Instant observations: Sam Houston's 22-game winning streak snapped in playoff loss

The Bearkats ran out of lives in a 42-19 loss to Montana State in the quarterfinals of the FCS playoffs. The loss snapped a 22-game winning streak for Sam Houston that dated back to the end of the 2019 campaign, including a 21-0 record in 2021 prior to the loss on Saturday night. Sam Houston won the 2020 FCS championship in the spring after the season was postponed in the fall due to Covid-19. 

Sam Houston built a reputation as the ‘Kardiac Kats’ during that time, winning late and in style during the 21-game winning streak in 2021. The Bearkats overcame deficits numerous times during that run, but a 28-0 lead to Montana State proved too difficult for K.C. Keeler’s program. Sam Houston scored 12 consecutive points and pinned Montana State on its own one-yard line to start the third quarter, but the Bobcats responded with a 99-yard touchdown drive to extend the lead to 35-12 and erase any momentum built by the Bearkats.