HUNTSVILLE, Texas – Sophomore Chaz Ward put Lamar University on the scoreboard with a two-yard run midway through the second quarter to pull the Cardinals within 13, but LU was unable to get any closer falling 41-7 at No. 1 Sam Houston Saturday afternoon.
 
The Cardinals trailed by only 13 at halftime, but SHSU closed the contest by scoring 21 unanswered in the second half. Sam Houston finished the game with 438 yards of total offense, including 267 through on the ground. The Bearkats were forced to turn to the ground game because LU was causing the home team problems in the passing game. The Cardinals picked off two passes (Divine Buckrham and Austin Goffney), including one on Sam's first offensive possession. The Red and White forced their hosts into three turnovers over the day.
 
The Cardinals finished the day with 158 yards of total offense, including 135 through the air. Freshman Mike Chandler came off the bench to complete 11-of-18 passes for 135 yards. Chandler's favorite receiver was Erik Pizarro (4-21). Ward led the Cardinals' ground game with 11 carries for 22 yards and the one score. Aaron Calcote was one of four Cardinals who recorded a team-high five tackles. He also added a tackle for a loss. Both Buckrham and Goffney recorded their first career interceptions.
 
The Cardinals will be back in action Saturday, Oct. 16, when they travel to Abilene, Texas to take on Abilene Christian. The game against the Wildcats will kick off at 3 p.m. from Wildcat Stadium.