Springfield, Mo. – The Missouri State Bears will open their CUSA home slate on Tuesday night against the Sam Houston Bearkats, a game that could shift the momentum for both struggling programs. The contest begins at 7 p.m. on ESPN2, with the Bears listed as 6.5‑point favorites.
Team statistics at a glance
Missouri State offense averages 369.7 yards per game, ranking 87th in the FBS. The passing attack sits at 240.7 yards per game (55th), while the ground game produces 129.0 yards per game (109th). The Bears score 24.4 points per game, placing them 96th nationally.
Missouri State defense allows 438.1 yards per game (130th), with opponents passing for 253.7 yards (120th) and rushing for 184.4 yards (116th). The defense yields 34.9 points per game, also ranking 130th.
Sam Houston offense totals 328.3 yards per game (121st), with a solid passing game of 245.3 yards per game (49th) but a struggling rush at 83.0 yards per game (138th). The Bearkats score 20.1 points per game (120th).
Sam Houston defense is a bright spot, conceding 341.7 yards per game (55th). Their pass defense is especially strong, allowing just 141.0 yards per game (3rd), while the run defense yields 200.7 yards per game (129th). They allow 25.3 points per game (79th).
Key matchups and trends
Missouri State ranks 91st in third‑down conversions, converting 36.8% of attempts, while Sam Houston ranks 14th defensively, limiting opponents to a 30.2% conversion rate. Both squads are heavily penalized: the Bears sit 120th with 72.0 penalty yards per game, and the Bearkats rank 126th with 74.6 yards.
Red‑zone efficiency also favors Sam Houston, which scores on 75.0% of trips (123rd nationally). Time of possession is another differentiator; Missouri State averages 27:10 per game (130th), whereas Sam Houston holds the ball for 30:36 on average (53rd).
Team leaders
Missouri State – Quarterback Henry Belin IV has thrown for 887 yards with six touchdowns and four interceptions, completing 67.6% of his passes. Running back Ramone Green Jr. contributes 246 rushing yards and two touchdowns on 57 carries. Wide receiver Isaiah Myers leads the receiving corps with 796 yards and seven touchdowns on 38 catches.
Sam Houston – Quarterback Landyn Locke has amassed 1,653 passing yards, 12 touchdowns and five interceptions, completing 62.3% of his attempts. Running back Alton McCaskill adds 220 yards and one touchdown on 55 carries. Receiver Tim Burns Jr. records 329 yards and three touchdowns on 15 catches.
Recent performance
Missouri State’s most recent game was a 61‑38 loss to Delaware on Oct. 20. Belin threw for 337 yards, two touchdowns and two picks, while Connor Lair rushed for 85 yards and two scores. Isaiah Myers posted 242 receiving yards and two touchdowns.
Sam Houston fell 30‑24 to New Mexico State on Oct. 21. Locke threw for 235 yards, one touchdown and one interception. M.J. Dowdy contributed a rushing touchdown, and Tim Burns Jr. tallied 117 receiving yards and a score.
Looking ahead
After Tuesday’s contest, Missouri State will travel to Florida International on Nov. 7, while Sam Houston heads to Jacksonville State on the same date. Both programs hope to use the upcoming games to build momentum before the season’s final stretch.
Fans can tune in to ESPN2 for live coverage and follow local updates on the KY3 website.
Original reporting: KY3 Springfield (local) — read the source article.
