How Tough Are The Kats?

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How tough are the Kats?

By Cody Stark
Assistant Sports Editor

There is no question about how important today’s game is for Sam Houston State.

Like last year’s contest at Missouri State, the Bearkats get their only true test against a member of the Football Championship Subdivision before Southland Conference play kicks off in October.

But North Dakota State is a much stiffer opponent than Missouri State. The Bison are ranked in the top five of both FCS polls and are almost unbeatable at home, where tonight’s game is going to be held at the Fargodome.

Dating back to 1980, North Dakota State is 212-19-2 at home, a phenomenal .915 winning percentage.

“This is an important game for us, not only because they are a team that is on our level and not a (Division II) school, but they are in the top five in the country at that level,” SHSU junior wide receiver Justin Wells said. “If we go up there and compete and beat them, then that tells us we are among the top teams in the country. That is what a lot of us feel we are capable of if we put it all together.”

The Bearkats got off to a slow start in their season-opening win over Angelo State. SHSU gained 400 yards of total offense, but only found the end zone twice in a 17-13 victory.

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