Huntsville, Texas – Sam Houston State withstood a late rally from Delaware, securing a 26-23 victory Saturday fueled by two touchdown runs from Landon Brown. The win improves Sam Houston’s record to 2-8 overall and 1-5 in Conference USA play, while Delaware falls to 5-5, 3-4 in conference action.
The game saw several lead changes and a dramatic finish, with Delaware attempting to tie the contest in the final seconds. Brown’s rushing performance proved pivotal, providing the Bearkats with crucial scoring drives throughout the afternoon. This result marks a challenging season for both programs, as Sam Houston aims to build momentum and Delaware seeks to regain its footing in Conference USA.
Delaware opened the scoring in the first quarter with a 7-yard touchdown run by Nick Minicucci, establishing a 7-0 lead. Nate reed extended the Blue Hens’ advantage to 10-0 midway through the second quarter with a 37-yard field goal. Sam Houston responded before halftime, as Brown found the end zone on a 2-yard run, and Christian Pavon added a 33-yard field goal as time expired, knotting the score at 10-10.
The third quarter belonged to the Bearkats. Brown broke free for a 62-yard touchdown run, and Pavon connected on field goals from 33 and 48 yards, giving Sam Houston a 23-10 lead entering the final frame.
Delaware mounted a comeback in the fourth quarter. Viron Ellison Jr. scored on a 3-yard run, and Minicucci connected with Max Patterson for a 26-yard touchdown pass with 2:36 remaining, narrowing the gap to 26-23. The Blue Hens recovered the ensuing onside kick, driving to the Sam Houston 12-yard line, but a sack by Dylan Frazier and an incomplete pass stalled the drive. A final 36-yard field goal attempt by Reed sailed wide with 21 seconds left, sealing Sam Houston’s victory.
landon Locke completed 16 of 38 passes for 213 yards for Sam Houston, while Brown rushed for 10 carries. Minicucci finished with 338 passing yards on 24-of-36 attempts with one interception for Delaware. Sean Wilson was his primary target, hauling in nine receptions for 162 yards, and ellison contributed 97 rushing yards on 19 carries.Pavon finished the day with four successful field goals.