A look at Stony Brook's next opponent

Scouting Sam

Houston

Bearkats

Location: Huntsville, Texas

Stadium: Bowers (12,976)

Conference: Southland

Record: 11-0, won 13 straight over two seasons.

Coach: Willie Fritz (second season, 17-5)

FCS ranking: No. 1

Postseason history: Fifth NCAA bid. Reached semifinals in 2004.

Team facts: Ranked first in points per game with 39.45. Also nationally ranked in rushing average (250.09), total defense (259.91), scoring defense (12.64) and turnover margin (2.18). The team has 26 sacks, 19 interceptions, 17 fumble recoveries and 16 forced fumbles

Fun fact: Sam Houston was the first president of the Republic of Texas in 1836; Sam Kornhauser was Stony Brook's first varsity football coach.

Players to watch: RB Tim Flanders, a Kansas State transfer, has rushed for 1,095 yards and 20 touchdowns. He has 404 receiving yards and two TD catches.

RB-WR Richard Sincere has rushed for 725 yards and nine TDs. He also has 394 receiving yards and two TD catches.

QB Brian Bell has passed for 1,607 yards and 14 TDs. He's rushed for three.

WR Torrance Williams has 25 catches for 349 yards and three TDs.

DB Dax Swanson has seven interceptions, which ranks third in the FCS.

Fritz on Stony Brook:"There's a lot of similarities between us,'' he said in a statement. "They're a running team like us, but they do it in a more conventional way, where we use a lot of option. They use a lot of play-action and bootleg [passes]. They're a physical defense and have a big offensive line. They're a heck of a team.

"[Brock] Jackolski is a strong runner, but he can also catch the ball. You definitely can't arm-tackle him.''

Regarding the Albany game, Fritz said, "They didn't panic. They did a great job. They did a good job of handling the pressure. They continued to run the ball well, which opened things up downfield.''