Sam Houston finalizes 2016 schedule
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}
(STATS) - A planned game with New Mexico was sacked, but Sam Houston State has set its 11-game schedule for the 2016 season.
Coach K.C. Keeler's Bearkats will host five games, including Oklahoma Panhandle State (Sept. 3) and Texas Southern (Oct. 29) in their two non-conference matchups.
An early season game against New Mexico, which the Bearkats beat in 2011, was canceled.
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}
Within the Southland Conference, Sam Houston will host Abilene Christian (Oct. 15), defending champ McNeese State (Nov. 5) and Central Arkansas (Nov. 19).
The Bearkats finished 11-4 and with a No. 3 ranking this past season after reaching the FCS semifinals for the fourth time in five years. They are expected to return 17 starters.
2016 Sam Houston State Football Schedule
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}
Sept 3, Oklahoma Panhandle State
Sept. 17, at Lamar*
Sept. 24, at Houston Baptist*
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}
Oct. 1, Stephen F. Austin* (NRG Stadium in Houston)
Oct. 8, at Incarnate Word*
Oct. 15, Abilene Christian*
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}
Oct. 22, at Nicholls
Oct. 29, Texas Southern
Nov. 5, McNeese State
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}
Nov. 12, at Northwestern State
Nov. 19, Central Arkansas*
* - Southland Conference game