Bye week comes at right time for Kats

By Cody Stark
Assistant Sports Editor

September 20, 2007 11:36 pm

— Sam Houston State’s bye week couldn’t have come at a better time following a very physical matchup with No. 4 North Dakota State last weekend.
The Bearkats have several players nursing injuries sustained in last Saturday’s 41-38 loss to the Bison in Fargo, N.D. Starting safety Byran Richmond (separated shoulder), wide receivers Justin Wells (concussion) and Darnell Jones (foot) and backup tight end Josh Brown (knee) did not take part in practice this week.
SHSU also has several other players banged up, but they were able to practice in shorts.
The Bearkats have another week to rest up and get ready for a road trip to Stillwater, Okla., to face Oklahoma State on Sept. 29.
“There is no question, the game last Saturday was probably the most physical game we have played in a real long time,” SHSU head coach Todd Whitten said Thursday.
“We have some separated shoulders we will probably get back for the Oklahoma State game. We have a lot of bumps and bruises, and this is a good time to get healthy. (The break) is much needed.”
Besides dealing with injuries, the Bearkats also have several areas on the field that need to be addressed before Southland Conference action begins against Central Arkansas at Bowers Stadium on Oct. 6. SHSU struggled with kickoff return coverage and in the defensive secondary in the loss to North Dakota.
The Bison benefited from good field position the entire game thanks to eight drives that started either close to midfield or inside SHSU territory. The Bearkats also failed to execute a squib kick after scoring the go-ahead touchdown with 26 seconds left in the game.
The result: North Dakota State was able to go 55 yards in three plays to steal the victory.
“With our kick coverage, we are constantly evaluating the guys that are on it and trying to get the guys that are our best tacklers and the most aggressive players,” Whitten said. “And we need to kick the ball better in those type of situations. I think our kickers are doing a good job and improving. But if I had it to do over again, maybe I would kick it deep (on the final kickoff).
“What happened was we didn’t execute a squib, didn’t get much on it, and therefore, they fielded it early. I think I probably made a mistake there, but our kick coverage team did struggle.”
The Bison also put a lot of pressure on the SHSU secondary, as quarterback Steve Walker completed 18-of-26 passes for 295 yards and five touchdowns. But last weekend wasn’t the only time SHSU has struggled in pass defense.
The Bearkats gave up 182 and 200 yards through the air in wins over Angelo State and Arkansas-Monticello, respectively. SHSU also has not recorded an interception in three games this season.
“We have struggled with our cornerbacks and playing the deep ball,” Whitten said. “We just work and work, and (Wednesday) we stayed after practice to work on it.
“We are looking at some of the other guys at corner as well. I’m not throwing the cornerbacks under the bus because they have also done some good stuff. And North Dakota State’s quarterback is one of the better FCS ones out there.
“But there is no question, (kick and pass coverage) are two problem areas we need to get fixed.”

Practice notes and quotes

Unwanted guests at practice — The Bearkats weren’t the only ones on hand for Thursday afternoon’s practice. A group of angry wasps were swarming around some of the benches near the water coolers on the track.
Deep snapper Justin Humphrey got a little too close while grabbing punter Michael Capparelli’s and was treated to a sting on the back of his leg. Some of the other players who saw the former Huntsville Hornet get stung got a good laugh as Humphrey tried to get away.

A five-day weekend — Following Thursday’s practice, the Bearkats were all smiles when Whitten announced the team was done for the week and didn’t have to report to practice until next Tuesday.
The Bearkats have been working hard for a month and a half since opening camp on Aug. 6. Whitten said he felt like the players needed a much-deserved break before things pick back up with conference right around the corner.
“It gives, especially the young guys, a chance to go back home and see their high schools play,” Whitten said. “It’s nice and helps bridge the gap between the start of all this and Thanksgiving vacation.”