Sam Houston secured bowl eligibility for the first time in program history, defeating Florida International (FIU) 10-7 in a defensive battle on Tuesday night. With the win, Sam Houston (6-2, 3-1 Conference USA) becomes the fourth consecutive program to transition to the FBS and achieve bowl eligibility within two seasons, following Jacksonville State, James Madison, and Liberty.
The game was a low-scoring affair, with all 17 points coming after the midway point of the third quarter. Sam Houston’s defense played a critical role, holding FIU (2-6, 1-3 CUSA) to just 199 total yards, while FIU’s defense did the same, limiting Sam Houston to 207 yards.
The Bearkats broke the scoreless tie with 6:38 left in the third quarter, thanks to a blocked punt by Jaylon Jimmerson that set up DJ McKinney’s 1-yard touchdown run. FIU responded immediately, putting together a 12-play, 65-yard drive that ended with a 25-yard touchdown pass from backup quarterback Chayden Peery to Eric Rivers, tying the game at 7-7.
Sam Houston sealed the victory with a 20-yard field goal by Christian Pavon, capping off a 12-play, 79-yard drive with just under two minutes remaining. FIU’s final drive was derailed by three holding penalties, including one that nullified a key fourth-down conversion.
Sam Houston quarterback Jase Bauer, making his first career start, managed the game efficiently, throwing for 76 yards and rushing for 72. Peery, who entered the game late in the first half for FIU, completed 7-of-12 passes for 58 yards and his first career touchdown.
The win marked a historic achievement for Sam Houston in its first FBS season, highlighting the program’s rapid success as they now look forward to a potential bowl game.