. The Bearkats are 4-2 (.667) on the season and 3-1 (.750) in league play and enter the week as one of the league's hottest teams. After dropping a 27-7 decision at Nicholls, the Bearkats have rattled off three-straight including a three-point overtime win over Central Arkansas.
 
"They have two defensive linemen – two transfers from Texas – who are very quick, athletic and can flat out fly around the football field," said Schultz. "Sam also has a very talented secondary. We are going to have our hands full on both sides of the ball.
 
"Offensively, they have some very talented players. Davion Davis is one of the most explosive players in the country. Not only is he a threat as a receiver, but he is also a very explosive returner as well. Nathan Stewart is another one of their receivers with big time speed and great ball skills. They made the switch to Ty Brock at quarterback, and we've watched him get better with every snap. He is more of a pocket-passer, but Sam Houston does a great job with its Run-Pass Option package," added Schultz.
 
Saturday's contest pits the Southland's third and fourth-ranked teams in terms of scoring offense. The Bearkats are third averaging 33.5 points per game, while LU is averaging 32.7 per game. The Bearkats are ranked sixth in the league in both passing and rushing offense, while the Red and White continues to lead the Southland in rush offense. The Cardinals are averaging 216.5 yards per game and lead the league with 14 touchdowns.
 
Defensively, the Cardinals have been the best in Southland Conference, and one of the best in the nation, at taking the ball away from its opponents. The Cardinals lead the league with 19 takeaways in 2018, and rank fourth nationally with 12 interceptions – which is just one fewer than the total number of interceptions LU recorded last season.
 
The Cardinals enter the contest looking to reverse the trend against Sam Houston. LU is 9-20-1 (.317) all-time against the Bearkats, a mark that includes a 6-11 (.353) mark against the 'Kats in Beaumont. The Cardinals have dropped two consecutive in the series, and seven of the past eight meetings with the lone victory coming in Huntsville during the 2015 season. Big Red enters the contest looking for its first home win in the series since the 1989 season. That year, LU rattled off a 41-0 decision over the Bearkats.
 
There will once again be plenty going on in and around the stadium prior to kick off for fans who want to spend their day with the Cardinals. Tailgating lots will open at 9 a.m. around Provost Umphrey Stadium. The Cardinals will be offering special ticket prices for families as kids 5 and younger will get into the game for free, and children ages 6-12 will receive a $5 ticket anywhere in the stadium. There will also be bounce houses on hand for the kids in the fan zone.
 
Fans wishing to greet the Cardinals as they walk into the stadium can gather with the LU band and spirit squads at 12:45 p.m. near the marquee at the northwest end of the stadium. At 1 p.m., local band Curse and Cure will be on the Corona Gameday Stage, also located near the marquee.
 
Education First is the game sponsor and will be handing out pom-poms and mega phones to fans while supplies last. Saturday's game will also serve as Faith & Family Night which includes special discounts four groups.
 
A tradition which got started in 2018, the Re/Max Skydiving will once again bring the flags into the stadium, weather permitting, and there will also be Mobiloil Credit Union in-game fireworks throughout the contest. In addition, concessions will be offering $1 hot dogs and $2 popcorn.
 
Saturday's game will kick off at 3 p.m. from Provost Umphrey Stadium. It will also be televised on ESPN+ and MyTX, and will be broadcast on Newstalk 560 KLVI.